Thank You, Thank You, and Thank YOU!

I just received an award! Wow - the only other thing I've ever won was $5.00 for a halloween costume in middle school (and that was a LONG time ago). Bethany over at Red Yarn (don't know why you weren't already on the sidebar girl, but you're there now) nominated me for this very important and very prestigious award.



Truly - Thank You!

I am very honored to be noticed. You see, my main love language is Words of Affirmation (if you haven't read it PLEASE do - it will help communication with others so much). I am working to change the focus of my life and my blog is reflecting that so it REALLY means so much to be noticed. The love an support of my friends (old, new, face to face, and online) and my dear family are so very important to me (cue blinking red light and Oscar music NOW). I appreciate each and every one of you.

Speaking of each and every one of you - now I get to pass the award along:

AmyN - a true friend who always teaches me about "rising above the fray" and is my favorite person to give stuff to (btw - she keeps the best stuff a secret).

Andrea - who doesn't have a blog, but in my book doesn't need one because she's the best already!

Blogless Laurie - who is no longer blogless and ALWAYS makes me laugh

KnittyD - who I miss in the podcast realm and with whom I share a passion for beagles

Nina - who is a beautiful lady inside and out. She's got a remarkable eye for photography and I admire her confidence in following that passion into her own business.

"Grumpy" - who isn't, but rather is a great deal of fun and quite charming.

and

Kirsten*can - who always reminds me that I *can* too

Thanks to all of you and so many many more who keep me in stitches and tears and wrapped in love and inspiration everyday.

So please - just a few tiny "rules"

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.

2. Link to the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs you've nominated.

6. Write an acceptance speech in the style of the Academy Awards, thanking everybody's mother, father, sister, brother, aunties and uncles and kitchen staff at your favorite restaurant!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WFMW: Yo-Ho Yo-Yo?

(a Pirates life for me!)



This week what's working for me is my Yo-Yo maker.



Seems silly, but I totally LOVE this little plastic contraption.

I love fabric yo-yos - they are happy and I always make them in the traditional way - you know, trace, cut, turn the hem under whilst sewing, etc. I've seen the yo-yo makers and poo-fahed them thinking - "I already do that" and "why fix something that isn't broken?" Let me say something that you won't hear from me too often (quirk of being a control freak) I WAS WRONG! This little plastic wonder makes creating yo-yos literally a snap - as in you snap it together trim your fabric, stitch stitch stitch and tie - DONE!

Now I realize that the yo-yo makers are not that new, but as I stated I was reluctant to change (a recurring theme in my life) AND I'm cheap so the circle pattern I had (cut from an old notebook cover) seemed preferable - boy was I wrong (did I just say that again?). Enter last week the convergence of a Hobby Lobby sale and a friend having a rough time = IDEA and all sizes of the yo-yo makers in my bag.

Currently I am turning 5" squares (which I already had - that's the "green" part for today - use what you have) into hundreds of yo-yos for a surprise project I'll tell you about soon and I'm having more fun than I should (it doesn't take much huh?).



For some really astounding yo-yo creations please look here, here, here, and here.

Please check out more Works for Me Wednesday ideas HERE - it's a great group of bloggers with some good ideas.

Speaking of great bloggers - help a friend of mine out and treat yourself to some really beautiful handspun yarn. AmyN has been working hard and posted lots of handspun in her new Etsy shop - guys this stuff is GORGEOUS and so soft. Go. Now. What are you waiting for?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Ever Have a Do-Over?

We all have those days when we get up late and everything just seems edgy and off all day long. You know the ones - the days when you yell at the kids, snap at your husband, and are rude to the telemarketer [although just doing her job - she's got a sucky job - sorry if that's your job] who calls and interrupts while you're trying to get dinner on the table and you only answered the non-caller-id phone because you thought it was your husband calling to say (please God) that he's almost home. On such days I often go to bed wishing for an old fashioned "do-over."

Yesterday morning Anna woke up early (for Anna) and was quite charming - UNTIL Toby graced the scene. Once Toby woke up Anna became - well I could tell it was going to be one of those days. In an effort to squelch the beasties I sent my eldest (all of 7-1/2) back to bed for a "do-over." I told her she needed to lay in her bed a little longer to see if she could adjust her attitude and start the morning over with a new and better one.

Yay Mom! It worked (this time anyway) - my brief moment of brilliance.

Grace to all of you needing a "do-over" and prayers to help you (help us all) through those days, OH those days.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menu Planning Monday

The Week of The Crockpot

If, like me, you don't know about Stephanie over at A Year of CrockPotting you must go visit her site (WAIT - finish reading this first).

This week, taking my cue from Stephanie and the Taste of Home Slow Cooker cookbook, I'm going to use the time-saving crockpot every day.

Our menu for the week:

Meatballs & Gravy with Rice (carryover from last week)
Turkey Slopy Joes
Golden Chicken & Noodles
Crockpot Fried Rice
Crockpot Lemon & Dill Salmon
Super Easy Crockpot Spaghetti (no mushrooms)
Crockpot Cheesecake

We'll give it a go and I'll let you know how things turn out. Now, to decide what I'm going to do with all the time saved.

Please check out everyone's menus (really great ideas) HERE.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thoughtful Friday

I THOUGHT it was going to be easier (more than a little hassle of trying to get the account swapped over and the temp phones exchanged).

I THOUGHT it was going to be quicker (I knew we'd be in line for a while, but I didn't anticipate being there five hours).

I THOUGHT WRONG!

But it IS very cool (and I KNEW it would be).

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WFMW: Cheap & Cheerful

It's not a new idea.
It's not my original idea.
It IS a good idea.



It's just an old muffin tin that I picked up at the thrift store. I only paid a quarter for 2 of them (its friend is around here somewhere). The kids love choosing a paint color for each cup and I love not having to find and deal with lots of separate jar or cups (just waiting to spill). Also, with the low stance and wide open access both kids can use the paints at the same time - one less thing to bicker about - Yay Mom!



I love "re-purposing" ideas that are so easy and helpful and CHEAP on top of everything else. The muffin tins are simple to clean (just give a rinse) and if they get too grimey I just toss them in the dishwasher.

Please check out LOT of wonderful "Works for Me" tips HERE.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

A Rose By Any Other Name...

I found this today on my friend Amy's blog and am blatantly lifting it from her. Thanks Amy.

What Amy Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

And while my rather genteel friend probably would NOT knock people down I probably would (it's not pretty what that says about me). Oh well, there's always room for improvement right?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menu Planning Monday

I took the weekend off - didn't really plan too, but that's how things turned out and it was really nice. Back to reality and getting in the groove for the week.

I'm trying not to heat up the kitchen and reverting to lots of standard, easy favorites this week. I think the family (kids) is tired of trying new things for a while. This week will be only one new recipe (carried over from last week) and lots of standby favorites.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Chef Salads
Tuna Salad Sandwiches (PB & J for Toby)
Tamale Skillet Pie (got pre-empted by an improptu cookout last week)
Turkey Burgers
Meatballs & Gravy with Rice

It will be nice to only have to break out a cookbook one time this week AND I only need to pick up milk and celery at the grocery (honey can you do that on your way home?).

Be sure and check out the wonderful menus and recipe links HERE.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thoughtful Friday

America! America!

God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WFMW: 5 Ingredients to a Clean Green Home

Everyone and their brother is out to sell the good, better, BEST do it all, kill it all, clean it all product. While those two imaginary maids are scrubbing your shower for you what exactly are they doing to the environment? Do you REALLY know what's in there? Are all those chemicals really safe? Sure they WORK, but at what cost to the environment, your body, not to mention your wallet?

There are many many people out there who can tell you exactly which chemicals are harmful and which are safe and what products to avoid and how it's all affecting our water and air and body; I am not one of them. I do know that my family (meaning mostly me) is sensitive to petro-chemicals and artificial fragrances. I have allergic asthma and tend to get migraines so I am really careful about what I bring into our home.

I need simplicity in my life as much as possible and using the same products all over the house is much simpler than trying to figure out what to buy for which application, etc. When I can keep things simple, safe, AND cheap then you've got one happy mommy! Here is what I use to clean my entire house:

1. Vinegar (about $2.00/gallon)
2. Baking Soda (about $3.50 for a 4 lb box)
3. Borax (about $4.00/box)
4. Salt ($0.50 the cheapest you can find is fine)
5. Lemons (or lemon juice) (about $1.75 for lemon juice)

oh and one more ingredient - a little elbow grease.

So for less than $12.00 I have all my basic cleaning needs covered AND I'm not going to die from mixing bleach and ammonia ie: comet and windex (yes you really will die if you do that. Chlorine gas IS fatal) or have chemical soup in my home. I also don't have to buy some marketing genius' (really true marketing genius) "green" cleaners @ $5.00 a bottle.

For natural home cleaning "recipes" and methods look here, here, here, and here.

small confession: I do use those clorox throw-away toilet cleaners because the thought of a germy toilet brush sitting in my bathroom is more than I can stomach eeeeeewwww!

I'll keep you posted! AmyDe

Menu Planning Monday

The tangy cherry chicken from last week was a big hit as were the Aussie Meat Pies.

This week we're trying the following - some we know and some are new:

Rustic Overstuffed Pizz-O (an adaptation of the original for us)
Chicken Parm Soup Always a favorite and super easy to make
Carbonara Deep-Dish Pasta Crusted Pan "Pizza"
Fish with Ginger-Orange-Onion Sauce (we're using tuna steaks)
Chicken a la Queen (we're using buscuits instead of puff pastry shells)
Skillet Tamale Pie (subbing ground turkey breast for ground pork to keep it lighter)

These are al from Rachael Ray's Just in Time cookbook.
FAQ:
Do you ONLY use RR recipes?
No, but I find them easy to follow and they work for the way I cook. I cook most things without a "recipe" and really adapt and use the RR recipes as I see fit.

Can You really make it in 30 Minutes?
Usually - or at least approximately. I'm pretty good in the kitchen and I understand RR's process so that helps. I also am quick with a knife. Sometimes when things are coming together too quickly (or need to) I have Casey read out that portion of the instructions as I work.

Do you like all of Rachael Ray's recipes that you've tried?
NO - there have been a few that were definite NOs, but for the most part I know what we like and I know what we'll eat and RR is prolific so there are lots of choices. I try to choose menus all out of one book so I can just keep it in the kitchen all week.

I've been trying to get out of a dinner (OK take-out and eat out) rut lately so we've been trying lots of new recipes. Normally I don't cook from a recipe and I make lots of standard traditional meals like meatloaf, chicken & dressing casserole, tacos, various pasta dishes, homemade pizza, etc. The menu planning is an adventure and trying new things for several weeks in a row is helping us curb the eating away from home.

Overall I am pleased and happy with the project as it stands now and the family seems to be happy (they aren't complaining much anyway). So for a while longer anyway I'll be sticking with Rachael.

Be sure to check out more great menus HERE this week (a guest host with lots to say).

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Renewal

21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:21

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Saturday Read Along

All kids books all the time this week:

We read:

Ruby in Her Own Time - a charming story about finding your own way

Where the Wild Things Are - always a classic with incredible artwork

Why Did The Chicken Cross the Road - more for the grown-ups as the kids don't "get" the artist's interpretations of the classic joke, but fantastic artwork by many contemporary children's authors

The Do It Yourself House That Jack Built - funny and fun to read



Toot & Puddle - kind of a fun life lesson about being kind

Belinda the Ballerina - little girls will love it

Dinosailors - great fun puking dinos and all

Albert the Bear - Interesting if not "deep"

I Love it When You Smile - very sweet tale of a kangaroo having a bad day

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type - one of my very favorite books - clever and sophisticated without being lofty or too high-minded - FUNNY

We'll be reading more this week and maybe I'll get to that third Alex Cross in the series. I'll update you next week on a reading project we're working on, but if you want to know now check out the "Read to Feed" link in my sidebar. While you're over there in the sidebar check out the links to some really great bloggers.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thoughtful Friday 5

Outings are so much more fun when we can savor them through the children's eyes.

Lawana Blackwell, The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter, 1998

For more on Thoughtful Friday visit HERE.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

That Was Then, THIS is Now!

There once was a girl who loved wool.



She had MUCH and thought it was cool.



But it weighed on her heart.

So she let it depart.

And now doesn't feel like a fool!



Yes - "Th th that's all folks" only enough yarn for 2 shawls, and 5 pair of socks. Phew - I feel better now!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WFMW: Go Stuff This In Your Pants

Problem: Plastic shopping bags - we all want to save and re-use them, but they seem to multiply in the pantry.

Typical Solution: One of those cute hang-y things to store them in (nope - don't have one and won't ever get around to making one).
OR
One of those mount-it-on-the-door-so-it's-always-in-your-way plastic contraptions (nope don't have one of those either).

My WFM Solution?


Toddler Pants!

Years ago I pulled the pants out of give-away precisely for the purpose of rounding up all those pesky plastic bags - it works and it was a good re-use. On grocery day it's the kids' job to "Go Stuff This In Your Pants." The children also like to hear me tell them about the pants and how they were first Anna's and then Toby's, etc. I didn't really expect that part - I thought I was just being cheap and clever (ok and a little lazy). And hey - now it's "Green" and that's hip right (yeah right).

It might be weird, but then so am I.

You can see more Works for Me Wednesdays ideas HERE.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Fiber Camp Review

Anna spent a wonderfully fun week in Fiber Camp at Knitch. She had the best time and it was well worth the money (Thank You Uncle "W") spent.

Anna made knitting needles:

On the Left - "girls dreaming of being a princess - a big sister and a little sister"
On The Right - "Our Kitties - P.C. & Mac. P.C. has a bow because he looks like a girl and it''s funny"

A Wet-Felted Bag with a "finger knitted" handle:


Felted Beads:


Hand-Dyed Yarn (with koolaid):


And the beginning of a weaving project:


Anna had a wonderful time and made new friends. I am glad she went. I am also glad I don't have to be out the door by 7 a.m. everyday this week.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menu Planning Monday

Today I was excused from Jury Duty this week b/c I am the primary childcare provider, etc. Otherwise this weeks menu would read something more like: Take Out, Spaghetti, Frozen Pizza, etc - not so good huh? Instead we have the following:

#312 Boo-Sotto
#240 Grilled Chicken Scampi Style
#284 Tangy Cherry Chicken
#201 Aussie Meat Pies: Made Quick (link to One Dinner At a Time's blog & review post)
#2 Smoky Turkey Shepherd's Pie

This week's menu brought to you by Rachael Ray's 365 No Repeats (and the letter E).

As always you can find more fabulous menus HERE.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Renewal

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

John 3:8 (NIV)

Also read HERE for an educated perspective.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thoughtful Friday 3

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.

Dorothy Parker (1893 - 1967), (attributed)

Menu Planning Monday

Last week was mostly a bust on the menu front. We were so busy and working with only one car so the schedule was killer. We're going for a "reset" this week!

Tuna Steaks, White Beans with Rosemary, Salad, Green beans (for the kids)

Italian Tuna Casserole, Green Beans, Fresh Fruit (Just for YOU Andrea!)

Chicken Caesar Burgers, Chips, Carrot Sticks, Sliced Apples
Chopped Steaks w/Tangy Corn Relish, fresh salad, and super cheesy mashed potatoes with chives

Chicken and Dressing Casserole, peas, pineapple

Chef Salads

Taco Salads

See more menus HERE


I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thoughtful Friday 2

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.

Mark Twain

View More "Thoughtful Fridays" Here

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Crafty Confession

I did it.
I bought yarn.



One skein of lovely linen.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menu Planning Monday

To encourage family unity, save a little money, and in general stop eating CRAP I've redoubled my menu-planning ways. Join me and many others on the Menu Planning Monday crusade. Find out more here.

In no particular order for the week:

Pork Roast with Macaroni & Cheese, Peas with bacon & onion, and Fresh nectarines (had that already, but there are leftovers for lunch)

Vodka Cream Pasta, Chocolate Pots-de-creme, and fresh green salad

Tuna Steaks, White Beans with Rosemary, Salad, Green beans (for the kids)

Italian Tuna Casserole, Green Beans, Fresh Fruit

Chicken Caesar Burgers, Chips, Carrot Sticks, Sliced Apples

Chopped Steaks w/Tangy Corn Relish, fresh salad, and super cheesy mashed potatoes with chives

And Yes - most of those are Rachael Ray recipes - you know how I adore her recipes.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Renew

Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
Isaiah 43:4

Saturday Story Time

While wanting to read more, this week lacked in that department. We read a Veggie Tales Book, but other than that - zip!

The kids were (generously delivered and retrieved by Grampy) in VBS this week so I had 3 blissful hours of P & Q each day this; as a homeschooling SAHM p & q is HARD to come by. I reveled in it. I went to the grocery by myself and I listened to my own music on the way (still can't figure out why the kids don't dig Led Zeppelin). I did get by the library to pick up Summer Reading Folders - so we're all ready to read - we just didn't this week.

I am listening to The Kite Runner from Audible and am through part 1. For anyone who has read the book you know - it's really really good, but hard; I struggle getting through it; I will - eventually.

I read The Creative Family by Amanda Soule. I'm glad Amanda enjoyed the experience of the writing process. The information wasn't anything I didn't already know and I wish I had borrowed it instead of bought it, but I AM glad to support a fellow blogger. Here is a flickr pool full of projects that readers have made if you want to see more.

I found NPR podcasts and have been cracking up to "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" and "Car Talk" every chance I get. I haven't caught up on "Stash and Burn" for this week, but as soon as the kids are in bed...

Next week: lots of kids books - at least that's the goal.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thoughtful Friday

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.
Henry David Thoreau, Walden, Conclusion, 1854

Thoughtful Friday Inspired by Bella Dia

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Let Me Be Perfectly Clear

I am NOT a "Tree-Hugger." At least I am not who that term conjures. I am not a hippie-crunchy granola girl. I am not a "commie" or a "pinko" (those terms are used ONLY in jest and LOVE for my friends who are). I am not even a democrat (hell I'm a Bible-belt Georgia girl what did you expect). I AM an advocate of personal responsibility, honesty, big business, capitalism, true liberty, and the entrepreneurial spirit. I believe that when a person works harder and better he will have more and go further and THAT IS GOOD.

It is easy to feel pressured to obsession with "GREEN" efforts; I don't. I am conscious of my surroundings and my personal impact and influence. I do my best to eat organic, use less, give more, recycle as I go, and pay attention to life.

The notions of living "off-the-grid" and homesteading seem interesting (I blame Little House on The Prairie), even appealing - that's SO not me. I enjoy (a lot) my GIANT POWER SUCKING T.V. and my needs-to-be-replaced Air Conditioning. I like meat, dairy, leather shoes, and most modern conveniences of life. So you won't see me building a Yurt or doing my laundry in the river, but you might run into me at the local library borrowing instead of buying (after I pay my $42.00 late fine).

My Point:
I TiVoed the entire Planet Green line-up.

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

Check this out.

Rocks in My Dryer is having a giveaway for the new WOW CD's. Check out the links now.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Planet Green

Today is the day that Discovery Home Channel officially launches (switches to) as Planet Green, an entire channel dedicated to "green" efforts.

For me (on Altanta Comcast) it's channel 253 to find your channel check HERE.

I have been revising my ideas about blogging and trying to figure out what direction to take or if I should forget it all together. I have decided on a new format that works for me and I hope you enjoy as well. Please let me know in the coming weeks as I am curious.

For now go check out Planet Green on the web and on your local cable channel and find out what's happening on the "Green" front.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Would You Get a Life Already!

A conversation on Ravelry got me interested and I did a little math.

In the last 15 months I’ve knit or crocheted 31,024 yards or 17.62 MILES of yarn. I am truly insane! I also worked in a yarn shop and tried to knit faster than the yarn came in so… I can't quite figure out how I did it all. My kids ate and learned, my husband was loved and cared for, the animals (including the two new ones) were fed and watered and even let inside and outside, the house is reasonably tended to, and I even slept a little. Maybe I've found a time dilation bubble. No really I might just need to get a life!

Fortunately with the stash on the downward trend I might just get through it before Christmas and I can start the new year buying yarn on a project by project basis which is my end-goal. As for "getting a life" nah - I'm really happy with the one I've got!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

But I Don't Want to Grow Up!

Mac: Mommy I don't want to grow up.

Mac you are already grown up.

Mac: But Mommy I don't want to grow up.

I'm sorry Mac - that's just the way things go.

Mac: But Mommy I don't want to grow up!

Why not Mac-ee?

Mac: Because the grown-up kitty cat food SUCKS!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

A Child's Perspective

As Casey described a scientific discovery to the children today (a 3 feet long, white earthworm) Anna asks, "Three of your feet or three of our feet?"

Very clever girl indeed!

Out came the tape measure and another daily science lesson.

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

21 Washcloths in as Many Days...

Plus a linen hand towel, 2 wacky Hats, and 5 Crocheted grocery bags. I've been busy - yes. I'm in a Ravelry stash knitting group with monthly challenges; May is Cotton so...



And:


For those of you who might count - one of the cloths didn't make the right hand side of the frame and two were already gifted.

As I was working on the linen hand towel I broke form and crocheted two wacky hats for the kids. Toby's is made from leftover sock yarn and alpaca/wool (from Julia bag) and Anna's is made from my own handspun that was still hanging around. All told, while I should have been packing for this:

the two hats only took me an hour-ten to make.



I am really pleased with everything; I am done with dishcloths for quite some time. I still have 3 balls of Sugar & Cream in the stash, but it's going into the give-away bag tonight.

Now, Let's see how quickly I can make another afghan.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Some People, But Not Us...

Whilst traveling by car with the family some people count blue cars or license plates from various states; not us.

No, I'm proud to say that while our family was driving to and from Dauphin Island, AL for the first week of May we counted not blue cars (or any other color for that matter), not license plates, but...

Wait for it.

Dead armadillos.

Yep - that's just how sick and twisted we were. Now for those of you out there who are equally sick and twisted:
15 on the way there and 51 (YES - 51) on the way home (plus 5 turtles and a coyote).

There you have it and now you know - aren't you glad?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Project Spotlight

Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl
Schaefer Miss Priss in Harriet Tubman Colorway
Size 8 Addi Turbos
I did 14 or 15 repeats instead of the 10 called for so it measures nearly 80" across the top.

It turned out really nice and only took me 4 days from Cast On to Blocking. Really fast knit.




I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Where I've Been

The past weeks or so is making or finishing the following:



Now I've only got a little bit of seaming left to do on the Lacey Shrug for a friend and then I'll have NO UFOs!!! Some of these I dug WAY out of the UFO bin and some are new; I'm glad I finally have them off my list.

I finally gave up on Michael's Time-Out Socks. Those socks just didn't want to get made so I ripped the needles out and tossed them - It was time! Phew! What a relief.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

"...Just Like Flies."

Watch Out! Here come the Spider Mitts:



Toby wanted "handwarmers" just like Anna's, so he could be Spiderman of course. In about an hour I made some for him and now he's a happy boy. It's not always going to be that easy is it?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

It's Finished!!! WooHoo!

Well it took me 2 weeks and 2 days (ends are almost all woven in and will be finished tonight) instead of the 8 days I hoped for, but... It looks FABULOUS (shameless)! I would have finished more quickly if I hadn't picked up Kiss The Girls mid-weeks and had a reading frenzy - it's hard to read and crochet at the same time.

See.

Here are a few more views:


and one with a kitty:

(That's P.C. - our "Poofy Cat")

Out of 28 skeins of Cotton Classic used from my stash
THIS:

Is all that's left.

I also finally got around to taking a picture of the Jitterbug Ankle Socks I made - I love them - even if they did turn my feet blue (should have washed them first huh?).


Next I'm going to knit the Forest Canopy Shawl out of Schaefer's "Miss Priss." I can't wait to have it finished - I've heard it's a really quick knit.

Check out Lolly's page and view her "Stanley Cup Knitting." We don't have decent Hockey in Atlanta (really - we don't), but Law and Order is on about 16 times a day - so...

I'll keep you posted.

AmyDe

Welcome

That's my car last evening. See here - I'll prove it.



I do LOVE spring. It really is my favorite time of year. This year is one of the worst I remember for sheer quantity of pollen. In the breeze you can see the green stuff swirling in the air like smoke. We need a good rain - I mean come on and give us a break from all the tree pollens already - my kids and I want to breathe!

From WSB TV (our local ABC) here is the "official pollen chart"

POLLEN COUNT

0-30 Low

31-60 Moderate

61-120 High

Over 120 Extremely High

So wanna know what TODAY'S count is? Can you guess?

3243

There's not enough Claritin on the planet to combat numbers like those.

For those of you just now enjoying the onset of spring, with it's flowers budding, grass greening, and days warming...

YOU SUCK!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

The Trick

To Destashing:

2 Big-ass garbage bags (not counting the 4 or 5 I've gotten rid of over the past couple of years)
Plus several yarn-rabid friends
and things are pretty much taken care of.

I still have too many projects waiting in the wings and I'm contemplating all of them based on many criteria. At least most of the projects-in-wait are crochet projects (read: uses more yarn and works-up more quickly).

Yes - for my "knowing friends" right now it's just yarn (smart-ass!).

I'm off to update Ravelry because my shoulder hurts from over-crocheting.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Your New Best Friend

Whilst Toby was getting his last haircut he told Andrea "You look like a teenager." As if they weren't already - they are now definitely best friends for life!



The afghan is almost finished. If I hadn't fallen asleep on the couch Saturday afternoon (damn those snuggly kitty cats) I might have finished. I only have 5 more skeins to work through and then a photo shoot. It's been so much fun to work on and I'm looking forward to the next project - though I'm not sure what it will be yet. Oh BTW has anyone seen my 200 Ripple Stitch book or is it just lost in the house somewhere?

I have a new goal (don't faint) it's NO STASH. Well no significant stash anyway - a little sock yarn and dishcloth cotton are always good to have on hand, but other than that I am aiming for one project at a time and only yarn for that project. Sometimes it feels like giving up a long-time best friend, but the stash is dragging me down and holding me back.

No Stash is so unlike me (see here); I'm willing to try something new for more peaceful, more productive results. I've got a long way to go before the stash is distributed and/or depleted so I'm only working on projects that I truly love and KNOW I will complete - everything else is going. Much of what is in the photo is already gone - in fact I'd say MOST is already gone, even though the remaining stash is still HUGE. It's a process right? Maybe I'll post a current stash photo this weekend. It might be interesting to see the contrast and mid-point of my new "Stash-Free" journey.

I'd better go work on that afghan so I can get moving to the next project and bust up that stash!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Please Pray

I have a friend in need. Please pray for strength, grace, perseverance, and much needed support. Thank You.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

You'll Be Relieved to Know

That I remembered the book I had forgotten. Phew - a big collective sigh of relief right?

The book I forgot to list was The Florabama Ladies Auxilary and Sewing Circle.

I finished the Quiltmaker's Daughter and The Bishop's Daughter - those two along with The Storekeeper's Daughter are a trilogy called The Daughters of Lancaster County. Amish folk were a welcome relief after the two serial rapist/murderer books I had just finished.

I am crocheting an afghan finally! I'm calling it my 'Waste-not Want-not' blanket. I gathered all of the cotton classic I have in the house and I'm making a giant random granny-square afghan for my family. I started last Friday and so far I've worked through 12 skeins of yarn (only 16 more to go). How you may ask does one end up with 28 skeins of cotton classic? Well I didn't - I actually had 42 but I pulled the pastels and tweedy colors for another project. Please, if you know me at all NO ONE was shocked at 42 after all it is the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

I really love the way it's coming along and I hope to be finished with it by the weekend. Andrea is making one as well out of her Sierra - She learned to crochet in about 5-seconds and off she goes - it's going to be gorgeous!

I'll take pictures of mine as soon as it's finished. Here's to using what you have!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe