Carla's Life~Random Thoughts~Crafting

Diet-hanging in there!

2006-10-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

My diet is going well, I am down five pounds now, and feeling it! Yay!!!! I have tried to stick with WW and basically staying away from the sweets, increasing the salads(i love) and drinking more h2o(basically tea). I felted my little hand bag and it came out super cute and small, I will have to get a photo up. I want to start a bigger project, maybe the Jiree sweater? I bought the pattern a long time ago, I just have to find it. Well, gotta go, just checking in and looking forward to seeing what everyone is making for Christmas gifts!

Slide show

2006-09-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Trying my hand at a slide show..let's see how it turns out...

Day 4 and Felting too!

2006-09-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

Day 4--I have my meals planned for today, gonna stick with them.
B: 1/2 plain bagel with cream cheese 3
COFFEE, the usual of course

L: Wild rice and chicken soup 5
5 club reduced fat saltine crackers 2

S: 1 cup seedles red grapes and a string cheese 3

D: WW meal, not sure what kind yet, but most likely under 5 pt. 5
Veggie
S: More popcorn, luv it! 1
total points 19, will probably have a ww chocolatte bar too +1= 20

Now onto the knitting and felting. I made a cute little handbag the other day and I plan to felt it hopefully today? I took the day off work so I will just be hanging out all day. The weather is nice today, raining! I am working on a sunglass case too so I plan to get that done and felt them this afternoon. I have so many projects I want to do, I get confused and don't know where to start! Have a great day!

Day 3 Diet

2006-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

I did really well today I think I am getting the hang of this diet thing! Sorry to keep patting myself on the back but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do..

B- Coffee w/sweet n low and creamer 1
Sweet & Salty peanut bar 4

L: two crunchy tacos 6

Snack: 1 string cheese 1
ww chocolate bar 1

D: BBQ chicken, small piece 4
1/2 baked potato with butter and sour cream 5

2 diet pepsi's
1 tea

Gonna have some popcorn before I got to bed.. 1

Total points: 23

Day 2---D.D.D.Diet

2006-09-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

I did well today, but I was hungry. Why is is that when you know your on a diet you get hungry!

B:
Fruit & yogurt Cup 3
coffee with creamer and sweet n low 0

L:
Green salad with Italian dressing 0
Reduced fat club crackers(5)2
WW ravioli frozen dinner 5

D:
Wendy's grilled chicken sandwich
(It was a soccer night)

Snacks:

WW chocolate cake 1
94% fat free popcorn 1

2 diet pepsi's
1 iced tea
1 h20

Not sure about the points count for the sandwich , but it is safe to say it was under the 12 points I had left without using any flex....yes, i did it! I am off to watch Miami Ink and then back on the net to search for some information about emotional eating. I really thing I fall into that category, so I am out to fix it! Good luck fellow dieters!

Diet Day 1-Goal to lose 30 pounds....

2006-09-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

I did pretty well today, at least I feel like I have some accountability by posting my daily endeavors here. So here goes, I am following the Weight Watcher points plan, my points as it stands according to my weight is 24 . No I am sure I should be at 22, but since I am pms'ing seriously and must have at least 5 pounds water weight I will just let it go, more food for me..hehehe.... So today I had:

breakfast:
yogurt with blueberries and strawberries (mc D's) 3
Coffee with sweet n low and creamer (maybe a point)
Chocolate milk (bad, shouldn't of had this) 5

Lunch:
Green salad with Paul Newman Italian dressing 0
WW frozen tuna noodle casserole(this is yummy) 5
Club reduced fat crackers (5) I needed the salt!2

Dinner:
2 small boneless bbq chicken 4
2 biscuits with honey (should have stopped at one) 10
dieting is so hard!

Also, two diet pepsi's, one large ice tea, and a water

total: 30
I get 35 flex points a week so I borrowed 6, I will have to do better tomorrow!

total: 25 flex left

You can visit Weight Watchers here...

Okay, off to find some ww blogs to link to....Carla

Let the dieting begin

2006-09-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am joining Sara and others on a mission to lose this excess weight! Talk about accountability, I will be posting my weight watchers intake with points. Wish me luck! It has been so long since I posted I forgot how to post a link, but you can find her site to the right under Americaninitaly.

Summertime Fun

2006-07-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to enjoy our summer by doing new things. Since the kids have gotten a bit older it is easier to take them out and do a little more, my youngest is now 5. Before I would never have taken the kids to the lake alone or with my ex, he didn't like to do too much as a family, hence the 'divorce." So, over the weekend we went kayaking at Trillium Lake. It was a blast! Despite the wind, it was cold, we all had fun. So much fun in fact I am going to go and buy a raft tomorrow so we can all go out at once. We went with our good friends and used theirs! Lucky to have friends like that. Anyways here are some pictures I thought I would share. Other than that we have been busy with work, staying cool, we had a real heat wave here for a week or so and then I got a cover up on my old tattoo on my ankle and I absolutely love it. Oh, I have been knitting too, I did the basic hat in the Knitting Wheel book, I really like it, my little neighbor girl has since claimed it as her own but that is fine. It looks somewhat like a beret, really cute! Hope you are all enjoying your summer as we are :)

Crochet and Felting

2006-07-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

I worked on some small coaster by crocheting circles in the wool I had left over,this is a shot of them prefelted. I felted them,but they just didn't turn out as nice as I wanted. I will end up using them as small trivets, I think? Anyways here is also a shot of my cranberry bag. That I love and can't wait to do more. Felting is my new passion. I have the day alone today, the x has the kids so I am of to go and take advantage of it. But what to do??????

Happy 4th of July!

2006-07-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yippee, Happy fourth of July everyone! I was woke up this morning by Kel again! That child you have to love him, but I told him specifically last night. "Kel, honey, don't wake mommy up in the morning, I want to sleep in." So, the next thing you know it is 8 am and he is tugging on me to wake up because he wants cereal! Err, another day no sleeping in! Tonight we are heading into town for a BBQ and fireworks at my ex-sis-in-laws. I have been thinking about that a lot lately and thought should I be referring to her as that or how about just a friend? She is one of my closest friends and the divorce didn't change any of that. I know if confuses some people because they know I am divorced and they are like"huh, in laws, huh?" Oh well, we have spent the past few nights setting off fireworks, what can I say I have three pyromaniac boys! It started Saturday night when we had some friends over for a kiddy pool party, dinner and homemade ice cream. Also, had grown up beverages for me and my friend. Her husband was out of town so we drank, visited and had a blast. Did I mention we waxed my legs? We were looking pretty dorky in the kitchen and had a waxy mess but it came out pretty nice. Don't get the wrong idea, it was only from me knees down! Next time I think I will go and have it done professionally and leave the drinks at home! I also found my camcorder, I thought the X had it. Anyways, there was a tape in it and so the boys and I watched it. It as so cute, we had recorded Q's first steps and C's state baseball game. I also managed to find two other tapes of when we first moved to PDX, Q's birth and K's first steps. Things were so much different then, it made me somewhat lonely, but I will not feel sorry for myself! You can't be lonely when you have full life with kids, friends, work and hobbies! X called last night too to talk to the kids and I asked him to see if he could find any more tapes,because I know he has some. He goes on to tell me that he didn't' forget my birthday, and that he called but no one was home. I said"Hmm, that is why you called huh, well, thank you." I mean WTF, what else do I say! Well, I am going to go out and start the sprinkler on the yard here, it has been so hot! AND, I am off to search for some patterns on the net. I thought I had bookmarked the pages,but I can't seem to find them. I am looking for some patterns of dishcloths with patterns on them. They were lots of them with a heart, or a boat or things like that. Any ideas girls, I would be ever so grateful for a link to them!
TTFN
C

Good Saturday Morning

2006-07-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

This morning I had a chance to get on my computer at home. I do sneak on the net at work, but it is here at home that I get to post on my blog. I have been catching up on the loom groups and there are so many neat things I have found. I am joining a knit a long with Isela for a Noni-bag. They are so cute, I am going to do the Sculpture in the Garden Bag. I can needle knit the knit stitch but I haven't used the circular needles so it will be a challenge. I have a local friend that I may need to call for help. Jen, I am talking about U! I also found this site which has the cutest animal hats made on the loom. They are adorable, I want to try some, I just can't decide on which one, plus the halter top, really cute! I am also going to add a few more links to some blogs I try to read daily, some are loom related others aren't. One thing I noticed and it is scaring me, why do most/all of us single women who knit have cats, does anyone else find this weird and a little disturbing? I am starting to get worried about my future!

My cat is the reality, this is the dream!

My Birthday 39

2006-06-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOSH! In a few hours it will actually be my 39th birthday! I can't believe it! I don't feel that old, hell I don't even feel 29 half the time! I have thought about it all day, and I have to say, I have changed so much in this past year. I have really done some soul searching and feel like I am the person I use to be before my marriage, but wiser..hehe...I will be working tomorrow and a friend has offered to cook me dinner and a cake, hey don't too get excited, it is a girl friend, not guy! Maybe some day, my perfect gift would be some wonderful guy on my porch with flowers and tickets to the Dave Matthews Band Concert in the Gorge on labor day weekend. Oh, well, maybe next year!I have been trying to get pictures to post through blogger and still no luck, i will keep trying as I want to share with you some photos of my knitting and the little guys. I am thinking about selling my DA extra fine gauge knitting loom ,it is a size 9 (for the socks). There is nothing wrong with it, I just don't like working with the gauge that small. I will even throw in a few skeins of yarn. Email me if anyone is interested. After I sell it, I will then try one of their adjustable looms. They do beautiful work. Oh good, it is working, so here is a hodgepodge of photos,I have to get them up while I can. Here it goes, my bags, Kel doing his awesome moto tricks, my bracelet my sister made me and the matching anklets we bought on her visit here and my new curly doo, it is natural, who knew?

Schools Out

2006-06-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, school is out,(well it has been out for three weeks) so the kids are excited! See how long it takes me to getting around to doing things! Connor is very excited, he now gets to sleep in and that is good because he really does need it. He plays baseball four nights a week so that is tiring. AND---TA DA-he made the A honor roll! I am so proud!!!! Q and K still have daycare and they won't admit it, but they like it. They always get to do special things in the summer, last friday the daycare took them to see "Cars" and since they are always the last ones to be picked up they get to take home the left over snack! So let's see, the last three weeks in a nutshell, and it is a BIG nutshell:"Schools out+ Q gets strep throat+ k gets the stomach flu=I miss a week's worth of work. I am running out of sick pay, but find out that I have "float" holidays available so I use them. (Tip: check with your employer about float holidays, they usually aren't listed on your paystub until you use them) Once again, skimming by on the seat of my pants! Which gets me to thinking I should change my theme of the blog from loom knitting to single parenting, but thought what does it matter, no one reads it anyways! HEHHE, okay so back to looming, I did felt my two bags, and I love them. I don't think I got the handles right on the beige and red one but it works. I snuck a peek at the demo one on display at the coffee shop I visit after work, and it looked a little different. I will use it regardless, I love my knitting! I also made some earrings this week, I really enjoyed that, talk about a quick project. So, this leads me back to the single parenting thing. You see that and crafts really do go together, here is my analogy. For those of you who know me, I went through a divorce this past year, and in an effort to keep my mind busy I started knitting. So that is it, advice number one when going through a trying time, pick up a new hobby, it doesn't matter if you don't have the time for it, MAKE the time! You will reap the benefits of you knitting by meeting some really cool friends online or in real life(hehe) and you will have so many neat projects to show from your work(therapy)!
On the social end: We sooo have a dirtbike obsession! I found out about Craigslist and started looking for dirtbikes. By the way, here is another tip; craiglist.org is fantastic! It is an online advertising system that you can find in about most major cities. It is free so there are a lot of ads. I found my little suv by using it and the new Yamaha PW 50 that I got for the boys. I am now searching for a bigger bike for me an Connor, if we get our way we will find a Yamaha TTR 125 that is in our price range. We have two bikes from last year that I bought at Schucks, but I will tell you, it wasn't a very good investment. Connors bike is falling apart,but Quinn has held up fairly well so that is why we need the new ones. See how I justify that?
Well, it is hot here almost 100 and that is unheard of in Oregon! I have to do yard work today too because it is sooo bad. The grass is so high in the backyard Q and K thought they would go looking for snakes! EWWW, not liking the sounds of that! Okay, off for now, wish you all a good week or two of summertime play!
Carla
I don't know if the photos are going to come up, I think blogger is being weird again. I will have to try again later.

W.I.P.'S

2006-06-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

My WIPS as promised. The cute hats and booties done for a gift. The little hats were made on the KK blue loom and the booties were crocheted from a free pattern here
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/

Next I have the brown and blue bag that needs to be felted and the cranberry/brown bag on the yellow loom. Not quite finished yet. Also, the EFG with barely a few rows on it, I will have to get my glasses out to work on it,but I am determined to get it conquered. I saw that Tracey is doing it successfully here, so she is my motivation! I found these bags at the dollar section at target, I picked up two thinking I could use the handles for a cable bag. I priced the handles at the craft store and was suprise at how much they cost. Lastly is my newly started bead colection. I did make a name tag lanyard for work with tigers eye and mixed brown and crystal beads. It is at work, and really pretty. I love it but I am afrad I am going to get it caught on my desk. Oh, I also made a really cute anklet with blue,silver,stars and moon beads. AND, I lost it! HMM, I guess I didn't have the clasp on right. There is a lot to learn! Well, gotta go for now, take care and happy crafting!

Cancer Horoscope

2006-06-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who read their horoscpoe daily, if you do too, then you know what I mean! I fit pretty well into my "Cancer" profile, or maybe it is just because I read it daily, I have transformed myself! HA, anyways, I stumbled upon, (not really it was in my email) and low and behold that is exactly what I am doing today, cleaning up loose ends! I am taking the day off with Kel, poor little guy, he has a cold so we will be home today. I will post photos of my projects today and mop my floor! Oh, also a tidbit to share with you, I registered at the Bath and Body Works website adn you can get a free mentha lip balm just for doing so. They will send you a coupon by mail. It is great stuff, I had my neice pick me up some the other day and some lip exfoiliator too. Gotta keep that smile great, I may have someone to kiss someday!!!! HEHEHEHEH You can find the link here Bath & Body

Cancer
Date of Birth: 06/27

Today is a good day to take out old projects that you never quite finished and get them done, Carla. Metaphysically speaking, it's hard to attain success with newer projects as long as the old ones are still sitting around. This might not be as much work as it seems. Remember that completing these projects could mean nothing more strenuous than looking them over and determining that they no longer have any value. Go to it!

I am still here!

2006-06-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am still around, although I think the kid's baseball season just about got the best of me. Who ever thought it could be so hard trying to be everywhere at once! Quinn and Kels games are over and Connor still has about a month to go. I am playing hooky today and didn't go to his tournament game, Kel's coughing kept me up and his asthma was bothering him. I managed to get C out the door at 6am, yes, i am a good MOM! I watched "The Family Stone" today. It was good, i didn't kowo what to expect but did enjoy it, I really like Diane Keaton. Life with the X is a pain,"shaking my head" he annoys me greatly, I had to take my boys to another of Connors tournamnets in Bend, OR, where he and his girlfriend live. Yuck, they were there and I had to be a nice girl! Let's just say I had to visit the christian store for some inspirational reading to get through the long three day weekend! I am still knitting, just haven't figured out the extra fine sock loom yet. I made two super cute pink hats for a baby shower and crocheted some booties. I don't have my cranberry bag done yet, but hope to finish it soon so I can felt it. Oh, did I mention jewelry? My sister came to visit and made me this really great bracelet. I love it and now I am trying my hand at jewelry making. I will have to get some photos up soon. in the meantime, here we are:) Blogger is being weird again, I'll get back to you on the photos......Lolly aka..Carla

EFG driving me nuts

2006-05-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

My efg sock looms is driving me nuts! I don't know if I am doing the stitches right or if I am suppose to be using two strands of yarn. I am using Knitpicks Parade sock yarn and it is so hard to see what I am doing,the yarn is small. Maybe I should have stuck with the larger looms! I went back to my bag on the yellow loom and I thought "my gosh , these pegs are huge!" I am making a bag that I plan to felt,it is in beige, brown and cranberry, I love the colors. Well, not much time for blogging now, have to get kids ready for school, the doctors visit and the weekend. I have tons of housework to do and I have my sister coming to visit :)

New Looms

2006-05-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, I got my new looms today, I ordered the mini loom to make some small Christmas ornaments in hats, stockings and sweaters and the EFG Sock loom. I am so excited to get started on it. I did a little stocking at my son's baseball game, isn't it cute? Kel thought it would a good fit for his Power Rangers and asked me to make two! Off to bed for now, it is a crazy month for me with all the boys in baseball, working, single parenting, and life! Just feel like I am riding the wave sometimes!

Baseball Season

2006-05-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

I am feeling guilty about not keeping up with my blog, I have barely been able to pick up a loom! I did manage to do one small wool bag that I plan to felt, I made a long strap for it, but will try to attach it drawstring style. The boys are in full swing with baseball season, we have either games or practices 6 days a week. I am dizzy just thinkin' bout' it! Lucky for me, I have a very good friend who helps get my oldest son to his practices and games. And, by the way,that oldest son of mine is turning 13 tomorrow! I dragged out my scrapbooking items and made him a cute card, I need to do another one as my best friends birthday is friday. Time certainly flies....I am waiting patiently for my fine gauge sock loom to come in, I was hoping to sneak it to some t-ball games and get started on some socks! In the meantime, the weather has been great, makes me want to get the dirtbikes out and have some fun! Here are my little guys, aren't they cute!

Happy Easter & I ordered my looms!

2006-04-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! I ordered my looms from Decor Accents today. I went with a 9 inch fine gauge sock loom, can't wait to try it and I also purchased the mini sock loom. I want to use this to make mini hats,socks and sweaters for my Christmas cards this year. Just thinking ahead! I am off to knitpicks now to order some sock yarn. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Baseball Rain Out Weekend

2006-04-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

We had a tournament and two other games scheduled this weekend, lucky for me we live in the Northwest and it is raining, raining=canceled games! Don't take this the wrong way, I love watching my kids games, but since we got back from vacation and the time change we haven't been able to catch up on our sleep. So, this weekend is it! I found this quiz online, I love taking these and I plan to get some computer time in this weekend and order the fabulous sock loom from Isela and some sock yarn. I want that to be my summer projects maybe I can work on them at some baseball games? One eye on the ball one on the loom!??? Happy Easter everyone, enjoy a wonderful weekend with you family and friends!

I did it again!

2006-04-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Word of Warning, when you go to change the template in your blogger site, you HAVE to save it first, so you don't loose your links or anything extra you have added! I have done this again and lost them so I will be adding them along as I go. I had problems getting photos to load yesterday so I just closed it out and ta da when I did it today my template had changed.
On the Knitting front:
While on vacation I made a beach bag from the KK #2 booklet, I still need to crochet a handle for it. Last week, I finished a matching water bottle holder and beach towel bag made from the peaches and cream cotton thread. It came out really cute and I plan to donate it to our preschool's silent auction next month. It is our annual fundraiser where we have a dinner, and a silent and oral auction, it is a blast! I also have to dig out my embroidery machine and do a set of bath towels. It has been a VERY long time since I used it, I hope I remember how!

Back from Vacation

2006-04-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

I am back from vacation! Disneyland and California's Adventures was a blast. I think I may have had more fun than the kids! It was a lot of driving, and compromising among all of us but we made it and have some wonderful memories. I was able to visit with my mom, brother and neice and also my brother in law, nephew and great neice from my ex's side. I want to post photos of the trip here and some of my latest knitting. I haven't had much time to rest up, I returned to work this week, found out I have strep throat, and started some projects to donate for the preschool auction. Also had our first baseball game. Nothing like being at home again! I plan to start posting on the groups I am in again soon, I have missed not staying in touch, also need to order one of those cool fine gauge sock looms from Isela! Have a great weekend!

The Teddy Bear

2006-03-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

My bear, I used Isela's free pattern at the DA loom site. I had to use my blue kk loom and my mitten looms from In the Attic. This could be made with any size looms, you just adjust accordingly. Isn't she sweet? I just love her!

Felting, Bears and H20 Bottles!

2006-03-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

My bag has dried and I absolutley love it! I have to figure out a way for a closure but I do have something up my sleeve. I made two other H20 holders one to match the bag and one in black to felt also. Hopefully I can get to that today. I have been knitting like crazy and finally tried one of the fingerless gloves, at first it was suppose to be the body for my teddy bear but I decided it was too small. I also knitted a teddy bear, she is great. I was thinking about my mom while I made it so this I will gift to her. I made the bear two set of hats and scarfs, a green one and a fancier dark red, she can chage them depending on her mood:) My son thinks I am nuts, I know I have an addiction! This bear has got me thinking about other stuffed animals you could make so don't be suprised if I come up with some other animals in the future! Oh, I also made the dolly from Bev's page. I will post links to the blog as soon as I can but I have to run now for a photo appointment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Okay, I have the photos up...enjoy...

Felting~ Stage 2

2006-03-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

I did it, it is now in the process of drying and eww, I didn't realize it would smell! Not too bad but definetely funky, kind of like my little guys when they need a bath! Check back in a few days to see the dried result:
Next project: A water bottle holder, now only if I can remember where I saw it?

Felting-Stage 1

2006-03-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have it done, lucky or not so lucky for me I have been sick the past few days and home from work with a head cold, but I have still managed to find time to knit:) I finished my Baguette! I changed the stripes a little from the pattern and made the handle much longer, I love a long handle,haha! Anyways, I love it and now it is ready for felting. I am heading off to the washer now, but thought I would show some "in progress" photos. Stay tuned for more.

My First Felting Project

2006-03-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

I started my first felting project yesterday and I am already halfway through the knitting:) I had been waiting for my baguette pattern to arrive from DA and little did I know it was already sent to me and I must have deleted it! Luckily for me Isela saw my post and resent it to me! I am charging my batteries for my digi camera now so as soon as I get a charge I will post some photos of the bag as it progresses. I am using Panda Woolbale yarn in cocoa and rose that I purchased from Smileys online. I am so excited I can't wait to see the finished project. I am home from work today I seemed to have caught a headcold! What a bummer, but anyways, I guess it is due, I haven't been sick in a long time and it gives me an excuse to sit home knit and watch the movies I rented on Friday, Harry potter and the Goblet of Fire, Flightplan and Pride and Prejudice. We'll see how much I get through. Well, off I go I have to get the kids ready for school and a new battery for my car. So much for a sick day at home!

I am an Iris!

2006-03-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

Who knew, I thought I would have been a rose,that is my middle name after all! I came across this on another blog and had to do it, I love these quizes, take it also and have fun...Carla

You are an Iris:

You are logical, analytical, dignified, and wise.

You are studious by nature and may prefer

books to people. You tend to be a serious

person but are capable of making others laugh

with your dry sense of humor. Friends always

benefit from your advice.

Symbolism: Over the centuries the iris has come to

symbolize faith, wisdom, hope, and promise in

love.

Which Flower are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

This Week...

2006-03-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

This week was very hectic for me. I had baseball for the kids to deal with, my ex finding out about the divorce being final, duh, what did he think? Work and being the only tech available on friday and snow, lots of it! Some new things I tried this week was a cpap machine from work. It wasn't bad. I don't have apnea, however since I am working with patients all day I thought I really needed to give it a try and see what they were going through. Guess what, it wasn't that bad, I used two different masks and was actually able to sleep for a while with it. I didn't think I could do it though becasue I am such a light sleeper, but so far so good. Oh, and GUESS WHAT---GOOD NEWS! The boys and I are going to DISNEYLAND! My ex-brother in law is treating us to the park and the hotel. We will be going with my ex-sister in laws family and my ex-nephew and neice. It is going to be a blast! I know it sounds funny, all this ex-business, my i divorced my husband not his family, and they want to keep our relationship going. I feel very lucky!

ON THE KNITTING FRONT:

This week I worked on my knitting with needles piece, still don't know what I am going to turn it into. So far it is one long(4ft x 18 inches)piece. So maybe a shawl? I am going to post a picture of Taylor's little purse I made. I used one strand red heart lofty and one fun fur and just made a flat piece. I then folded it in half and stitched the sides together. I made a handle by e-wrapping just two pegs together until I got the desired length and I crocheted a flower for the front. Then my other projects I worked on were hair scrunchies. I found the pattern on our yahoo group for knifty knitters, they were incredibly easy to make and a very quick project. I am keeping the black one for me and sending the others to my niece. I don't wear a ponytail often, only if I am wearing a baseball cap! I also got halfway through my black poncho. I am making one to wear on St. Pattys day over my long-sleeved green tee. I am still waiting for my wool yarn to arrive, and my bag pattern form Isela. I am so excited to start my felted bag! Well, take care, I am signing off for now. Have a great weekend, I am off to clean house, watch movies, and knit,knit,knit!

Cancer Horoscope for today

2006-03-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hmm, I get my horoscope in my email everyday. Guess, i am going to have to watch out today and not over-analysis! That one is true, I really do that sometimes! alot!
Mar 05
Date of Birth: 06/27

"Try not to take anything too seriously today, Carla. People may tend to be a little careless with their words, and this could end up hurting some feelings or breaking some hears. Try not to read too deeply into what is being said. More than likely, your over-analysis of the situation might lead you to suspect whole scenarios of things which have absolutely no basis in reality. Keep things on more of a surface level"

ON THE KNITTING FRONT:

I finished Taylor's poncho (see prior post) and I made a small purse for her and crocheted a flower on it. I didn't post a picture of the purse, but will try to get it one the page later today. It really came out super cute! It is a joy for me to make these girly things for her as I have three boys! If I can fight the kids off the internet I am going to order some wool yarn and lots of other yarn too :) from Smiley's Yarn I have searched the net for some affordable wool and this is what was recommended to me. I am going to to order Isela's pattern for the Baguette Bag and start my first felting project. I am so excited! Otherwise I am still working on my flat piece that I am doing with needles. I still don't know what it will be yet, I was thinking a lap blanket, or a shawl? I am just so happy I figured out the knitting with needles things, I just keep going with it! Oh, one more site before I sign off, another recommendation for those of us learning to knit, this is a great site! knittinghelp.com

Honda Rebel & new Loom Stitch

2006-03-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

A photo of my adorable nephew circa 1991 and this new stitch. The top is my modified mock crochet stitch and the bottom is the real mock crochet stitch!

Miss Taylor's Poncho is complete

2006-03-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

I made a poncho for my nieces birthday coming up next month. I used some of the yarn I found at Craft Warehouse for 1.99 a skein. The darker pink is the Soft Opulence and the fun fur style is a Ravish yarn. I think it is super cute and since she is all girlie I know she will like it. I used the mock crochet stitch(I thought) see additional post about that. I made two rectangle flat pieces on the yellow loom and just eyeballed the size, I used my 5 y.o. as a guide. He kept saying to me"hurry mom, put it one me", an then "hurry, hurry, get if off, it's for a girl!" I then stitched the short end to the long ends. Now, about the mock crochet stitch. I just re-read the directions and guess what, I was doing a "Modified mock stitch" my new term for it. In the beginning of the pattern where you wrap one, knit over, two knit over and then three knit over. Well, that is what I did the entire time, just moving down a peg each time. I will post a picture to compare the two. I was trying to figure out why it was taking me so long! I told you I am not very good at reading directions. I like the stitch I did though, it is kinda chunky, like a crochet shell stitch. Now, since today is my day off work, I was cleaning the kitchen , again. I really don't' like doing housework, really I don't. Nor am I a very good cook, but I am very crafty, and I would rather do that anyday! Anyways, I have a picture of my nephew from 1991 on my fridge(pre-married days). It is amazing how many memories one photo can bring back. This was back in CA,he is on my Dad's Honda Rebel bike which my younger brother was borrowing at the time. My little VW Cabriolet convertible is in the background, I loved that car! It makes me think of my pre-marriage days in CA!

New Month/New blog Colors

2006-03-01T00:54:00.000-08:00

Yay, for St. Pattys Day, a new green blog for the month! A lesson learned tonight to SAVE all my links before changing the template! I will now have to go back in and add them again. I hope I don't forget anyones blog, if so, let me know....

Fortune Cookies

2006-02-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Fortune Cookies

I found this on another blog www.toomanyhobbiesnotenoughtime.blogspot.com/,and knowing how much I love chinese food I had to go for it. It cracked me up and was pretty accurate in my life right about now!

Your Fortune Is

It is better to lose a lover than love a loser.

The Wacky Fortune Cookie Generator

Lucky Hat

2006-02-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Luck Hat
My lucky leprechaun hat is coming along nicely. It is being done for my nephews birthday to wear on the 17th. I started out with a long tube hat on the green loom, however I couldn't figure out how to make it stand up. I then stuffed it with poly fill and then it just fell over. So, I tucked in the middle part of the hat, and ta da, the center can double as a pot(as in a pot of gold). I then added some pimpin crochet trim on the brim for the edge. hahahhehehe I think it is still missing something,maybe some gold coins flowing out the top, four leaf clovers? hmm...not sure yet!

YARN ACQUISITION SYNDROME

I read this post on a yahoo group that I am on, thought some of you may enjoy it. . I love it and can relate, now I dont' feel so alone!!!!!!!!!!!

"It has been formally diagnosed as "yas" or yarn acquisition syndrome,
there is a similar syndrome that is related to material, aka mas, or
material acquisition syndrome. I have actually seen a list of the 'true'
signs and symptoms and will pass along when I relocate them. (yep, I
am a nurse) When going shopping and coming home with the items that
magically appear on the 'list in your head' and trying to sneak in a bag
and stash it somewhere, so as not to be detected... Heart palpitations
when seeing a new 'find in yarn,' albeit color blend, brand, and all
the better to get it when it is on sale!!!! (but honey, look how much I
saved you since it was on sale... ( I am divorced now and it's finally
nice to not have to explain away an errant bag that finds its way into
the house... Who can honestly raise one's had and admit (confess) that
you have probably enough to knit/crochet an afghan, or scarf, and even
a hat that would fit the globe of the world, then have enough fringe to
tail to Pluto...it's a fever, and is been related to shopaholic
syndrome...."

D-I-V-O-R-C-E-

2006-02-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

D-I-V-O-R-C-E
That's right, today was the day I was in court and it is final. Judge Maurer was kind enough to sign the papers! Can you believe it has been:

2 years 5 mos since I moved from the house!
Way too much time trying to work things out!
1 year, 1 month, 2 days since I filed the papers!
7 hours into being a free woman!

What a long time! Who ever said time flies has more than likely never been through a divorce! Woo--Hoo--it is finally over!

Carla

Went shopping~Again~

2006-02-20T23:55:00.000-08:00

Went shopping during lunch yesterday with Alicia and again after work. I bought the "Learn to Crochet" book at Michaels with my 50% off coupon at Michaels. I wanted this because of the needles and I needed some more lessons on crochet. My mom taught me how years ago when I was pregnant with Connor but I never learned how to read a pattern. Now, Mom would and could crochet anything! She made tons of beautiful doilies in the thin cotton yarn and she even made all my wedding favors. They were adorable. Thin little Victorian baskets that were starched and then filled with Almonds. They were beautiful. Mom doesn't do much of that anymore because her hands bother her, but I did get her the KK set for Christmas. She hasn't started using them yet, I will probably have to fly to CA to get her started on them! I picked up two skein of Homespun in shades soft brown for another poncho for me and the pink yarn is for Taylor. I am going to make her a poncho and maybe a little purse? Oh, I also picked up the green and black for the St. Patty's Hat. I am going to get started on that tomorrow. Oh, did I mention I ordered some tiny hoops online? I ordered the mitten loom and the In the Attic Loom pattern book. I hope I find some great things in it, and secretely hoping I can make socks on the mitten loom. Okay, gotta get some sleep. I have a big day of looming tomorrow!

Baby Hats and Booties

2006-02-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

I finished the baby hats and booties. I managed to find a really easy pattern for the booties at Bevs Country Cottage. I had to modify it some only because I can't read the patterns so well, but they came out cute. Gosh, I wish I could have made some for my boys when they were little. I didn't know how to then, but Mom did make me a white and pink sweater and matching booties when I was pregnant with Connor. He never wore them though, hehe, we thought he was going to be a girl until the ultrasound! I am thinking I enjoyed making them so much I may make some up to donate to the hospital or the pregnancy resource center. They are a great project for little bits of leftover yarn as they don't take much. I am going to get the gift together tomorroow for the baby and find the Curious George blanket I made a while back with the embroidery on it. I haven't used my embroidery machine in over 6 mos. Can you believe it? The last things I did on it were monograming the names for Connor's baseball team over the summer. Someday, I will have a huge craft room for all my sewing/embroidery/knitting/crocheting/scrapbooking and crafting projects!

Gearing up for St. Patty's Day

2006-02-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

While searching on the internet this morning I found a website that shares the animated gif's. How cute I thought, I will try to post some here and see if they work. Anyways, they got me to thinking, I need to start on my nephews St. Patty's Hat. You see, my ex-husbands family is Irish and this particular nephew of mine has a birthday that day, so it has always been a special celebration for the family. I am talking corned beef, red potatoes, cabbage, green punch, beer, the works! Now, the dilemma, since the divorce (soon to be) my ex will want the kids so he and his new girl can go instead of me, to the celebration. Boo hoo, I feel left out, my sis in law and I are still the best of friends, and will always be. Long story, so back to the hat.....when I found out their little Yorkie dog "Murphy" wee wee'd on the leprechaun hat he (birthday boy) wore and it had to be thrown out it got me thinking, hmmm I can make a hat on my loom! I am going to try and make this the greenest, irishy hat, goofy maybe Dr. Seuss looking? I would appreciate any and all ideas anyone may have. It is going to be a fun project!

Here is the hat he USE to wear that is my Connor in the picture,

Three Day Weekend

2006-02-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have a three day weekend coming up, well i am still working on Monday so I guess it is only the kids. AHHHH, the mind goes to p*** when you are a Mom. I never thought I could multitask until I became one! We have had freezing cold weather here. So cold it is below 0 and Timberline even closed the other day. Now you know it is cold when a major ski resort closes. It had to do with the wind chill too! How thankful I am for my furnace and not that woodstove we had in the other house. Funny how you can be thankful for the simple things in life that so many take for granted. There are so many peole that live up here with only woodstove heat, I say, hey you really need to upgrade and get a furnace. If I had to choose between flipping a switch or cutting, stacking, splitting wood, then builing a fire, plus keeping it goigng. Well, come on it is a no brainer! However, I have to say, i am greatful for my fireplace, but I only use it when the power goes out! okay, enough of the weather,i am really rambling. I plan to spend my weekend knitting away. I have been able to redo my knitting project with sticks. I have finally mastered it the right way. I don't know what I am making , but it will more than likely turn out to be a blankey? I am also goiing to do a few infant hats on the blue loom for a friends grandbaby too. I am feeling courageous, I even printed off a crochet pattern for booties, I will try those too. Well, not much else to post, I am including a picture of Kitkat in his hat. Ha, I can be a dork, butI thought he looked cute, enjoy.....stay warm.....

What kind of a knitter are you?

2006-02-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

You are "turbo" charged.
Fast moving and classy, you get things done with

power and grace. Your expensive tastes can

be deceiving, since what you really value is

quality and efficiency. As you're careening

around those corners in life, finishing a

dozen knitted objects each month, stop and

smell the roses. Don't miss the beauty of

process!

What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

New project pictures as promised

2006-02-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

New Projects Posted

I am having issues uploading my photos through blogger this a.m., will try again later. Okay, I got it to work but had to load them one at a time. Ignore the white legs! My purple socks, finally I have two :) I did them using one stran redheart and one strand homespun. Used the blue loom and basically made a very long hat except they are for my feet! 2nd, the blue dishcloth using the blue loom again and e-wrapping, the pattern is from the second knifty knitter booklet. Love the Sugar and Cream cotton yarn, only used one strand. The green cloth I did in crochet. Finally, the snowboarder hat.... I mastered the purl stitch and enjoyed doing it. I did that for the brim and then switched to the e-wrap. I added a pink pom too! I saw somethig similar in a snowboarder mag, it is warn and fits snug below your ear. I may have to keep this one. Otherwise I had a box going that will hold all my projects and save them for gifts!

Valentines Cards

2006-02-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day~

2006-02-14T23:32:00.000-08:00

As I woke up this morning and headed down the hall I looked out the hall window and I got a surprise....SNOW.....All over the place! I head into the living room and checked out the front of the house and sure enough it was there too! Duh, the things you think when you're not quite awake! The road was covered and I had a few inches built up on my little suv. Oh, the kids are gonna love this I thought. They had a two hour late start at school,thank goodness for daycare, because I still had to get into town for work. It took the usual hour commute even though I was only going 45 or so for the first 2o miles because of the road. Better safe than sorry. For those of you who were in the car with me at Meadows, you know what I'm talkin'bout...I could use a class in winter driving skills! What can I say, I am a California girl, and just because I live in the mountains doesn't mean I can chop wood and drive in the snow...Heck we only get it 3 or 4 times a year. But we are only 15 miles away from major ski resort. Hmm, I really should think about learning to conquer the snow better. Regardless, I wanted to share my Valentine with you, so I drew a heart on my car window, aren't I clever! I am also posting photos of the Valentines I got from my little guys, they are so sweet! I finished up some projects, another purple sock to match the one I made, and my grey/white/pink snowboarder hat. I am also going to post some pictures of the dishcloths I made. The blue/white one was done on the blue loom, and the green on I crocheted. I used the Sugar and cream cotton yarn, I love it, I would love to have a blanket made of it, but that would take forever. I prefer the quick, easy, fast results projects. I should go I think I ma finally coming off of my sugar high from all the candy at work. Thank goodness I had a salad for lunch! TTFN..........Carla

Greys Anatomy~

2006-02-13T23:32:00.000-08:00

Did anyone catch Greys Anatomy last night? All I can say is it was GREAT! You have to start watching it!

My Poncho is finished!

2006-02-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

I was up until midnight stitching it together, and I am so glad to see it done! I used the yellow loom and did two flat panels. I did 19 rows in the homespun and symphony yarn. Next time around I will use only the homespun or a light weight yarn. This one will be nice to wear around the house. I think I will make one for my little neice Taylor who is three for her birthday or save it for Christmas. She loves pink so I will be on the lookout for some nice yarn. Well, can you believe it I woke up to another day without rain here in Oregon! We have had a dry spell.....I don't know how I feel about it because I really do like the dreary overcast days and I am not ready for spring yet! I know I will get a lot of boos and hisses for that, but what can I say, I have had enough California sun in my time! Gotta go for now...Carla

New Colors!!!!!!!

2006-02-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Valentines Day I am changing my blog colors to something more appropriate. Now,I have to figure out why all of my text links are on the bottom right?

It's been a while....time flies...

2006-02-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I posted. I didn't realize that ten days had gone by......whew...time flies when your stressed out working, running errands,taking care of the kids, the house,the pets and everything else! I had work, basketball games, practice and dental appts., not to mention preschool meetings this week!UGHHHHH.....Anyways, I did somehow manage to do some knifty knitting in the evenings :) I did a "scarflet" like I saw on Sara's site. I wore it to Connor's basketball game, I thought it turned out super cute. I didn't have any brooches, but I did have some fancy hair pins and I used that with it! I have also been working on the second panel of my poncho. I can't wait to finish it, I think I may be able to get it done tonight or tomorrow. It is suppose to look something like this, so lets keep our fingers crossed! I am using the mock crochet stitch but will have to add some crochet trim to the edges. I am hoping it comes out nice enough to wear to work. Also have been working on my knitting with needles. I somehow managed to start out with 30 stitches and ended up with three times that. How, I don't' know, except I think that with using the homespun yarn I kept splitting the yarn. I sat watching the Super Bowl and did this. I guess I was paying too much attention on the game and not my stitches......heheh...So, now I am going to take it out an try again. I love the red color of the yarn, funny because I am not usually into red. Well, that is my report for the knittings in my life. It has been a very long day as I worked in town today too to get some extra hours. I will post again soon......TTFN
Carla

Holy Cow~BATMAN~~~

2006-02-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I had to scan in a drawing that Kel did today at Cindy's house. I was off work today and I took the boys into town with me because Connor and I had dental cleanings. Cindy watched Kel and Quinn and this is what Kel did. He was looking at a video case of Batman and Robin and drawing his own version of Batman. Mind you he is 5 years old....he was then trying to figure out how he was going to draw the cape and then guess what, he turned the paper over and drew it on the back. Now,I say to you, isn't that the cutest thing ever??????????I cracked up when I saw it, that was almost as good as when he came back from a walk with them and he shouted "Quiet everybody, my feet are going to sleep!" We always have a great time there. I am soooo glad my divorce is not interfering with my relationship with my sister in law. She is great and I love her family so much. Oh, guess what else, she taught me how to knit! After sitting up in bed last night till 12;30 trying to figure out how to cast on, she taught me how her Grandma Lawler taught her and it was super easy. I think I have it now, once again, that is me always doing things the hard way! Now I can knit with sticks!!!!!!YAYAYYA, I am so excited!!!!!!!

New Hat & Gift for Sister

2006-02-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

I made a new hat yesterday like the one I saw on Sara's blog. Didn't quite come out the same but I think I still like it. I added one of the loopy flowers on it that I found instructions for on the knifty knitters group on Yahoo. I have also been thinking about my sister a lot and decided to make her a new scarf. I hope to get it in the mail tomorrow. I spoke with her over the weekend and we both seemed to blow our diets on Missouri cookies. I know you are thinking what kind of cookies are they? Well, they are a great no bake chocolate and oatmeal cookie that our Mom use to make. Can you believe it, we both made them the same day? Weird, we live in differnet states and I probably haven't made them in over 6 months or longer! Some kind of ESP going on !!heheheh Sisters forever...........

Sore booty...............

2006-01-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

OKAY, my ass hurts from sitting on this bench. I am going to go and get some housework done since I took a day off work.. I swear this blogging thing is addicting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting Photos Up

2006-01-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

I have tried several online picutre hosts and I just don't have the patience to learn how to use them! So...I resorted to loading my photos to Yahoo Photos. No need to post everything on the blog, besides who wants to see my million picutres I have? Family? So, I will send you a link my family so you can access all the shots. So far, I have Thanksgiving, (what a blast), Christmas and Kel's birthday. I am working backwards on getting them up but will let you know as I get them posted. Take care, Carla

Luvin my knifty knitter..

2006-01-29T23:31:00.000-08:00

If only I could learn how to set this blog up the way I want it!!!!!!!!!!HELP

KK Projects

2006-01-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

Posting some more KK projects,:some random photos of the hats and scarfs I made as Christmas gifts and the cute little cell phone holder! Also, Kel, AKA, the scarf monster!

Afghan Photos~Almost complete

2006-01-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here is my afghan I am making on the yellow loom. I used 9 skeins of the boa yarn with a skein of the Caron. I think the finished project will use two of them (Caron) though. I just e-wrapped the yellow loom to make the three panels and then whip stitched them together. It is so soft! I am now adding a trim of double crochet, I can't wait until it is done!

Knifty Knitting

2006-01-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have been knifty knitting away lately, working on my afghan and the other night made a cell phone case. It is sooo cute, I really think I have an addiction! Not to mention I went into town yesterday for groceries and came back with 10 more skeins of yarn, can I get some help here folks! Oh, I also taught my sister in law and niece how to knift knit, I am now spreading my disease!

My younger troublemakers...hey, whats with that look?

2006-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

Family First

2006-01-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Me and my oldest....

2006-01-15T11:00:00.001-08:00

Uh,huh, trying to firgure out the phot uploading thing.................HELP

Interneting

2006-01-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

That's Me

2006-01-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

That's me......I have three wonderful boys, 12, 6 and 5. They keep me extremely busy!!!!!have a great job in the health care field, great friends and love to craft, and hang out...My latest addiction is the Knifty Knitter, so look for a lot of posts about that. I have found my addiction is shared with many here on the internet! Good Times....Carla