the life of a Knitting Junkie!

Psssst.....

2010-05-09T17:27:00.001-05:00

Come see me at my new blog!
From now on I'll be HERE.

Love yas!

Puffy Love

2010-05-01T21:31:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all!

Today is an absolutely gorgeous day here in Tennessee! I absolutely love Spring!

You know what else I love???

PUFFIES!

One of the awesome yahoo groups that I belong to is the At My House Knitting and Crochet List and for the first time ever I actually joined a couple of exchanges. One of which was a coaster exchange where you are partnered up with another person who signed up and you each agree to exchange one coaster. My wonderful partner was Cinda and she sent me not only one coaster, but SIX! She was so generous and also sent me a scrubby AND a beautiful bookmark. Lookie, lookie....

And to update you on everything else....

I am still single & loving it. I am not even looking nor wanting to date right now. For the first time in my life I am comfortable with it just being me (and my kiddos of course). I am eating healthier, exercising every day & slowly but surely losing weight. This week I lost .6 lbs...not phenomenal, but a loss all the same!

Before I close I wanted to show you what I made for my friend Samantha's son Patrick. He specifically requested a BLACK lion. I started on it almost a year ago, but with all of the chaos a marital separation brings, I really hadn't been able to work on any perceivably big projects so I just kept putting it off. It really wasn't that big of a project at all actually. Very simple and I LOVE the results! It has a removable mane...how cool is that!?!?

Did I mention that I LOVE it?!?!?

You can find the pattern HERE.

Ok, that's all I got for ya today.

Y'all have an incredibly blessed weekend.

I love ya's!!!

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Romans 1:17

Tryin' to Stay Outta Trouble

2010-05-01T21:26:00.002-05:00

Not the best pic, but isn't it cute!?!?

That's a heart-topped straight pin at the top there.

I followed the pattern found HERE.

Easy-peasy & very quick!

And what about this.....

How sweet is that? I followed the patter I found HERE.

Another easy-peasy, quickie to work up!

And one more for good measure....

I have a friend at church & her husband recently had to have his leg amputated thanks to diabetes & I really wanted to do something to bless him so I knit him this stump cover.

The lighting has the color off a bit, but it's navy blue. I made it using Caron Simply Soft yarn because it's, well, simply soft.

I used the pattern that Suzetta has HERE.

So these are some of the things keeping me out of trouble lately.

I hope y'all are stayin' out of trouble too...hehehe.

Be blessed my friends.

I love yas!

Oodles of Cute

2010-03-29T22:50:00.002-05:00

This has been goin' around for quite a while, but just in case you haven't seen it yet or even if you have and would just like another peek.....

Now how precious is that?!?!?
Almost too cute to bear, huh?

Hope y'all are having an exceptionally blessed week!
I love ya's,

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

More Hearts...

2010-03-23T21:28:00.003-05:00

I still have so many more finished objects that I haven't shared yet! That, of course, means more pattern links for ya! Tonight I'm gonna show you the rest of the heart stuff I made in this one post. I know Valentine's Day is way over, but love is never out of season, right? So without further ado, I present you.....

Heart Bookmark

Pattern by Ginny found here.

My slightly modified version of Suzetta's February Heart Bag.

This was such an easy pattern to follow! Actually, I really like all of Suzetta's patterns. She really does write them in a very straight-forward and easy to understand manner.

My only modifications to the actual pattern were omitting the heart pocket & I didn't make mine quite as tall.

You can find the pattern here.

I made this ornament at the same time, using the same pattern. It's just one of the hearts from the drawstrings & stopping the string short and making a loop with it.

Finally, I made this heart garland. Every heart is different, lol. The original garland is a mix of Suzetta's heart pattern here & Cindy from Skip to My Lou's Crochet Heart Garland found here along with my own modifications to make the humps a little more round and the point a little pointier.

I have it hung up on the window in my bedroom; I couldn't bring myself to take it down after Valentine's Day. After all, like I said earlier, love is never out of season, right?

So that's it for my heart craze...for now anyway, though I still see various patterns of heart-themed items and have to remind myself that there are other things I need to be making right now, lol. Right now in particular I'm trying to get a few things worked up to list on an Etsy shop I'm hoping to open. Wish me luck!

I love ya's,

"And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague" (Mark 5:34)

A Testimony

2010-03-13T08:51:00.005-06:00

Hey guys! I hope y'all are happy & healthy.

Life is great on my end. Amazing how life's rough roads can bring one closer to God! It's funny, I was in a place where I thought I was close to Him, then life happened. Because I truly believe that once you get married it is supposed to be a life-long commitment, regardless of the reasons, I felt such a tremendous amount of guilt when I left Wayne that I gave into my guilt & depression and withdrew from God, my church & my church friends/family. There would be nights that I would cry & beg God to draw me back to Him. I knew that is where I needed to be, but I had been my own worst judge & jury and had sentenced myself to the prison of my own mind and depression and I had thrown away the key. I didn't realize that so much then and outwardly I was doing my best to go on with life. Running. Looking for acceptance from sources that could only provide more desperation for more....What? Who? Where? Something, someone, somewhere....but never finding what I truly needed. Inside and at night I was still begging God. I wanted to be in His protective, peace-filled arms, but didn't know how to get back. Then in the 7th month from my separation from Wayne things started happening. Visible blessings were starting to fall on me, doors started opening, I would see or read something that would draw my thoughts to Him. Little things were happening that made big differences in my life. I started feeling that pull that I had been begging God for. An unquenchable thirst...I NEEDED the Living Water. I felt moved to take a sabbatical of sorts...to focus on renewing my relationship with the Lord & I don't remember the last time I felt so full inside! I truly mean that...I seriously don't remember! It has been years for sure. He answered my prayers. He has blessed me so abundantly that it is mind-blowing. I have started going back to my church home & was welcomed back with such open, loving arms! The trials of my life have made me closer to the Lord than I have ever been! He has renewed my heart & mind....and is continually doing so.

PRAISE GOD!

May God bless YOU more abundantly than you can imagine!

Hugs, Health & Happiness

Things That Have Been Keeping Me Busy, item #2

2010-02-25T11:36:00.002-06:00

Isn't this sweet?

I followed the pattern that Cassi of Bella Dia so kindly shared HERE, then after the final sc around I attached the white and sc'd around once more. I made up a few of these very quick and easy hearts and used them as coasters. LOVED the way they added to my Valentine decor! ;o)

Hope y'all have been have a great week!

Love, hugs & blessings,

Create in me a clean heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Things That Have Been Keeping Me Busy......

2010-02-22T11:05:00.003-06:00

I was on quite a Valentine's kick! This bookmark was just one of the things that I made. I absolutely LOVE how quick and easy it was to work up! Will definitely make more of these and won't even wait for Valentine's Day again because ya know, hearts and love are NEVER out of season! ;o)

Have a blessed Monday y'all!

Love you muches,

My Baby

2010-02-20T09:59:00.004-06:00

The ad:

I have a Chihuahua/Mini Schnauzer mix puppy to re-home. She was born Oct 3rd, 2009. She is up to date on her shots, and has been wormed. She is very petite, should not be over 5 lb. My guess is she will be about 3-4lbs full grown, she should be full grown at 6 months of age. Her mother and father are under 5 lbs. She favors the Chihuahua, but has Schnauzer type fir.Her fir is reddish brown & lays close to her body not thick/long like Schnauzers. Her mom is a purebred Chihuahua & dad is the Mini Schnauzer. She is very sweet. A little on the shy side, because she is so small, but not a mean bone in her body. She loves to be on the sofa with us. I have been puppy pad training her and she does pretty good, but is not fully house broke yet. She loves to be outside. Her new home must be an indoor home other than for her potty/play times out side. Children are fine as long as they are not allowed to man handle her roughly as she could get hurt being so small.
There is a re-home fee to cover her vet care and see that she gets a good home. The pictures were taken in December at Christmas.

The pics:

The Birth Mom:

The Very Happy Forever Mommy:

The absolute CUTEST and SWEETEST baby in the world:

I sure do loves my new baby girl!

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

I love you all,

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way your think. Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Oh. My. Goodness!

2010-02-07T21:38:00.005-06:00

This has GOT to be one of the cutest things I have ever seen!
Enjoy!

Hugs, Health & Happiness,

Totally Heart-warming

2010-01-20T07:41:00.003-06:00

....and totally NOT yarn-related, but VERY inspiring & definitely worth the watch!
Please watch, be inspired, be heart-warmed, be PROUD!

I love you all!

Hooked on Snowflakes!

2010-01-04T15:17:00.005-06:00

I was done with my Christmas projects but still in the mood to do something Christmas-y or wintery; I was also just itchin' to have yarn running through my fingers so a huntin' I went....searchin' Ravelry and every other knitting and crochet site I could for something to suit my mood and satisfy my urge when I came across snowflakes. Lots and lots of snowflakes! Beautiful crochet snowflakes! So very easy and quick to work up, no chance to get bored of these and by varying kinds of yarns and sizes of hooks, you get a different look with one pattern...I'm still itchin' to do snowflakes! Alas, Valentine's is just around the corner, so my focus must change but you can bet your bum I'll have a whole snowstorm of snowflakes by next Christmas! Oh the ways to use these....in place of bows on packages, as ornaments, hanging in front of windows or throughout the house to make your own winter wonderland...I'm gonna whip some up using plarn made from recycled Walmart bags so that I can hang them from the roof of my porch next year! The possibilities are endless!!!

Here are some of the patterns that I found and will be using again :

And speaking of Christmas....the boys and I did have a great Christmas together! We had a very good time ringing in the new year together too!! What about you? How was your holidays? Are you ready for this new year? Goodness knows I am!

I love you all,

Pics & Pattern Links

2009-12-20T01:24:00.005-06:00

Hey y'all! I've been meaning to take some pics and post for y'all & I've finally done it! LOL
No new news on the homefront, except that I made a 100 on my last exam! YaY!
Ok, now that you've been updated on my life, on to the pics....

Remember the scarf & hat set I mentioned in my last post? Just did my own thing on these, no patterned followed. I think the stitch is called a broken rib. I really loved using this stitch, the back side of it is a kind of seed stitch, making the scarf & hat completely reversible...looking equally good on either side, and the fabric turned out very cushy! I'm really rather pleased with how it turned out.

Here's a close-up of the front & back of the scarf...

For my roommate's sister, my new friend Millisa's birthday I made her a set of coasters in University of Tennessee colors orange & white...she is such a big UT fan! You can find this extremely easy & quick pattern by Ms. Rachel HERE.

This darling little doll is for my niece Kylee. She has been on me for a while to make her one, and when I came across THIS PATTERN it was just too cute to pass on making! It was another really easy pattern to follow & I really enjoyed making it. Kylee keeps asking if I'm making her a princess, so I'm gonna whip up a crown for her too. I'll try and remember to post a pic when it's done. For now, here's the doll according to the pattern (colors changed a little for Miss Kylee's taste *wink*)

Finally, I made my first crochet item using thread instead of yarn! I have always had such a big problem reading crochet patterns and the doily/doily-types are really murder for me! But THIS PATTERN seemed like the perfect opportunity to try again. It took me a bit to figure the whole thing out, but I finally got it! I haven't blocked & stiffened it yet because I don't have any startch, but I couldn't wait to share!

....and that's all the pics I have for now, so I'm off to see what else I can whip up before Christmas! hehehehe

Hugs, health & happiness to you all,

Life Update, Blogging & Knitting Mo-Jo and Pattern Links!

2009-12-01T11:21:00.005-06:00

Hello, hello!
OMGoodness!!! I cannot believe that it has been almost three months since my last post! I can promise you all that THAT won't happen again! I am so sorry my friends! My life has been in such a whirlwind lately! But, at least it has been going well and things are finally settling down now. Here's a quick overview/rundown of what's been going on the last little bit here.....

Had to stay with the ex for a while because I had no other place to go. Finally got a roommate though! Her name is Sherri & she used to date my younger brother, so I have known her for a few years and we get along great! I am still on the waiting list for assisted housing & God willing will be getting my own place for me and the boys soon....wouldn't THAT be a wonderful Christmas present!?!?!

My mother moved in with someone addicted to painkillers, now guess who's also addicted and supporting both of their habits!?!? She is totally not herself & has turned her back on all of us kids...unless she needs something. So it has come to the point where I have nothing to do with her. I told her that she has to get help first....it's that tough love thing. I hope it works, cause I sure miss my mom!

My younger brother is always in the middle of some sort of drama. Still doing drugs himself & I just want to strangle that boy....uuuggghhh!

My older brother has really been doing well though and finally, at 40, is starting to act like a man. I love it!

My kiddos are doing great! Over the last few months my relationship with each of them has gotten stronger and stronger! I cannot express how much each of them have been a source of strength for me, and them not even realize it. I know I am extremely biased, and no offense to all the other mothers of sons out there, but I truly believe my boys are the best in the world!!!

The ex still wants me to come home & honestly there have been a couple of times that I seriously considered it. Then he would get drunk and go on a half the night rant & remind me all to much why I wasn't able to stay there in the first place.

I have been talking to a few guys here and there but still nothing serious. Then here recently I started talking to this wonderful man & things really appear to be progressing towards something very nice. Still getting to know each other, but so far we are both really like what we are finding.

I have enrolled in a Veterinary Technician course. Yes y'all I am back in school! I am so excited!! I have always had such a heart for animals and wanted to do something where I could help them so being an "animal nurse" seemed to make so much sense & has really been on my heart for quite some time now. Now that I am in the position to make what I want of myself, I couldn't wait to get started & this is my first step! I have taken my first two exams and made A's on both of them!!! Go me!

And yep, I have my knitting, and I think blogging, mo-jo back!!! I have been a knitting fool (& crocheting---maybe I should say YARN mo-jo!?!? lol) I have made my friend Sam's little boy Jacob a red Power Ranger, using the free Playtime Baby Doll pattern found here & the colors of the specific Power Ranger he wanted and then embroidered the details that I couldn't add while crocheting. It turned out pretty good! I have also been working on a black lion for her oldest son Patrick, per his request, lol. The pattern I am using is great! You can find that free pattern here. I have worked up some dishcloths; two Rope Stitch Dishcloths and one Darrell Waltrip cloth. Both are free patterns & I really did enjoy them alot! They were each very simple to memorize and work up, but not boring in the least...just my kind of patterns! Now I'm working on an order for a matching hat & scarf! Whew! I am one busy knitter! lol

So my friends, that is what has been going on with me!
I sure hope y'all are all doing good & that life is being good to you.
Much love,

A Better Day

2009-09-09T18:04:00.004-05:00

Yep, definitely better! I woke up this morning and did some house cleaning. I figured that at the very least I would feel a sense of accomplishment and that always helps the mood! It did. Then I was able to get the money to get my meds refilled & within an hour I already felt more like myself.....aaaahhh....relief!!!! I came back home, turned some music on and whipped up some enchiladas for dinner...YUM-MY!

I've started making a list each morning of things that I'd like to do on a daily basis, as well as things I'd like to accomplish that day. So far I've been able to, at the very least, get motivated to do some things that I have been neglecting. Updating my blog being one. Reading, a long time love of mine which has been sorely neglected, being another. Through all the instability in my life right now I have neglected the one hobby that is my true passion as well; my knitting. *sighs* It is added to my list as well! Now, if I can just make this a habit...

I want to thank all of my wonderful blog-land friends for being so caring and so supportive. I really cannot express how much your friendships mean to me!

Loads of Love,

Just One of Those Days....

2009-09-08T11:01:00.003-05:00

Y'all this is one of those days that I just am NOT doing well at all and I just need to vent. With that being said, now is the perfect time for you to stop reading if you don't want to read anything negative today! Being bipolar and out of my meds is not a good thing. Thursday, when I will be able to go buy them, is only a couple more days away, but in the meantime I am having a really rough go of it. I don't know what the hell to do with myself! I got up this morning, had my cup of coffee, ate a fairly sensible breakfast & even journaled it! I made the bed, cleaned the bathroom, made a list of stuff I wanted to accomplish (writing in my blog more regularly being one of them) and thought things were going good...then I had to deal with Wayne invading my personal space earlier and that was all she wrote! It was like a light switch....I went into total panic attack, an uncontrollable crying fit & hating that I have no control over my emotions! I feel like I need to do something but I just don't freaking have a clue what!! I am at such a loss, begging for God to help me....please!!! I have so many positive things that I want to tell you all about and just can't right now...why can't I just be normal so that I can focus on those positives and be ok. Logically I know that would be the most effective way to handle my feelings right now, but it just doesn't work like that for me...aaarrrgggghhhh!!!

Ok, end of my crybaby ranting now. To those of you that read it all, thank you my friends, and I am sorry this wasn't a perky post.
I sure do love y'as!

The Beginnings of a Hacky-Sack

2009-09-01T15:07:00.003-05:00

Hello my friends! Just a little bit of news about my personal situation. Still dating casually, haven't clicked with anyone enough to date consistently yet, but that is really a good thing for right now. I've never just dated; I always went from one relationship to another. This is truly a nice change.

I got approved for help with housing! I am so excited! Now it's just a matter of waiting for availability. Waiting is so hard for me. I am NOT a patient person! LOL

Last night I was up and down throughout the night coughing & with a sore throat; fun-fun. I was told that it was probably because the pollen count is so high here right now. Maybe, who knows. I just hope whatever it is, it's over soon!

Since I didn't get much sleep last night, I'm feeling pretty drug down today, so I'm just taking it easy. I had a request to make a hacky-sack for someone, so I'm crocheting one today. It's about time I got my hands working on something. I've been so preoccupied lately that I haven't taken the time to knit (or crochet) at all. Here's my progress so far....

I am using the free crochet patter I found HERE on Dorf's Dismal Diary.

So far so good, and I am loving the color! Having my hands in yarn always makes me feel better too!

I think about my bloggy friends alot. I sure hope that you are all doing well. I miss you & love you all bunches!

It's Been A While...

2009-08-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

It has indeed been a while. Life has taken so many crazy twists and turns over the past couple of months! Wayne and I are still separated & I feel very good about my decision to leave. Even Wayne agrees that I did the best thing for us both & we are better friends now and get along better than we ever have our whole relationship. It's crazy! We both confide in each other about everything, including the people that each of us dates.

The boys are doing great! They have really adjusted well. I am so proud of my guys!

I have to say that I haven't lacked attention from the opposite sex at all! What an ego boost! After going for so long being made to feel that I wasn't worth much, I am really enjoying it!

I haven't been knitting quite as much though. I really haven't had a really steady home and moving about doesn't leave me feeling encouraged to start new projects. I have done a few dishcloths and gave them away. I started a blanket and pull it out and knit on it every now and then. I just finished a small bag and now I am working on a soda can cozy.

So, what have y'all been into my friends?

Wishing you all the love, health and happiness you can stand!

A Quick Update

2009-06-14T14:59:00.003-05:00

Hello my friends!
Since my last post I have been able to move in with my mom.
It has been a very positive thing. Actually, my leaving Wayne has been a very positive thing. I am finally starting to learn to love myself again, and to love life again. It is amazing!!

I don't have internet quite yet, so I've been getting alot of knitting done, lol. I should be connected again by the end of the month though.

Thank you all so much for your well wishes, your thoughts & your prayers.
You guys are the best and I love you all so much.

Huge, huge hugs....

Uuuuggghhhh.....

2009-06-04T15:01:00.002-05:00

This is going to be a very quick post y'all, but I wanted to drop in and let you know what's going on.

First off, I left Wayne. It was so hard--funny how hard it can be even though things are so bad--but I did it, and I truly feel like I've had a boulder removed from my chest. The boys are even more at ease. Because of the situation, I can't tell y'all anymore about it right now, but I'll fill y'all in when I can.

Secondly, I was told about a week and a half ago that my Uncle Thommy (my Daddy's younger brother, and my favorite living uncle) was put in the hospital and found out he has cancer in his lungs & liver and it's spreading fast. He was in ICU for a while, but once they got his fever down they let him go home because that's what he wanted. Today I got the news that he isn't expected to make it through the day. Y'all I am crushed!

I'm tellin' ya, when it rains, it pours.

I'd appreciate any prayers and any good thoughts you could send our way.

I love y'all!

A life rant and some news

2009-05-31T07:47:00.003-05:00

My life just seems to be in a total uproar right now y'all. My meds aren't doing that great of a job keeping my moods level and nothing is helping my panic attacks. Even my knitting hasn't been as therapeutic as it usually is. I know my home situation is not doing anything to help at all, and I am ready to make that change.

I have been having such a hard time coping with Wayne's attitude and actions. I have tried talking to him about his drinking, and he makes empty promises that he appears to be keeping for a week, maybe two and then it's right back to "normal". Lately he has even been getting angry when I hang out with my BFF. It has gotten to the point that I can't stand for him to even be nice to me anymore, because (while I know he's sincere when he is) it is always so short-lived and he gets upset over how I do or don't react when he does and then he is hateful for the rest of the day. I have been so "done," so over it, for so long now. I don't even want things to work anymore.

Last night we finally talked (believe it or not, he was sober). He said that I am not home enough (funny, I run errands on Thursdays & on a normal week get out with Sam once, MAYBE twice-and rarely ever more than that, she has a family too!). Now granted, when he's drinking, there are times I will get up and leave, but who can blame me for that? He said that as my husband he should come first in my life above everything, that is what he deserves and he is tired of playing 2nd fiddle to everything else in my life. He said he needs stability. Sitting here typing this it just hit me! He had me feeling so guilty last night...but looking back, I am amazed at how he can point the finger at me like he is the freaking rock of gibraltar! He continued by saying that these times are financially stressful and I am not very supportive, in fact I add to the stress--I don't know how; he gave me $65 this week to go grocery shopping on & I had $4 left over and I'll be darned if he didn't take that back! On average, this is about how much he gives me for groceries every week; some weeks more, some weeks less but $65 is the average. I don't typically get pocket money. This past weekend I did ask for money to get away for the weekend. It was the 1 year anniversary of my Daddy's death & I just needed to go away. He filled up my tank and gave me $10 for the road. Other than that, I don't ask him for money and he rarely ever just hands any over. Yet he always finds money for his cigs & beer, but I'M adding to the financial stress.

He told me he couldn't live like this anymore. I agreed. Y'all, I agreed with damn near everything he said last night. Even when I complained about something that he did that bothered me, I included my faults as well. I did not sit here and let him "have it with both barrells." I took all of the blame. Me, and my bipolar & anxiety disorders. We took it all. I put nothing off on him. But I did tell him that I knew that neither one of us were happy and that this situation was not healthy for either of us and surely not the boys. He doesn't want to be without me (of course, I just don't understand that since I am such an awful and unstable person). He thinks we could be great together. That when I am good (his words y'all!) I am the perfect woman.

Y'all I simply told him that I am bipolar. I am only physically able to be so stable. Try as I might, I have limitations. I am not going to be this perfect wife that never gets depressed, or upset or has a panic/anxiety attack. Lord above knows that I wish I could! But the fact of the matter is, I'm not. Being in this situation is not helping it either. I told him that I felt I should go Monday and apply for housing assistance. I have to stay here until they can get me into a place, because I have no where else to go. He suggested we be kind to each other-I agreed, but then he was not happy that his offer of kindness wasn't enough to make me want to stay. Today is our 15th wedding anniversary, and tomorrow is Monday. Tomorrow I will be trying to find the resources to move on and start to pick up the pieces.

So that's what's been goin' on. That's my rant; my news.
Have a great week guys.
I love y'all!

Hey Y'all!

2009-05-16T07:55:00.004-05:00

Miss me? Of course you did! You love me, right? Hehehe.

Seriously, y'all I just do not know what my deal is lately. I have been staying pretty occupied, but when I am home I do get on the computer. I just do not feel like doing anything productive on here. I know, I know...BAD ME! It's not that I don't love y'all...not by any stretch of the imagination. My attention span just hasn't been long enough for me to focus on any one thing for long. Even my knitting is suffering....or maybe the opposite...I don't know. I have more projects on the needles (and hooks) than I have ever had before at one time, but I can only spend a little time on each at any given point.

I know what it is! I've got it! It's cabin fever! Winter is finally over and the pretty weather is here and when I am not out in it, I am restless. Then there are the Spring showers that are abounding here in my little part of Tennessee lately. I am tellin' ya, this is the wettest Spring I can recall...or maybe I'm just getting old and can't remember from year to year.

I am still working on the same pair of socks I have been working on for weeks now. I tend to lay it down and start on something else after an inch or so. I laid down the Power Ranger once I got to the body done (minus the detail). The poor thing needs a head something fierce! I did crochet a cute amigirumi heart following a free pattern from Tamie Snow of Roxycraft. I love. love. love. her stuff! I also started on an adorable free bunny pattern I found at Rheatheylia.com via Ravelry. I did actually FINISH a cute little knitted kitty from angry t-rex roars...

...cute, huh? Damon is really into anime and it reminded him of some cat on one of the ones he watches or something so he swiped it, lol.

I also made this free Mother's Day Cloth by KrisKnits for my Mommy for Mother's Day...

...she wouldn't use it as a cloth, so I framed it for her. She is sentimental like that. I would love to make her an afghan using plain stockinette squares alternated with this cloth pattern throughout. Maybe that would be good for me to get started on for Christmas...in her favorite color.

So that's pretty much it....well, all that AND I have lost a total of 15.6 lbs. now!
hehehe

I hope y'all have a great weekend.
I love yas!

Hugs, health and happiness,

Out of Sorts

2009-05-02T14:59:00.003-05:00

Hey guys, sorry I've been a bit scarce lately. As the title of this post says, I've just been feelin' out of sorts lately.

I have, however, been knitting like crazy!
I am currently working on a pair of socks. I am learning how to knit them toe up and I have to tell you I love, love, love the toe up method! I am using the Houdini Sock Pattern by Cat Bordhi. I am almost to the heel of it now. It has been my traveling project that I keep in my purse/bag so I mostly only knit on it when I'm out and about. For my "at home" project I am designing/knitting a Power Ranger doll for the BFF's youngest, Jacob. Do you know that there is not a single pattern out there anywhere for a knit OR crochet Power Ranger doll!?!? I'll be sure to post pics as soon as I get it done.

I have also made another elephant, this one was for the man. I though he was gonna have a caniption fit when I gave the first one to Jesse! I had to promise that I'd make him one and he asked me every day where his "heffalump" was. Big baby! Actually, I have to admit that I was quite flattered, lol.

Then I got frustrated having to hunt down my darning needles and such in the bottom of my knitting basket all the time so I made me a pin cushion. I made it with a pocket to hold my little dropped-stitch crochet hook and what's that on front? Do you recognise it? It is a sheep made by none other than my knitter friend Patt!

I also got a set of dishclothes made! I got the idea for the set and the pattern modifications from my knitter friend Mary Anne. I just love Mary Anne. She is definitely one of my knitter heros!
The original patterns are the Feather & Fan Cloth from the Dishcloth Boutique and the Basket Rib Dishcloth from Traci Knits. Both are super easy to make. The patterns are easy to remember and make for great take along projects. I love how these turn out and I will definitely be making loads of these in a variety of different colors.

I also designed a cute cloth. I need to take a pic of it, and once I do and get it typed up, I promise to share it with y'all!

Oh, and I do want to share with y'all some good news on the topic of my health/weight, I have lost 13.7 lbs now!! I am feeling so good. I have more energy, more stamina and am gaining more self-confidence. This is a lifestyle that I feel comfortable continuing.

....Ok, I am going to go now and get busy around the house.
Y'all have a great weekend!
Hugs, Health & Happiness,

Jesus said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5)

A Review by a Knitting Junkie!

2009-04-27T19:27:00.004-05:00

You’re homeless, living under a pier.
You are living in a loveless marriage and facing divorce.
You feel like you have outlived your welcome on this earth and have nothing left to offer.
You feel like you have nothing left to live for.
You feel like you are at a dead end, but are you?
Or do you just need a new perspective?

The Noticer is a wonderful book of inspirational stories that leaves you thinking about your own situation(s) and looking for a new perspective. This book by Andy Andrews is a series of stories about several people in one small town and is based on a true story. I was totally entranced and didn’t want to put it down for even a minute.

I was so touched by the messages and life lessons in this book that I plan on using it in my family’s home school lessons for our two teenage boys. This will be made even easier by the Reader’s Guide in the back of the book, provided for group discussion or personal reflection.

I really cannot recommend this book enough, no matter what walk you are on in your life, and I will definitely be reading more from Andy Andrews!

*Member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program. For more information, please visit http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

My Baby...

2009-04-03T22:54:00.005-05:00

Hey y'all!
Today my baby turned 13.
So to my baby...

Age 8

Age 13

My how my baby has grown!

His best friend Abby and her mom threw him a surprise party today.
I actually got him there without him figuring it out.
He was indeed surprised and absolutely thrilled!

And in knitting news,
I just finished a dishcloth and I thought the pattern turned out really pretty so I wanted to share the link with you and show you the one I worked up today.

You can find this free pattern by Kimara of Wee Folk Art
HERE.
I am working on using up my cotton stash, so I used the same yarn for this cloth that I did with the Monthly Dishcloth KAL group.

I'm gonna pair 'em up and give them to my landlord's wife as a birthday gift. Her birthday is today too, but they are celebrating it tomorrow.

That's enough rambling for me tonight.
I hope y'all have a great weekend!

Hugs, health & happiness,

Lovin' It...

2009-03-31T10:42:00.003-05:00

I started this hat back at the beginning of March. I was "done" the day after I started it, but it was about 1.5 inches shorter than I wanted it, so I had to frog back on it. Because of the pattern, I couldn't find a good stopping point for my frogging, so I ended up going all the way back to the top of the picot edge. *sighs* I do know what a 'lifeline' is, why I always forget to use one is beyond me! This is an awesome pattern, very easy to work up yet not boring. However, doing it the second time, I was frustrated at myself and not as motivated so I didn't work very diligently on it, that's my ADD kicking in. I finally finished it last night and I absolutely LOVE-IT! This was supposed to be for my sister, but my husband & BFF's 17 year old cousin Michelle was in an extremely bad car accident and they had to shave her head. At first they didn't even think she would live, but she is doing good. She has a long way to go as she has some brain damage, but she is a fighter and she is going to do it! They let her see herself in the mirror for the first time this past week. She was so depressed she asked David (her dad) why he didn't just let her die. How heartbreaking is that? She told Sam (my BFF) she wanted a pink hat. So, I am giving her this one. I know it was for Karen Sue, but I know she will understand!

The pattern is found at How Stuff Works and is the Free Gull Stitch Toque Knitting Pattern. I modified it and gave it a picot edge. I worked the rest of it according to the pattern.
I used Berroco Comfort yarn.

Here is the front:

and here is the top:

What do y'all think?
I sure hope 'Chelly likes it.

Hugs, health and happiness,

Progress

2009-03-28T12:54:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!
I thought I would give you an update on my progress and show you how I keep track of it.

First, I have to say that I weigh myself every day. This is not for everyone, but it works for me. I don't pay much attention to the daily number (once upon a time I couldn't do that, I totally obsessed over it!), I just use it as a guide. I know that if the number on the scale spikes one day, I can usually look back on my food journal 2 days and see what was going on. Did I eat out with a friend that day? Did I cut loose and have too many alcoholic drinks? Did I journal that day at all (I've noticed that I don't tend to eat near as healthy, nor as moderately if I don't write it all down!)? The same goes for if the number is holding steady or dropping...I can look back and see what I was doing RIGHT! I also don't use this daily number to track my weight loss. So many things can affect that number. If you eat too much salt for instance, there's a good chance you will be retaining some water. Soda tends to have the same affect. For us women, PMS can have a huge affect. So can whether or not you are 'regular'; if you are have a bout with constipation, it does indeed show up on the scale.

So, how do I judge my weight loss? I have started averaging my weight every Monday. I didn't used to, but I needed to see that amid my ups and downs on my daily weigh-ins I was making some definite progress. Here is a pic of my line graph that I record my weights on. See the green line? That's my average weights...How encouraging is it to see that line going further and further down, and at a steady rate to boot!

**click on the thumbnail to see the full-size pic**

Have a healthy weekend y'all!
Hugs & happiness,

Go Me!

2009-03-25T14:37:00.002-05:00

I have been a major couch potato. Homeschooling the kiddos, reading my emails and doing my daily computer stuff on my laptop, Knitting....you know what all of these things have in common? They are done with me sitting right here on my couch-where I am currently sitting on my derriere!

Now, keep in mind I am over 300 lbs. AND I have been a major couch potato, so I have to start small and gradually pick it up, but 10 days ago I set a goal for myself to exercise for 10 minutes every day and I have been doing it!

I started out with Leslie Sansone's Walk-kick DVD from her Walk-Fit series and have even purchased two more dance fitness DVDs featuring MaDonna Grimes.

Most days I have to really talk myself into working out, but I have succeeded and so far I have done it every day! That's a 10-day streak!

Go me!
I am so excited!!!
Hugs, Health and Happiness,

Darlin'! Just Darlin'....

2009-03-24T15:00:00.003-05:00

Hope this brought a smile to your face!
Hugs, health and happiness,

Totally Awed...

2009-03-19T16:47:00.002-05:00

My very dear blogging buddy Patt from Patt's Creations Madness has given me a couple of awards.

I am in total awe.
Thank you Patt!

There are expectations that come with awards like these and here they are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

And so...on with the presentation of awards to 10 blogs/bloggers I love (in no particular order)!

Why Patt's Creations Maddness of course!
Winged Expression where you'll find my new friend Sara.
Twilight Knits is a wonderful lady who dies some very pretty yarn!
I love to visit Mary Anne at her blog miss woolly knits... I have worked up more than just one of her patterns!
At Kitt's Krafts, you'll not only find a creative lady, but she frequently shares about her extremely talented son.
Aunt Kathy's Place is home to one very inspirational lady!
Armina's Ami-Nals if full of the creative and generous offerings of a very talented crocheter.
I have mentioned Amy Bayliss, and how much of an inspiration she is.
And a must-visit blog is Brandie's A journey of 1000 stitches begins with just one...
I also always love visiting Theresa over at Kids and Dogs.

I want to thank all of you ladies so much for being such an inspiration to me creatively, spiritually, physically....y'all are great and have made my days so much fuller. I am trully blessed.

Hugs, Health & Happiness,

Pics As Promised

2009-03-19T15:29:00.004-05:00

Here he is, Jesse's Elephant...I think he is so cute!
Of course, I'm biased.

And this is the hat that I made for his little brother Jacob.
He LOVES hats!

What do you think????
I can't wait to get your feedback.

Hugs, Health & Happiness,

Oh Dear!

2009-03-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

I so did not realize how long it had been since my last post!
I guess it is time for a catch-up.

Things are still up and down at home, but there hasn't been anymore blow-up's or tirades from Wayne. So that's good! He is still drinking like a fish. Damon informed me that he was really upset because "Dad's always drunk!" What can I say?

I have been working on another knitting project. My BFF's little boy requested an elephant. I found a free pattern and knit it up. It is knit in pieces and then sewn together. There as a few spots in the pattern that wasn't clear, but I got it; at least until the assembly part. Maybe it is just the blonde in me, but they lost me. I put it together the way that I thought and for the most part is was ok, but it was like there were parts missing or something. I really wasn't feeling it at all. So, being the obsessed knitter that I am, I had to come up with my own pattern. It is turning out sooooo cute!!! I finished it up and the only thing that I didn't like was that it appeared that the poor little guy was taking a nose dive, lol. So I am having to make just a bit of a change to the legs. I will do my best to get some pictures up tomorrow.

I have also been working on making some healthy lifestyle changes. I know that is what I need to do. I also know that it wouldn't do me a bit of good to lose weight unless I make the healthy changes needed to keep it off. So I went on an information expedition. Did you know that the nutritional pyramid doesn't have set amounts anymore? And there is so much contradicting information out there. Then I found it! What 'it' did I find, you ask? SparkPeople. What a wonderful FREE site with a wealth of information on healthy living. On SparkPeople I also found an awesome supportive community and so many tools and resources like a nutrition tracker and a fitness tracker. I just cannot say enough about this site! And I am doing it! I am really making lifelong healthy changes! This is the only thing that has clicked with me. And of course, as I suspected, I am losing weight as a result. The last time I told you all what I weighed I was at 308.2 lbs. Believe it or not, I actually gained MORE weight after that! At one point I was up to 312.0 lbs. Well, I am happy to report that I have lost 8.2 lbs since February 16! Wooo-hooo! Not only that, but I feel absolutely wonderful!
I feel so good, and so positive that I don't even mind sharing a 'before' picture with y'all!

You're more than welcome to visit me on my SparkPeople page too!

And that is what has been going on with me!
What has been going on with you?

I'll catch y'all later!
Hugs, Health and Happiness,

My Very First Review

2009-03-02T14:51:00.002-06:00

I wrote my very first review on Chic Critique!
Stop by and check it out...

Hat Pattern: Sherri

2009-02-24T23:39:00.005-06:00

This post and pattern can now be found here on my new blog:
http://aseknc.blogspot.com/2009/02/hat-pattern-sherri.html

Hope to see you there!
Hugs & Blessings,
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`♥Anita

http://aseknc.blogspot.com/

Roller Coaster Ride

2009-02-20T13:55:00.002-06:00

That's what I've been on. It was really hard for me to come in and write, but I have learned that some of you really look forward to my posts (more than I would have ever imagined and that warms my heart to no end!) so I felt I should visit with you for a while and let you know how I've been. Ups and downs like you wouldn't believe! Oh my goodness, where do I begin?

We got our income tax refund!

The IRS took out $2000 that they said we owed in back taxes.

I got a truck like I have always wanted!!
It is a '94 Chevy Z-71. We only buy vehicles when we can pay cash for them and I have always been a truck girl; it's the redneck in me. I am in love with my new-to-me truck!

Wayne has been drinking more and more and is really getting to be hateful when he does.

I have been meditating with God every morning. I have also started working on memorizing scripture and have been doing quite well at it.

Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife and Chic Critique asked me to be a contributing writer at Chic Critique! I am so very excited! Chic Critique is an awesome blog and I have been following it for quite a while. If you haven't ever checked it out, you really should. I am sure you'll want to follow too! You can click on the link above, or on the button I have posted in my sidebar.

Wayne got drunk two nights ago and decided it was time to go on a rampage.
Apparently I have a huge, unprovoked (according to him) chip on my shoulder and it was something that had to be "hashed out" right then and there. No it could not wait until the next day when he was sober, no matter how much I begged, it had to be done right then.

We did sit down and talk things out (again, but rationally) the next day and for the time being, things are peaceful around here.

When he was yelling at me during his rampage, I slammed my laptop down beside me on the couch and I royally screwed it up. It took almost two days to get it up and running. We had to recover it, which meant that I lost all of my files and pics that I hadn't been in a hurry to store online (I mean really, the computer is only a year old...surely nothing will happen to it!)...freaking brilliant, I am! Now, part of the time I can only run it in safe mode, and the rest of the time it takes hours (yes, hours) for it to load up after restart.

At least I can get online now, I am loving my truck, my cupboards are full of food and I have plenty of yarn to knit...overall I am very blessed!

Thanks for listening to me carry on.
I needed that.
XOXOXO

Five Fabulous Blogs

2009-02-08T15:42:00.006-06:00

First of all, I want to thank Marianne of The New Frugal Mom again for this award.
I am truly honored.

I had such a hard time just choosing five blogs, but these are the ones that really stuck out this week. I truly do not endorse anything that I don't enjoy or find useful myself and these five are all, well, Fabulous!
If you haven't checked them out yet, please do. I'm sure you will think they are just as fabulous as I do!
And now...

5 Fabulous Blogs
Scribbit
http://scribbit.blogspot.com/

Little Birdie Secrets
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/

We Heart Yarn
http://weheartyarn.blogspot.com/

Tip Junkie
http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/

Rachel's Knitting Corner
http://rachelsknittingcorner.blogspot.com/

Just In Time For Some Valentine's Knitting...

2009-02-06T16:13:00.006-06:00

This post and pattern can now be found here on my new blog:
http://aseknc.blogspot.com/2009/02/just-in-time-for-some-valentine.html

Hope to see you there!
Hugs & Blessings,
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`♥Anita

http://aseknc.blogspot.com/

A Word of Thanks...

2009-01-31T13:19:00.004-06:00

Thank You!
I am simply amazed and heart-warmed that so many of you left such kind and supportive comments. Thank you all so very much.
I also have to give a special 'Thank You' to Marianne of The New Frugal Mom who not only left some encouraging words for me, but check out what she awarded me with too!!!

I will be passing it along to a few fabulous bloggers as well, so keep your eyes open!

Me, Spiritually
This past week I felt myself being drawn even closer to God and a feeling of His peace has engulfed me. There were a couple of days that I was out of the house most of the day and didn't make time to read my Bible and meditate on His word, and I missed it. I could feel the difference verses the days that I do make that time for Him.

Me, Health-wise
I have to admit that I didn't eat very healthy this week though. However, I did stick to my personal resolution to be more active. I started using a timer when I am online or knitting. I allow myself 45 minutes and then I must get my rear in gear and do something productive for a while. It has really been very effective and I am starting to feel better already. I feel like I am getting much more accomplished around the house as well. Now I just need to work on eating healthier. Baby steps are good though, right?

Knitting!
I had such a wonderful experience last night! Wayne and I finally got the last of our W-2's yesterday afternoon and knowing that H&R Block would be super busy, I packed up what I needed to knit while we waited. I guess I had been sitting there knitting for about 45 minutes to an hour when one of the ladies that works there came up and asked me what I was knitting. I explained to her that I was working on a design of my own for a heart-shaped dishcloth and she was in aw and said she had never seen one heart-shaped before and asked me if I sell my patterns! I told her that right now I share my patterns for free here on my blog and that I would right down the pattern for her while they did our taxes. We chatted for a bit and of course, before I left she had the pattern, my email and my blog address. She was thrilled-and I walked out of there on cloud 9. Aaahh...the simple pleasures of life!

Of course, I do indeed plan on sharing the pattern with you all as well.
I am afraid that it will have to wait though. I have a new power cord on its way, but I am on the last of my battery for my laptop and it simply doesn't have enough charge for me to type it up right now.
However, I do want to share the link to a great pattern and a pic of the one that I whipped up as a Christmas present for Damon's little girlfriend's mom.

It is the eLoomanator's Diagonal Knit Dishcloth by Jana Trent.
Other than the heart cloth that I designed and plan on sharing with you, this is my very favorite cloth to knit up so far!
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

And that's all for now.
I write as long-winded as I talk and I am sure you are ready for a break from me by now!
Big Hugs...

Let the confessions begin...

2009-01-24T15:42:00.000-06:00

Gracious, where do I start today's post? I have so very much to say. I am really at a crossroads in my life. So much has happened and there is so much that needs to happen. There is so much to share. When I started this blog, I thought it would be a great way to share my knitting experiences with other knitters while I kept a chronicle of my work for myself. As I have made friends in this wonderful world of knitter and mom-blogs I have felt compelled to share so much more than just my knitting. I feel that the friends I am making are very real and this is how we communicate. Well, this and Twitter! So that is the turn my blogging is taking. Of course I will still be sharing all of my knitting stuff, but I feel the need to really open up personally as well. And so, here begins the sharing of my confessions, my thoughts and my life. Grab a cup of coffee. This post is a bit lengthy, but I hope you'll stick around!

About the state of my spirit.
I began reading my Bible again today. Since Wayne left me back in March of last year I have been running from God. I knew it. I know that it was because I wanted to be selfish and deal with my wounds my way and I knew in my heart that my way was not God's way. I have been praying that God would work on my heart and draw me close to him again, because my mind and soul know that I need Him, but my heart just has not been in it. Lo-and-behold, God is answering my prayers. Today I woke up with an intense desire to read His word so, I did. The very first verse that I read hit me up side the head like a ton of bricks!

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
-Proverbs 18:1, NKJV

WOW! You see, I haven't just been "hiding" from God, I was isolating myself from everyone, especially my Christian friends, for fear disapproval and 'wise judgment'.

My prayer.
Thank you God for opening my eyes to this. Thank you for answering my prayers and drawing me close to you again. Thank you God for your grace and unconditional love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now, while I am sharing confessions...

About my weight & health.
I am a big girl. I have a large frame to begin with and I have always struggled with my weight. When I was in school and weighed a mere 115 lbs I felt fat because my friends who weighed more than I did wore clothes 2 or more sizes smaller than me. At 16, I married the first guy who showed me any real attention; unfortunately he was very possessive and obsessive and used my insecurities about my weight to verbally abuse me and make me feel worthless so that I would stay with him thinking that I couldn't do any better. Thank the good Lord above for giving me enough sense to quickly get out of that situation. Once I was on my own again, I started coming to terms with my body. I learned that men like curves, and boy did I have 'em! When I turned 18 I met Wayne who accepted and loved me and my body just the way it was and soon we got married and were having babies. Can we say baby-fat? In '92 I joined Weight Watchers and lost 35 lbs! I weighed less than I did when Wayne and I got together and I felt good! I kept most of the weight off for a year or so, but Wayne and I began having problems and being an emotional eater, I packed it all back on with interest. Over the last 6 years our marriage has seen many ups & downs and my bathroom scale has consistently seen a series of ups. I have tried to go back to WW numerous times, but I just can't seem to stick with it. I have considered gastric bypass surgery, but I just really feel God telling me that it's not the way He wants me to go. That pretty much brings me to now.

This morning I stepped on the scale again. I weigh 308.2 lbs. Do you know how hard it is to share that with you? I am considered 'morbidly obese'. It is time. I have to get serious about getting healthy. Would you like to join me? At the very least, I need some accountability; so, I will continue to blog about my quest for a healthier me. I plan to not focus as much on weight loss per say as eating healthier and being more active. I have no doubts that the pounds will come off just as a side effect of a healthier lifestyle.

Ok, I think that I have rambled on enough for one post. I will share more later when your eyes have had a chance to rest!
I do indeed love and appreciate you all!
Big hugs,

My Boys Knit!

2009-01-18T10:31:00.011-06:00

You know, I just have to start off by saying that I SUCK at coming up with titles for my blog posts. I have read all of the tips for coming up with catchy titles, and I just can't do it! *sighs* Oh well.

I told you that I just might have a pattern for you over the weekend and I hate to disappoint. I have so many pics from my holiday knitting that I am just going through them in the order I took them and am sharing the pattern or pattern link for that item. Today I am sharing a link. I'll get to that in a minute. (aaahh...the suspense!)

I have to say that I love. love. love homeschooling my boys! I know that homeschooling is not for everyone, but I am here to tell you that it has been a huge blessing in my life. I love that I can choose what my children learn. I am quite eclectic in my teaching style. We do learn Math and Grammar from textbooks, but other subjects are learned hands-on and through life situations. We use a high school American History book as a springboard for Unit Studies. We use internet communications to sharpen up our Spelling and Grammar skills, as well as a Spelling textbook to work on our handwriting. We have taken a rock climbing class, we are learning ASL (American Sign Language) together and plan to learn Spanish as well as German, their Grandmother's native tongue. You know what else my 12 & 14 year old boys are learning? KNITTING! Yup, you read it right. My boys had zero interest in learning it and didn't want to either, yet both sat down without complaint when I made it a requirement for our homeschool. Sneaky huh?

Now nobody get your panties in a wad and carry on about how unfair that was of me because I did it for a reason. For one, I wanted to teach that you should be open minded and not label this craft as a "girlie" activity. I also wanted them to simply try something new and get out of their comfort zone just a little bit. I knew that knitting would help my youngest who is very ADD. I knew it would help because he doesn't get it from a stranger, I am very ADD myself and knitting is a God-send for me. Knitting is part of a Unit Study as well. Knitting not only counts as our art, but we learn math through knitting, history, we have even learned science through knitting.

I only required that they did all Unit Study work related to knitting and that they each pick out one project to do. The project had to involve both knitting and purling. They had to complete that one project and then they never had to pick up knitting again. My oldest, who was the more resistant before I made knitting a school subject this year, has really gotten into it. We were sitting there one evening knitting away together and out of the blue he pops off with "Hey, this would be really good to know in a 'survival' situation!" Go Jeremy! Damon likes to turn to his knitting when he starts to get frustrated and antsy with other subjects like Math and Grammar. It helps him to step away, refocus and relax so that he can get back to them with a fresher mind. Knitting is also known to help focus and retention of other subjects. How cool is that!

Damon's project was an iPod cozy for his girlfriend Erika for Christmas. We didn't go by a pattern, just cast on the number we thought would give us the width we needed and then worked a 2x2 ribbing until it was twice as long as we needed. We then folded it up and sewed the sides together with the CO & BO tails which we intentionally left long for that purpose. Darn it, I didn't even get a pic of it and I am so frustrated! *sighs* Oh well. Jeremy chose a free pattern for a dishcloth with a NASCAR theme by Woodhill Design Knits; Dale Earnhart Jr.'s #88 of course! And since he is still working on it, I do have a pic of that!

Believe it or not, Damon decided he wanted to start another project! Yet again, we aren't going by a pattern. My Damon is quite the little rocker dude and my younger brother Charlie gave him this hat for Christmas.

And my older brother Jeff, being a rocker dude from way-back-when, told Damon that the hat would look cool with a white band around it. Sooooo....Damon wanted to knit one! We have cast on the amount of stitches that he thought would come up with the width he wanted and he will continue knitting in rows until it gets long enough to fit around the hat then he will sew the two ends together and voila! My son is not only knitting, but he is designing as well!
Here is a pic of the boys' projects in the works, the way they keep them when they aren't working on them.

Now, what do you think about all that??
Yeah, I am one proud Mama!

Y'all have a great day and I'll catch'ya later!
Hugs...

I did it!

2009-01-14T14:36:00.003-06:00

I resolved to post at least once a week, and my last post was last Wednesday..exactly one week ago! Woo-hoo! I hope that you are having a great year so far. Mine has been ok. It started out a bit rocky. My mom was in the hospital for a while. She sounded like she had laryngitis for like three months! She was having a hard time breathing as well and just couldn't seem to do much because of it. My older brother finally talked her into letting him take her to the ER and lo-and-behold, she had pneumonia! Of course, they admitted her and put her in a regular room, but before the day was out they had her in ICU. This past Friday I was able to take her home and she is doing much better now. We lost my Daddy back in May so needless to say, I was worried.

Life at home as been a bit rocky as well. Wayne and I have been back together for about 4 months or so from our 7 month seperation (he left me) and all of the promises of things being different if I would come back home have turned out to be crap and quite frankly I am getting more and more irritated as the days go by. On a good note though, my BFF Samantha and I have been able to hang out alot more lately and that has really done my heart and spirits good! I heart Sam so much! She is the 'once in a lifetime' kind of friend and I don't know what I would do without her.

Knitting as usual is a constant in my life. Very theraputic and calming and always gives me such a feeling of accomplishment! I may even have another pattern posted for you over the weekend...how cool is that!?!?

Ok, I need to go for now. Time to shower before I go to Sam's house for the evening. Y'all be good and I'll see ya again soon!

Hugs...

Pattern: Basic 3x1-ribbed Fingerless Mitts

2009-01-07T13:37:00.006-06:00

This post and pattern can now be found here on my new blog:
http://aseknc.blogspot.com/2009/01/pattern-basic-3x1-ribbed-fingerless.html

Hope to see you there!
Hugs & Blessings,
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`♥Anita

http://aseknc.blogspot.com/

Just thinking about my New Years Resolutions....

2008-12-30T23:27:00.003-06:00

You know, I want for people to visit my blog. I do. More than that, I want people to ENJOY visiting my blog. I do not blog for money, I blog because I want to share with other knitters and other moms out there..I want to connect. This evening I have been perusing other blogs, trying to find one that I enjoy. One where I can relate to the blogger and I am here to tell you, it's HARD! I like reading blogs that are personal; one that makes me feel like the blogger is a personal friend. I also like reading blogs that have something for me; be it patterns, giveaways, tips, ideas....I want to feel like I am "walking away" with something. I DON'T like blogs that are hard to find my way around, ones that are too much advertising and not personal enough; I don't like blogs that aren't updated for weeks or even months. So herein lies my one and only New Year's resolution so far; I resolve to make my blog a place that is enjoyable to visit. How? I am going to work on being more personal...not just talking about myself but post as though I am talking to a dear friend. I will do my best to offer YOU, my friends something that you can "walk away" with, patterns, tips, links you will find helpful, etc. I will try to keep my blog easy to maneuver. I don't think there will be a problem with my blog being overrun by advertising, but I do resolve to keep that in check if it becomes an issue, lol. I also resolve to post at least weekly if not more frequently.

That is my resolution.
If there is anything I can do to help you enjoy your visits, please let me know!
Until next time...

Hubby's Birthday Present

2008-12-30T09:04:00.008-06:00

Christmas is over and now we can breathe!
I hope that everyone had the most wonderful holiday this year, no matter what you celebrate. I did indeed have a wonderful Christmas!

I have to be honest and say that I was truly dreading it. We had an unexpected financial crisis come up and it has been slim pickins around here. The boys are teenagers now and their "toys" are getting more expensive. Guitars, amps, video game systems and games were among the wishes. For many years now, the kiddos have gotten three gifts each from us to represent the gifts brought to Baby Jesus by the three wise men. This has worked wonderfully in our family and is a blessing in more ways than one. I was still expecting some disappointment though when neither boy got anything that was on their lists. Jeremy got a pair of shoes that he was desperately needing, Damon got a hoodie with an electric guitar printed on it, they each got a pair of jeans (something both of them needed), and each of them got a king-size candy bar wrapped in a $20 bill. Let me now tell you how extremely blessed Wayne and I are as parents; neither boy showed an inkling of disappointment. None. They were both extremely appreciative and happy with what they got!

Now we have always tried to teach them to appreciate any gift that they receive, no matter what. It runs all over me to come across a child who complains about anything that someone was nice enough to give them. Regardless of whether or not is was something that they wanted, we tried to teach the boys that you are to be thankful for the giver's generosity and thoughtfulness. As parents you never really know if what you are teaching sinks in. Do they truly get it? When you see it in action, and you witness first hand that they have indeed absorbed what you have taught them...it truly warms your heart.

My knitted gifts that I made were all received well too, and my mom LOVED her headscarf!

I promised before that I would share pics of hubby's birthday present along with the link to the pattern, so without further ado...

I knit him this back & body scrubber from Mary Anne's free pattern HERE.

I used Peaches & Cream in Camel and Ecru. I was using scrap balls leftover from dishcloths I have made in the past, so I made "blocks" of the two colors instead of one solid color. I wanted to make sure that the colors that I used were not colors that would run in the hot water of the shower. He absolutely LOVED it. I mean it! He was really excited about it. It was an easy knit and I highly recommend it!

And now, it is time for me to get on with my daily duties.
Y'all have a great day!
Until I see you again,
Hugs...

Some General Rambling and a freebie!

2008-12-20T11:10:00.003-06:00

Hello!
I don't mean to neglect my blog. Really I don't, but Christmas is only 5 days away....crunch time! I am almost done with my Christmas knitting, and then I will be more consistent with my posting I promise. I have been designing the patterns as I go along. I am so excited! I will be sharing them as freebies in the weeks to come, so keep checking in!

Speaking of freebies....I am all about FREE (have I mentioned that before???) so I really wanted to share this awesome freebie with you. Enjoy a 10 issues, 1 year, of More Magazine. No strings attached. You'll never receive a bill. That's what it says! I totally signed up.

Merry Christmas my lovelies!
Hugs...

Christmas Knitting and Pattern Link

2008-12-09T16:37:00.005-06:00

Hey guys!
I hope y'all are doing great this week.
Are you any closer to being ready for Christmas?
I am...a little bit anyway.

I frogged the hooded scarf that I was working on for my mom here.
As beautiful as the pattern was as I was knitting it, I just wasn't feeling it for Mom at all. For one I felt it was just too dense for her. Knowing my mom, I felt she needed something a little lighter or she wouldn't wear it. She has mentioned liking the old-fashioned headscarves and not being able to find anything close to what she was talking about in a knitting pattern, I decided to design my own! It is actually coming along quite wonderfully and I am very pleased with it so far. I am using the same yarn, as I needed something quick. After Christmas, I think I will work on knitting her a square headscarf like she is talking about...maybe out of sock weight yarn; we'll see. I ran out of yarn and will have to buy some more Thursday. Once it's all finished I promise to post it as a free pattern for y'all.

While I wait for Thursday to get here, I am working on hats for all of the men-folk on my Christmas list. Right now I am working specifically on my older brother's. I started doing a very basic 3x2 ribbing but wasn't sure how I was going to approach the decreases so I started doing some hunting on the internet. My research landed me here. I. Love. the way Stephanie worked up the decreases on this one!

Ok, I'm not getting my Christmas presents done. I'd better get to work!
Huggles....

Great Recipe and General Rambling

2008-12-03T18:23:00.002-06:00

Hello!
Are you getting geared up for Christmas?
We always put our tree up on the 11th. It has become our tradition to decorate on hubby's birthday. That's when I start getting geared up. I am still working on Christmas presents and have completed the second hat, another pair of socks, and am still working on Mom's hooded scarf. I have also begun working on one of hubby's birthday presents (I can't say what it is 'cause hubby peeks in on occasion ). I think he'll like it though and as soon as I give it to him, I'll share the link to the pattern.

What I can share with you now though is a great, super easy and inexpensive recipe!
I came up with this concoction for dinner tonight.

Mexican Casserole
Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 can of kidney beans, drained
2 cans of black beans, drained
1 large can of corn, drained
1 jar of salsa
Velveeta cheese (sauce or melted block cheese)

Preheat oven to 350°. Brown ground beef and drain. In 9x13" baking dish, mix all ingredients well, pop in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Voila! All done and very delicious!

Ok, off to get some more knitting done.
Hugs...

As November Comes to an End...

2008-11-29T22:36:00.006-06:00

Things are extremely hectic for everyone this time of year, and it is no different for me. Thanksgiving dinners, birthdays, Christmas.....I have had one heck of a year filled with death, separation from my husband (after 8 months, we decided to try and work things out), and losing all of my girlie parts...I for one will be extremely happy to see then end of 2008!

On the bright side, I have been one knitting fool! I have gotten so much knitting accomplished and that makes me one happy woman! I have mastered knitting two socks on two circular needles (wooo-hooo!), gotten two more pairs of socks made, a hand-towel that started out as a dishcloth from this pattern, but I modified by lengthening it, adding some stripes and some eyelet lace stitches (a birthday present for a friend who's bathroom is decorated with frogs), a hat from this pattern, made using Stylecraft Carousel Double Knitting yarn in the Lilac Hue colorway. I loved it so much, that I am almost done with another one using I Love This Yarn in Pink for my best friend. I am also working on this hooded scarf by Lion Brand in Caron Simply Soft Eco in Lilac Bud for my mom....and I still have so much more to do!

Hopefully I will be getting a new camera this week and if I do I'll be sure to post pics.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hugs....

I love being able to share good things....

2008-11-23T21:18:00.002-06:00

..and if you have read any of my previous posts, you know that I don't recommend any blogs and/or websites that I don't absolutely love myself. Well, I have indeed found yet another blog that I am head over heels in love with. I never cease to learn something wonderful with every post at this one. Are you interested? Should I share, or keep it all to myself? Hehehe....ok, you talked me into it!
You have to check out the nester here:

I am sure you will want to visit her awhile!

OMGoodness, I don't believe it...

2008-11-19T13:56:00.005-06:00

I won, I won, I won!!!
I have never won anything in my life....you wouldn't believe how excited I am!
Just what has caused all of this excitement?
Check it out HERE. Thank you so much Jo-Lynne, Chic Critique, and Moroccanoil™...I am totally stoked!

Along with free stuff and great patterns, you know what else I love???

Quotes.
Yup..quotes, and here's a good one...

"The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat."-Lily Tomlin

Do you love free stuff???

2008-11-18T13:34:00.005-06:00

I definitely love free stuff!
Today's post is gonna be short and sweet, I really just wanted to share a couple of free things with you.

First off, I found the easiest ribbed hat! This would be a perfect pattern for someone learning to knit in the round, but it is just as perfect for a quick knit gift, which is what I personally made it for.
Grab the free pattern HERE. It really turned out quite nicely.

Secondly, ever wonder what to do with all of that leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? Well, Victoria Smith over at Auction Girl Vintage has compiled a great 42 page cookbook that can help you out with that! Just click HERE to go to her post and get the download!

So glad you stopped by to visit!

Busy, busy, busy...

2008-11-16T23:16:00.003-06:00

Things are going good here, just extremely busy. The boys lessons are a bit involved right now and I am knitting like crazy to get Christmas presents done. I have been meaning to post my (un)pattern for the house socks that I have been making....I promise I will get it typed sometime soon. My guys absolutely love them! Wayne continually tells me that they are the most comfortable socks he has ever worn and that he wants a pair in just about every color and he wants some short, some medium, some long.....lol, my guys sure are gonna keep me busy!

What are you guys doing? Are you making alot of your Christmas presents? I would LOVE to hear all about it!

Hugs...Anita

Win It!

2008-11-06T22:24:00.003-06:00

Kim over at Homesteaders Heart has a great giveaway up!

Be sure and check it out!!!

Go Vote!

2008-11-04T08:59:00.003-06:00

Yup, it's that time.
I am getting dressed, eating breakfast, gathering a knitting project and I'm off to vote....
Are you????

Pics and (Un)Patterns...The Kitty Ears and Tail

2008-11-01T15:22:00.010-05:00

This post and pattern can now be found here on my new blog:
http://aseknc.blogspot.com/2008/11/pics-and-unpatternsthe-kitty-ears-and.html

Hope to see you there!
Hugs & Blessings,
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`♥Anita

http://aseknc.blogspot.com/

Absolutely De-licious!

2008-10-21T18:34:00.004-05:00

It's the end of the week and at my house that tends to mean the cupboards are pretty freaking bare! While I hate it when we don't have much variety available, it does tend to motivate one to become pretty creative with what you do have. With that said, here is what I threw together with what I had on hand.

Ingredients used:
2 regular-sized cans green beans
1/4 of large onion, cut into chunks
large beef bouillon cube
2 Tbsp. bacon grease
--these were put in a pan together and cooked on medium heat.

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 of large onion, chopped
--cook these together until ground beef is browned and onions are soft

3 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
3 c. instant mashed potato flakes (I absolutely HATE instant mashed potatoes, but I think my mom gave us these and they worked out just peachy for this recipe....oh, and I was out of milk which the box called for but as part of this recipe, you can't even tell)
--boil water, salt and 4 Tbsp. butter. Remove from heat, add potato flakes and stir well. Add other 2 Tbsp. butter and mix well.

1 small can of tomato paste
broth from green beans
--mix paste with enough of the broth to form the consistency of tomato sauce.

Drain fat from ground beef and onions. Stir in tomato paste/broth mix. Drain remaining broth from green beans/onions. Spread out over ground beef/onions in skillet. Top with mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

All three of the men folk here at Chez KnittingJunkie's absolutely LOVED this and unanimously agreed that I needed to write this down and make it again. Unanimously people! A mommy can't get much higher praise than that!!

Please, try this and let me know what you think.

Pics...

2008-10-21T00:42:00.006-05:00

Yup, I did it; I took pics! So without further ado, I present to you.....

Best Friends Socks

The close up.

Off.

So, think she'll like 'em?

A Little Quickie....

2008-10-19T22:51:00.004-05:00

I am thrilled! I finally got a new digital camera!!! It is just a point and shoot, not near as nice as the DSLR that we had to sell in order to go to West Virginia when my Granny died, but it will definitely do for now. I have been so frustrated that I couldn't post any pics of my knitting. I had some gift knitting that I needed to get done, so I ended up not getting too far into the two socks on two circulars, but I did get started and it actually clicked! I did get a pair of house socks made for Damon, another pair for my best girlfriend, and since Jeremy has resorted to wearing the first sock from girlfriends pair while I was knitting the second one, as soon as I finished that pair I started on a pair for him too. I will do my best to get some pictures up tomorrow.

Many Blessings!

Inspired

2008-10-14T13:50:00.007-05:00

I have to admit that I have come across few blogs that I really enjoy following and/or find inspiring to me. I also don't link to blogs "just because". I really have to enjoy them to recommend them to others. With that said, I just read one of the most inspiring posts I have ever read on a blog before!
Amy Bayliss is a wonderful lady and a great writer. She is so "down home" and "girl next door" that her posts always seem to touch me; I feel like she is relating and learning right along beside me, not preaching down to me...and she doesn't even know me! I really encourage you to not only check out her blog, but to particularly check out this post of hers from today.

Also, over at Seaside Tales you can enter this month to win this wonderful curriculum:

Just a little ramblin'...well, maybe ranting

2008-10-11T21:45:00.005-05:00

Ever have one of those days where you just seem to be on a roller coaster? You know the kind, you can't classify it as a bad day, but you sure couldn't classify it as a good one either. Well, that has been my day.

Here's been my roller coaster ride:
(going up) I woke up in a great mood!

(down we go) Then, first thing this morning I weighed myself and to my horror the number on the scale was one that I swore to myself I would never hit! I don't know why this was such a surprise to me since it hasn't been too much lower than said number for quite some time now, but it sure slapped me right across the face! That's it. I can't do this anymore. I have to buck up and slim down. It is a necessity. So, starting today, I am following the Weight Watchers Flex plan. I am writing everything down and counting points. This is going to be hard, I have a looooong way to go with this, so if ya'll would pray for me it would be much appreciated.

(YaY! I'm going back up!) Once I decided which path I was going to take on my weightloss journey, I felt very good and very determined. I felt like I could take on anything! I cleaned house, cooked, ran errands and even parked at the far end of the parking lot at the store in order to walk more.

(and back down) Later, a guy that I dated once upon a time looked me up on MySpace and got a hold of me. I really loved this guy (and still do to some extent), but things didn't work out. Well, when this guy got in touch with me, at first I was ecstatic! I loved hearing from him...that is until I learned that he was wanting to rekindle a relationship. I am married to a wonderful man and together we have two awesome boys; I am not in the market for another man! So, today I had to let my friend know that I could not in good conscious continue talking to him knowing that he wants more. I wished him well and told him not to lose sight of God then told him goodbye.

(up again!) Had a very productive day. Hubby came home to a clean house, a wonderful homecooked dinner and lots of smiles and love from his bride. After dinner I settled in to get some knitting done. I am making a pair of 'house socks' for my best friend and I can't wait to get them done. I finished the first sock just a bit ago...wooo-hooo!

(and down one more time) My oldest son Jeremy, who is almost 14, got upset out of the blue for who knows why. One minute he's happy, cuttin' up, having a great evening and then !bam! major mood swing! I asked him what was wrong and I get, "I. Really. Don't. Want. To. Talk. About. It." Well, excuuuuuuuuuuuse me! Normally I would have nipped the attitude right in the bud, but tonight I just didn't feel up to laying into him. I guess it just kind of stung because we have such an awesome relationship, that for him to bottle up really kinda hurts my feelings, ya know?

(up, up, up) I walked away and worked on the dinner dishes. I looked over the food journaling that I did and I did great today! So now, I am going to go to bed before anything else happens to bring me down! lol

A Great Site & Some Knitting News

2008-10-07T21:52:00.005-05:00

I just found this site and have read through quite a bit of it. I am definitely inspired and impressed! Click on the link below or on the button added to the sidebar.

As for the knitting side of life, I started the second right-hand mitten, but I am so totally burned out on them that I just wasn't enjoying it and I kept making mistakes...aaarrrgggg! Sooooo...I frogged it. Yup. I put the yarn needed, along with the pattern as well as my personal notes in a big zip lock bag and put it away! I have done the swatch for my next pair of socks and I am ready to try knitting two socks on two circular needles. I am so excited!

How precious is this...????

2008-10-07T09:04:00.004-05:00

Yup, it's another video. I just couldn't resist myself!

Chien Danseur - Vidéos insolites

Now tell me, just how precious is this???
I hope it brings a smile to your face, it sure did mine!

I love it!!!

2008-10-05T10:49:00.004-05:00

OMGoodness, this is the funniest, cutest thing by Kay Gardiner & Ann Shayne of Mason-Dixon Knitting.

I so enjoyed this one!

I also found the most wonderful site the other day & I couldn't wait to share it....

There are just too many great things to list about this woman and this website. I highly recommend that you go and check it out for yourself!

Also, I finished the first of my two right-handed mittens that I needed....wooo-hooo! Only one more to go, and then I am finished with mittens for a while! I think. lol.

Other than that, there is nothing new going on here. I slept on my shoulder/neck wrong and appearantly really hard the other night, so I have been in pain since my last post. Whew! Please pray for me!

Ok, off to get some things done.
Many Blessings!

I am such a dingleberry!

2008-10-01T21:40:00.002-05:00

I got this pattern for these cute striped mittens last year in a mailing from Knit Simple magazine and I kept it, but didn't get around to making them until this year...just within the last couple of weeks. It is a very simple, quick knit and I wanted to make myself a pair. Well, my favorite color is red and I had some Caron Simply Soft yarn in Autumn Red & also some in Black so I set to making them. I got a pretty good little bit into it and decided that the red and black really looked more masculine so my darling hubby said, "Hey! You can make this pair for me!" so that is exactly what I decided to do. Things went very well...one mitten done and I was so proud! I couldn't get started on the second one fast enough, and finished it rather quickly....again very proud...that is, until I tried it on....I didn't make the adjustment to the pattern for the thumb to make it a right-handed mitten! I am such a dingleberry! I made two left-handed mittens. I have to laugh at myself a lot...can u tell? All is well though, I have finished all but the thumb on one right-handed mitten, so one thumb and one more righty is all that's left to do. Leave it to me!

Socks on Circulars

2008-09-30T20:07:00.003-05:00

OMGoodness, I am so happy!
I have found that I love making socks. Recently I learned how to knit socks using magic loop....soooo much better than dpn's! About the same time, I started really wanting to learn how to do two socks on two circulars. I researched to find which book has the best reviews & I found....

I found it at Hobby Lobby, I had a 40% off internet coupon & my wonderful hubby bought it for me....woo-hooo! I am so excited!!! Well....Off to learn to knit socks on two circulars!

Continental Knitting

2008-09-29T12:27:00.003-05:00

I had intended on trying to write faithfully every day....apparently that's not gonna happen! Oh well, maybe I should just commit to writing when I can, lol. Any-who...I am pretty excited right now. My family is together & happy, our homeschool year is going great so far & I have learned Continental Style knitting...wooo-hoo! I don't know why that was such a big deal to me, other than that I am so obsessed with knitting that I want to learn every aspect of it....or maybe it's that I can't stand the thought of something beating me...hmmmm. Ok, I have tried to learn this style of knitting before, but just could not for the life of me get the hang of it! Then, I came across this link to this amazing speed knitter, and finally it clicked!!! Woo-hoo...I was inspired & I got it! Purling continental was kicking my butt though, so once I got the knitting down I was on a hunt for a video that would inspire me with purling as well. I found this one & this one on YouTube & wooo-hooo, by georgies, I got it!! It still isn't as easy as the english style knitting, but it has clicked, I can do it, & practice makes perfect! Actually, I am really enjoying knitting (and purling) continental style, and that is a real shock for me.

Ok, I'm off to school the littles & cuddle the kitteh.

A blogging I will go...

2008-09-22T15:58:00.004-05:00

Well, here it is...I am blogging.
I don't know that anyone would REALLY want to hear a thing I have to say, but I'm gonna do it anyway! I am sure there will be alot of rambling about nothing....but that is how I talk too, lol.
Any-who...if you happened upon my blog & actually read it, I hope that you enjoy it. Maybe you might even get a chuckle...who knows!