BRRRRRRR........
Happy Monday all!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Awkward Knitting Photo Monday IV
Contrastingly (is that a word??), this week's photo is very current. It comes from a new book entitled Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller. I suppose this book was inspired by the whole Twilight movement, and this guy is on team-Jacob??
I'm pretty sure that this pattern is not cool for anyone over the age of 5.
But the model in the photo sure is doing his job well to try and sell it!
A--I wonder if he got to keep the pair B--I wonder if he wears them
Have a mahvelous Monday night!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday's Thrills of Motherhood....weekend reflection ;)
I work and live at a Christian college. My daughter has the unique opportunity to be surrounded by truth and big "kids". Babysitters are aplenty.... And I often thank God for how he has guided us here. There are days that I love my life here, and there are days that I don't, but by and large, it is an incredible blessing to be in this place: Bethel, House of God
As a mom, through working here, I have been equipped to understand how to guide my child when she reaches her teenage years. As a wife, I have learned how to work with my husband, and as a believer I have grasped a greater knowledge of God's love through service to his beloved. And the journey has not been without it's bumps and bruises...
Since returning to this place, after having graduated and worked out in the "real" world, it was apparent to my husband and I and many others, that Aslan was on the move. We had a sense that God desired to thaw hearts and open eyes in a tangible, visible & present way. And I believe that this week, He swooped in and did that very thing!
On Wednesday, after Jeff Kling shared how God had gotten a hold of his life, students were moved to respond. For the next 6 1/2 hours, students came forward to share where they have seen God at work in their lives. They shared words of encouragement, confession, and testimony. I witnessed students that God has led my husband & I to pray for for years, come forward to speak on how good God has been to them---to confess how they have fallen short & are in definite need of a Savior. I can't describe the joy in seeing toughened hearts softened and blind eyes opened. Students regathered in the evening for several hours.
In the days that have followed there is a bit of a sobering atmosphere on campus. Students continue to gather to pray & worship, and share their concerns that this be merely an emotional experience rather than a life-altering exchange.
And I can't help but think how my involvement in this whole thing has been affected by me being a mom. Though I wanted to sit in the auditorium for hours myself, I have a daughter to tend to. Thankfully, I could listen via campus broadcast. But even that was hampered by my my daughter's cries for attention.... When we did go as a family to witness everything in person, little Lily was good for 30 minutes--that's about it. I couldn't hop over to the worship nights and leave my daughter alone in her crib. And then I caught myself in my frustration and "disappointment".... Yes, I haven't been able to be as hands-on as I've wanted to be over the past few days, but I am here able to pray in solitude while events go on. I have been able to treasure & ponder these things in my heart. And it is a remarkable thing to raise a child in such a time/place as this! I have all confidence that the same God who is at work in the lives of these students is also at work in the life of my little lady (and me!).
I look forward to retelling the stories to Lily as she grows older---much like the Israelite parents were commanded to tell of God's powerful work in their lives to their children. God works through the power of our testimony to bring people to repentance & acceptance.
What a thrill it is to be a mother today!
As a mom, through working here, I have been equipped to understand how to guide my child when she reaches her teenage years. As a wife, I have learned how to work with my husband, and as a believer I have grasped a greater knowledge of God's love through service to his beloved. And the journey has not been without it's bumps and bruises...
Since returning to this place, after having graduated and worked out in the "real" world, it was apparent to my husband and I and many others, that Aslan was on the move. We had a sense that God desired to thaw hearts and open eyes in a tangible, visible & present way. And I believe that this week, He swooped in and did that very thing!
On Wednesday, after Jeff Kling shared how God had gotten a hold of his life, students were moved to respond. For the next 6 1/2 hours, students came forward to share where they have seen God at work in their lives. They shared words of encouragement, confession, and testimony. I witnessed students that God has led my husband & I to pray for for years, come forward to speak on how good God has been to them---to confess how they have fallen short & are in definite need of a Savior. I can't describe the joy in seeing toughened hearts softened and blind eyes opened. Students regathered in the evening for several hours.
In the days that have followed there is a bit of a sobering atmosphere on campus. Students continue to gather to pray & worship, and share their concerns that this be merely an emotional experience rather than a life-altering exchange.
And I can't help but think how my involvement in this whole thing has been affected by me being a mom. Though I wanted to sit in the auditorium for hours myself, I have a daughter to tend to. Thankfully, I could listen via campus broadcast. But even that was hampered by my my daughter's cries for attention.... When we did go as a family to witness everything in person, little Lily was good for 30 minutes--that's about it. I couldn't hop over to the worship nights and leave my daughter alone in her crib. And then I caught myself in my frustration and "disappointment".... Yes, I haven't been able to be as hands-on as I've wanted to be over the past few days, but I am here able to pray in solitude while events go on. I have been able to treasure & ponder these things in my heart. And it is a remarkable thing to raise a child in such a time/place as this! I have all confidence that the same God who is at work in the lives of these students is also at work in the life of my little lady (and me!).
I look forward to retelling the stories to Lily as she grows older---much like the Israelite parents were commanded to tell of God's powerful work in their lives to their children. God works through the power of our testimony to bring people to repentance & acceptance.
What a thrill it is to be a mother today!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What's New Wednesday
I have been trying to knit a scarf for my husband. I mentioned it last week....
And I have hit a wall!
The pattern is supposed to be for a beginner, yet I am experiencing difficulty. Go figure!
I'm hoping that one of you knitters could help me out:
The pattern is entitled Boyfriend Scarf, and it is in the book Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch by Nicky Epstein.
The directions are as follows:
Cast on 56 stitches.
Knit 4 rows.
Row 1: RS k5,*bind off 1 stitch, k8; rep from * to last six stitches, bind off 1 stitch, k5.
Row 2: P5, *cast on 1 stitch, p8; rep from * to last 5 stitches, cast on 1 stitch, p5.
Continue in St St for 88".
Drop St row (RS) K5, *drop next St, cast on 1 St, k8; rep from * to last 6 sts, drop next St, cast on 1st, k5.
Work in Garter St for 1".
Bind off.
Unravel columns of sts of dropped sts from dropped St to beg garter edge.
Knit 4 rows, then bind off.
The finished project resembles ribbing. However, no ribbing appears in my knitting. I believe it's due to my confusion over the direction of casting on during the knitting process. Any tips to clarify that for me? Do I cast on to my left or right needle? Do I use a specific method of cSting on?
That is what's new today: a knitting hiccup
And I have hit a wall!
The pattern is supposed to be for a beginner, yet I am experiencing difficulty. Go figure!
I'm hoping that one of you knitters could help me out:
The pattern is entitled Boyfriend Scarf, and it is in the book Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch by Nicky Epstein.
The directions are as follows:
Cast on 56 stitches.
Knit 4 rows.
Row 1: RS k5,*bind off 1 stitch, k8; rep from * to last six stitches, bind off 1 stitch, k5.
Row 2: P5, *cast on 1 stitch, p8; rep from * to last 5 stitches, cast on 1 stitch, p5.
Continue in St St for 88".
Drop St row (RS) K5, *drop next St, cast on 1 St, k8; rep from * to last 6 sts, drop next St, cast on 1st, k5.
Work in Garter St for 1".
Bind off.
Unravel columns of sts of dropped sts from dropped St to beg garter edge.
Knit 4 rows, then bind off.
The finished project resembles ribbing. However, no ribbing appears in my knitting. I believe it's due to my confusion over the direction of casting on during the knitting process. Any tips to clarify that for me? Do I cast on to my left or right needle? Do I use a specific method of cSting on?
That is what's new today: a knitting hiccup
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday's Tip
Get to know your public library! Doing so will give you and the little one the opportunity to get out of the house, and feed your "shopping" fix at the same time! BONUS: all for free!
The library also offers up mom & me classes, which equal a great time with other moms in the community. I've loved seeing Lily enjoy the opportunity to interact with other little ones at these classes....
I can get everything from the newest books to CD's to magazines at our public library- talk about a great knitting and parenting resource!
Happy Tuesday evening to you all! May you find the time to explore your local library soon!
The library also offers up mom & me classes, which equal a great time with other moms in the community. I've loved seeing Lily enjoy the opportunity to interact with other little ones at these classes....
I can get everything from the newest books to CD's to magazines at our public library- talk about a great knitting and parenting resource!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursdays Thrills
Today we took Lily to see her first musical production: Roger & Hammerstein's Cinderella is currently showing at the college where we live, work, and breathe.
I have to confess that part of the fun of being a mother to a little girl is dressing her up. [Now, let me just give the disclaimer that I am not going to be one of those mom's that pushes princesses and everything that is stereotypically "girly" on my daughter. I want her to be true to the unique person God created her to be.... If she chooses to love pink & glitter: so be it! And on the other hand, if she chooses sweats & cleats, or mismatched socks & torn jeans: I will love her just the same.]
However, that being said, I dressed her in a double tiered tutu and pink leggings with hearts on them, a bright pink cardigan and then topped it all off with a pink curly-cued bow in her hair.
I admit the irony that lies between the two paragraphs above....
But, as I reflect upon the thrills of motherhood every Thursday, I had to make mention of how much I love to get Lily dressed each day. Those little legs, chubby knees, bloated belly and tufts of hair make anything I put on her come to life! It's not the clothes that define this girl :) At nineteen months, it is her mischievousness and tenderness that she dresses herself in!
I look forward to the days when she can pick out her own clothes, to see how she chooses to reflect the inside on the outside!
And that, my friends, is what I believe to be part of the thrill of being a mother!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
OK, so I confess that with this new format/structure, I've gotten my days mixed up!
Tuesdays are supposed to be about tips--knitting, motherhood, and life tips while Wednesdays are all about what's new....
Since yesterday was supposed to be today's post, I will make today's post what should've been yesterday's post. Are you following me? [Just say yes....]
I trust that this tip could alter the course of your life for the better.
Have a great Wednesday!
Tuesdays are supposed to be about tips--knitting, motherhood, and life tips while Wednesdays are all about what's new....
Since yesterday was supposed to be today's post, I will make today's post what should've been yesterday's post. Are you following me? [Just say yes....]
So, today will include a tip on life:
Don't color your own hair. Period.
The end.
I trust that this tip could alter the course of your life for the better.
Have a great Wednesday!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What's New Today
First off, I apologize that the awkward knitting pic from yesterday has disappeared :( You missed a doozie!
Let's just say that I am discovering that blogging from my I-pad has it's inconveniences... And that is the last time you should let me complain about having an I-Pad!
Today's posting comes near the end of the day. As a reminder, Tuesdays are all about what is new (see LAST Tuesday's posting for more info.).
So, here is what's new in my realm: I completed the hat I will be donating to Save the Children (again, check out last week's posting...). It looks like a little acorn cap! I got the pattern from Nicky Epstein's new book: Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch. It knit up super quick--taking me only two nights to complete :) I am cheered to pass it along to a deserving mama and her baby across the globe!
Continuing with the theme of what's new, I recently became a blonder blonde. Last night I attempted to highlight my currently dyed blonde locks, and did quite the hack job. Let's just say that I look like I was nailed with goldenrod paintballs... In fact, tonight I went to book club as Prison Mike to hide my do ;) I officially forfeit in this department and plan to make an appt. with a stylist ASAP. (Sorry, no pics on purpose!)
Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
Let's just say that I am discovering that blogging from my I-pad has it's inconveniences... And that is the last time you should let me complain about having an I-Pad!
Today's posting comes near the end of the day. As a reminder, Tuesdays are all about what is new (see LAST Tuesday's posting for more info.).
And I have jumped right into the next project from the same book: The Boyfriend Scarf. I am using the homespun yarn my sister sent me for Christmas! I plan to pass it along to my boyfriend, er husband, of nearly eight years to use in his winter fishing exploits. See how excited he is:
Continuing with the theme of what's new, I recently became a blonder blonde. Last night I attempted to highlight my currently dyed blonde locks, and did quite the hack job. Let's just say that I look like I was nailed with goldenrod paintballs... In fact, tonight I went to book club as Prison Mike to hide my do ;) I officially forfeit in this department and plan to make an appt. with a stylist ASAP. (Sorry, no pics on purpose!)Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Awkward Knitting Photo Monday
I don't know what's most awkward about this photo: the knitting man in a rocking chair whose yarn is stashed in a very feminine looking bag, or the adult-size knitted onesie hanging on the wall in the background!
Hope this makes you laugh on a Monday ;)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thursdays: Featuring the Thrills of Motherhood
Thursdays are when I will take the liberty to relay to you all the thrills I get from being a mom!
The Blizzard of 2011 came roaring through our area on Tuesday evening through Wednesday. And with the foot of snow, came the opportunity to play!
Lily stares so longingly out the window on snowy days...
And by the time I've dressed her in all the gear, I am beginning to think I've entered menopause; I'm sweating so much! All the wriggling, jerking, and did I mention chasing?? The most daunting point to make is that it's so cold that she's never outside in the stuff for more than 5 minutes: it takes more time to dress her!
It also makes me chuckle to think how immobile she becomes---she tries to walk, to grab at the snow, but to no avail :( However, she is content as can be to just be outside!
Oh, and mittens at this age.... So small, but not small enough :(
She cries when I declare it's time to go back in.
And these are the days I will cherish ;)
Allow me to begin with snow suits, boots and tiny fingers ;)
 |
| My Lily all dressed & ready to play in the snow---such a poser! |
Lily stares so longingly out the window on snowy days...
And by the time I've dressed her in all the gear, I am beginning to think I've entered menopause; I'm sweating so much! All the wriggling, jerking, and did I mention chasing?? The most daunting point to make is that it's so cold that she's never outside in the stuff for more than 5 minutes: it takes more time to dress her!
It also makes me chuckle to think how immobile she becomes---she tries to walk, to grab at the snow, but to no avail :( However, she is content as can be to just be outside!
Oh, and mittens at this age.... So small, but not small enough :(
She cries when I declare it's time to go back in.
And these are the days I will cherish ;)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
What's New-Wednesdays
Wednesdays are all about What's New !
What's new with me, what's new with you--projects we are working on, products/designs that are out there, innovative strategies and ideas....all related to motherhood & knitting, of course!
Here's What's New this week:
Parents Magazine's latest issue features a blurb that captured my attention:
Save the Children is sponsoring a charity drive to gather knit caps for babies in impoverished areas around the world. The drive's purpose is two-fold: to raise awareness and to help reduce the number of newborn deaths, which equals nearly 4 million per year!
Parents also politely included a link to easy, free patterns: GoodGoes.org/caps
For more information, please check out the FAQ's. This drive ends February 28th, and I think that is plenty of time for me to knit a beanie for a precious little one in need. I hope you can join me in supporting this important cause! What a great way to employ your gifts in service of another....
Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!
What's new with me, what's new with you--projects we are working on, products/designs that are out there, innovative strategies and ideas....all related to motherhood & knitting, of course!
I am excited about Wednesdays! How about you??
Here's What's New this week:
Parents Magazine's latest issue features a blurb that captured my attention:Save the Children is sponsoring a charity drive to gather knit caps for babies in impoverished areas around the world. The drive's purpose is two-fold: to raise awareness and to help reduce the number of newborn deaths, which equals nearly 4 million per year!
Do we need a better reason to knit??
Parents also politely included a link to easy, free patterns: GoodGoes.org/caps
For more information, please check out the FAQ's. This drive ends February 28th, and I think that is plenty of time for me to knit a beanie for a precious little one in need. I hope you can join me in supporting this important cause! What a great way to employ your gifts in service of another....
Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!
Tuesdays = Tips-days
So Tuesday's are going to include knitting and/or mothering tips! I will gather such wisdom from a variety of sources, not excluding myself ;) My goal is that each tip would help to ease and inspire: enjoy!
Today's tip is:
Be consistent!
There are many philosophies surrounding parenting--just ask a new mom! People have opinions and research to back up their views on everything from diapering to discipline.
I believe the best advice I ever received was to simply be consistent. Consistency in parenting creates security and confidence in our little ones.
Today's tip is:
Be consistent!
I believe the best advice I ever received was to simply be consistent. Consistency in parenting creates security and confidence in our little ones.
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