Monday, December 31, 2007

The BIG Announcement and a Giveaway X 2


I do not usually make new year resolutions, but this year I decided to make an exception. Knitting, crafting, and blogging has been so therapeutic for me in 2007. So, to keep the momentum going I am going to blog everyday in 2008.

This year promises to be full of new projects, new skills, and new challenges.

So, here is the deal. I am going to blog and blog and blog. And to keep this going, I need lots of support. I will commit to giving away two gifts. One to the person who leaves me my 100th comment. Then I will put all of the names leading up to the 100th comment in a hat, pull one out and send them a gift. (If you comment more than once, you will be put in the drawing more than once.)

Yea!!!!! I am so excited.

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 28, 2007

A Beautiful Day



I woke up on Christmas Day to this. It was beautiful. My oldest son has always been infatuated with the moon. We sing about it, read about it, talk about it, and spot it if at all possible. When I woke on Christmas morning, the moon was the first thing I saw when I looked out the window. It made my day and reminded me of the simple gifts of Christmas.

So, you can imagine how I felt review Christmas Day pictures and seeing this.

I can’t believe I reacted so strongly to a new camera, but I was sooooooo excited. I have loved photography for most of my life. But, since I had children, it has taken on a new life. I think it helps me feel like I am saving a piece of my children at every stage, every memory, every new discovery. I especially love digital. I take hundreds of pictures of the boys with the full intent to only keep the great ones. However, when I review the pictures, I treat them like holy words. I can’t delete them and most of the time I can’t even alter them in any way.

Needless to say, I love my boys, I love my Christmas, and I feel so blessed to have such a bright outlook on Christmas. What a Gift.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

HOMEmade FOR THE HOLIDAYS


HOMEmade FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Originally uploaded by UpNAdam
What a year! A year ago December 15, I decided to quit my day job and stay home with my two little guys. It has taken a little getting used to, but it has been worth it. One thing I knew I needed to survive and flourish was something to learn, create, improve upon, etc……you get the idea. So, in preparation for my year I asked Santa for a sewing machine, and ipod and I learned to knit. WOW! My life is forever changed……..for the better. I have created things I never dreamed I could create. I have discovered things about myself that I never knew…..I really am creative and I can do things that not everyone else can do. It has served as an outlet and has proved to be the best therapy EVER!

Last spring I set a goal for myself. I was going to make a majority of the Christmas gifts I gave this year. At first, I was going to supplement the homemade with something purchased. But, as the year progressed, I really felt like that cheapened what I was doing. The things I made, by hand, were valuable…..what a concept.

Test Runs:
Alpaca Knit Scarf for my sister’s birthday
Prayer Shawl for my mother’s birthday
Travel Art Book for a friend’s son

And (drum roll please), here is my Christmas list:
Photo Montage for brother-in-law
Ruffle Scarf (Alpaca) for my sister
Photo Montage for my dad
Prayer Shawl for both of my grandmothers
Knitting Project bag, notions bag and needle case for my sister-in-law
Scarf for my sister’s boyfriend
Photo Calendar for Husband’s Grandmother, Mother and Aunt

Yes, that is right, a total of 13 homemade gifts from August through Christmas. Pretty good for someone who has never made a homemade gift….and actually gave it to the recipient.

The biggest surprise! This was the BEST Christmas ever. I have never been so excited to give these gifts. They all went to great people that I dearly love.

As usual, I am obsessed. I am already planning my homemade gifts for next year. Working up to 100%. We’ll see.

A Special Thanks to a few of Those Who Inspired Me:
Aunt Linda
Brenda Dane at Cast On
My eldest son who remarked about a halloween project, "Mama made Halloween."  Precious.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

A HUGE Announcement to be made December 31st.  GET EXCITED!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

I didn't need a quiz to know this.......


What Kind of Knitter Are You?





You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!








Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Knitting Craze


chandelier
Originally uploaded by annamariahorner
I found this on Anna Marie Horner's Blog. I love it. I really think I need this in my house all year round.........sans the bird........they freak me out.

Has anyone seen the yarn tree at the Gap? I think that is where I saw it......I love it all.

"Pay it Forward"

I hereby pledge to send a handmade gift to the first three people who comment on this entry. No real promises about time frame, but it’ll be within the next 365 days. In return, you have to post the same offer on your blog, and prepare to send a gift to three other people.

Remember, you have a year to get your gifts done! Please remember, you don’t have to knit or crochet to participate, anyone who can make a nice handmade gift is welcome to join.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Ice Storm 2007


Ice Storm 2007
Originally uploaded by UpNAdam
Well, things have been a little rough here in Oklahoma. We had a major ice storm and my family has not had power since 1 am Monday. The boys have been sick and my poor husband is living in our house with no heat or lights and working during the day. Did I mention we were supposed to have baby boy's first birthday party on Saturday?......invitations have already gone out. Yuck!

The picture you see is of our street sign.  Can you find it?

Here is the link to more pictures....

And a link to Dillon on the news.....