The Trike Girl - Riding is SERIOUS

The Trike Girl - Riding is SERIOUS
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

This girl can peddle!! I'm so proud of Abi, she's such a self starter. Peddling came at age 3.5 for Andrew and Mary Grace really never mastered the bike. Abi hopped on this little trike last week and after 3-4 days of pushing it with her feet she decided to try peddling. And it was just that easy.

We've had a long string of beautiful days in the last few weeks and we've been outside for hours and hours on end. I suppose time behind the wheel has everything to do with mastering these kinds of things. She has certainly used her time wisely.

We actually have a small 12" bicycle for her and I think she could probably peddle it. But its on loan to Andrew at the moment... he finally wore his bike out last week. To many skid marks on the sidewalk wore through the rubber... then the threads. Finally he was down to the tube and that was it for the back tire. His birthday is in 4 weeks, so he'll get a new, bigger-boy, bike for his birthday. We'll have to put the training wheels back on Abi's bike and let her take it for a spin.

Why do kids have to grow up SO stinkin' fast? It pains me to see her grow so fast, but I'm super proud of my baby girl.

Monthly Dishcloths

Monthly Dishcloths
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Its been a few months since I updated on the dishcloth knit-a-long that my local knitting group is doing.

Top Right is the Stepped Ridge pattern in Sugar n Cream Stripes, American Stripes.

Top Left is the Pebble Stitch pattern in Sugar n Cream, Lavendar and White.

Bottom is the Bambo Variation patter in Peaches n Cream, Seaside (I think).

LCMK is 5!!!

Founding Members
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

View the slide show:
LCMK's 5th Anniversary Picnic

Goodness, I can barely believe it. The small group of 12-15 women that started in September of 2002... when I was pregnant with Andrew... has grown to a group of over 40 strong and wonderful women. Plus all of our families. It makes me teary.

We've been through so much in that time. From a meager start of one playgroup per week. To what is now practically a 5 day, 2 night offering of activities per week. Just amazing. I'm so proud of each and every member.

There has been a lot of water under the bridge. Some bright and sparkling, some brown and murky. But most of us have stuck it out, worked through the tough moments and hung in there for the sake of our children. What a blessing for everyone involved.

Pictured above are me, Keir and Heather... all founding members. To see the slide show of the 5th anniversary picnic held today, click here LCMK's 5th Anniversary Picnic. A huge group of us met today for a cookout, playtime, arts and crafts, face painting, bubbles and a pinata party. Woowoo! What a great way to celebrate on a perfect day.

I wish my mom could see these. She met and heard about so many of these fantastic women and children. I hope she was looking down today enjoying it too.

Hooded Sweater Complete

Hooded Sweater Complete
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Yay! Abi's little top-down hoodie is all done! The yarn was a dream to work with and the pattern works up super fast. I just adore it and so does she!

This picture makes me misty eyed... she looks so much like mom.

Can you guess what this is?

Do you know?
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Look closely... salivating yet? I am!

Its one of my favorite foods in the whole world. I can barely get my hands on it up here, above the Mason Dixon line. One of my mommy group friends brought it to me yesterday. I could just kiss her!!!

Its okra! I washed it, sliced it and blanched it right away. I have a big old ham steak waiting to go with some fried okra and biscuits.

Its a good day.

Andrew Gets A Duck Call

and a valuable moment with someone going the extra mile.

It is a beautiful day this fine Sunday and we had several options of how to spend it. We finally settled on going to the Middle Creek Wildlife Conservation Area in Kleinfeltersville, PA for a nature art show. We enjoyed a spectacular demonstration of hunting dogs that were retrieving ducks and taking direction from their trainers. These animals are truly amazing. We saw so many beautiful paintings, carvings and decoys and got to talk to people in the waterfowl conservation world.

The highlight of our day was when we were at the Susquehanna River Waterfowl Association's booth. Andrew and Abi were mesmerized by the duck calling demonstration. With stars in his eyes, Andrew said, "I wish I had one of those!" One of their members jumped right on that opportunity to give him a duck call and teach him how to use it. Andrew was thrilled and was surprisingly good at it! It was a blessing to see his enthusiasm met by this man's desire to teach him.

I'm so glad we decided to go. The weather and family time could not have been more perfect. I wish every day was paced so slowly and filled with together time.

Click HERE to view all of the picture from Middle Creek.

I've been blog linked

What a nice treat... I'm very flattered. Homemadeoriginals, one of my flickr contacts, contacted me about using one of my pumpkin blossom pictures on her blog. She wants to start a Friday Favorites sort of thing and post about her favorite picture from her flickr contacts each week. I had the honor of being the first!!!

You can see her post here: Home Made Originals.

Memories Bowl

Memories Bowl
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

This was a 2006 project... I knitted 3 of these Memories Felted Bowls for Christmas last year. As I walked past mine today, I realized I'd never taken pictures of it because I didn't want to reveal them last year before gift giving time.

It was a fun knit, much like painting or making pottery, as you control the color as you knit down the bowl. Its a sock weight yarn, held doubled as you knit in the round. Super cool. The turn is achieved by knitting one purl bump then beginning the decreases. I stretched it over a round glass water pitche to get the nice clean shape.

The pattern calls for the Knitpicks yarn, Memories, hence the pattern name. But I wasn't too keen on any of the colorways so I searched out another yarn, which was discontinued, but I found it on Ebay. Its called Lanscapes and is a very similiar yarn to Memories... also 100% merino and felts up so nice.

Yarn: Landscapes in Mesa from Knitpicks (discontinued)
Pattern: Memories, felted bowls from Knitpicks

Fairy Pumpkin

Fairy Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Have I ever mentioned how great my neighbors are??

The pumpkin fairy has been to visit this week. I am not sure which neighbor it is, I have 2 in mind, but one placed a small, beautiful pumpkin underneath our pumpkin vines in the last couple days. We have a monster plant out back but so far its been fruitless. That beautiful blossom and baby pumpkin in my photostream from last week rotted off into the grass. I'm assuming its the wet weather we've had.

I've been worried that Andrew may not get a pumpkin from this summer-long project and was talking to the neighbors about it, on and off as they commented about our monster vines out back. One of them decided to take the matter into their own hands... on my children's behalf. I love that. I love that people do still care these days. And I love my neighbors.

Andrew hasn't seen it yet. Its very hard to wait. (bites nails)

One Monkey Down... some knitting progress

One Monkey Down
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I've been working a little, all along on 3 separate projects. The Monkey socks in STR Cracked Canyon are halfway done. I've cast on the second sock but its just been sitting since before my trip to Alabama last week (more on that in another post). I'm loving the crazy pooling and electric colors though. I can't wait to get them done for our first fall cool snap that should arrive in just a few weeks.

Also, I have Don's second Lozenge sock on the needles finally, after a break this summer. I put the project aside to work on some summer projects but have it back on the front burner as cool weather approaches. They are in Lornas Laces, Shepard Sport, the colorway is Aslan.



And finally, Abi's hoodie for fall is almost done! One arm to go! I'm hoping to finish this up tonight! Yay! Is such a super fit and the fabric is just to die for. Thanks go out to my good friend, E, for finding this pattern in a LYS. Hooray!

Super Andrew

Super Andrew
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Here is my little man modeling his Halloween costume a little early. Yes, I said Halloween! For those of you who know us, you know we've not participated in Halloween in the past because of our beliefs and desires to abstain from things we feel are openly evil. But all it took was Andrew, after handing out candy last year, saying, "Daddy, I'd really like to dress up next year and go trick-or-treating."

Daddy is a softy and he can see, now, the fun and childish side of Halloween. We are not of this world, but we do have to live in it, as the Avalon song, In Not Of, says. I must confess, I'm thrilled... THRILLED... that the kids will be dressing up and going out. I have very fond childhood memories of Halloween growing up. My big bubba, Randy, was a holiday decorating extraordinaire. And although we won't be putting any tombstones in our yard or hanging ghosts from trees, we can enjoy the lighter side through our children's eyes.

I'm very happy about it.

Sizing Up The Top Down Hoodie

Sizing Up The Top Down Hoodie
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

This morning Abi tried on her Artyarns Little Hooded Top Down Sweater in Supermerio #127 for the first time. It seems like the perfect fit, in size 4, for outerwear this fall. Weee! I'm so happy with it.

I'm working on the trim on the bottom now, splitting off into front and back to make the side vents and garter finishing. Then I'll pick up the sleeves on dpns and knit them down. That should go fairly quickly since they only have about 7 inches left for each. Then its seaming the hood (THAT'S THE ONLY SEAMING... I love this pattern!!!) and weaving in ends.

Family

The Could Be Siblings
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

We had a lovely visit with family last week. Don's sister came for a visit from Ohio, staying with their parents. Me and the kids had a nice day catching up and enjoyed lunch with them while Don was working. Then they came over for a visit at our house for a short while, then we all went out for dinner at Willow Valley Family Restaurant. Its a nice smorgasboard here in our area.

The kids really enjoyed the visit. Andrew is drawn to our neice, Grace, and completely dotes on her. It makes my heart swell. And the just look SO much alike to me, they could be siblings instead of cousins. I wish he had a chance to see them more often. Travel is so hard... for everyone really.

Abi really had a great time getting to know her Aunt Linda. They shared some sweet moments together, including this time drawing for each other on the magnadoodle. Super fun.

Etsy Love for Knittin' Pretty

My SnB girlfriend, Heather, has been only been spinning since May-ish and has really found her gift. She has been working on some lovely yarns and just opened her Etsy store, Knittin' Pretty.

I'm just so proud of her! When the woman decides to try something new, she does it with a passion. I plan on asking Santa for something exquisite from her very own hands. IF I can be lucky enough to time it right... something tells me her yarns are going to be flying out of her Etsy shop.

Congrats and good luck, Heather! Your yarns are just lucious!


Heather at Maryland Sheep & Wool 2007
with some of her first fiber purchases.

A Day At Overlook

CLICK TO SEE SLIDESHOW
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

We found a fantastic new park, less than 5 miles from home. Its brand spanking new, not even landscaped yet for the most park, and its PEFECT for Andrew's age at the moment. We'll be frequenting it over and over. There are 2 play areas and this huge rope mountain maze you see above, as well as rocks and rock walls to climb. Ultra nifty and every 4 year old's dream!!!

Don chased Abi around a good bit while she enjoyed the play and I sat and knit a bit in the beautiful sunshine and cool breeze. I love family Saturdays. Heck, I just love my family.

Click the picture to see a slideshow of our day there.

Monkey Cracked Canyon

Monkey Cracked Canyon
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Socks That Rock got 7 votes, and Cracked Canyon got 4 votes specifically... plus it is Andrew's fave.

So Cracked Canyon it is... I cast on (size 2 dpns) the Monkey sock by Cookie from knitty.com. I've been eyeing it up for a long while and decided to give it a go. I'm 2 repeats of the lace detail into the leg and LOVING IT. Here is the WIP resting atop my hand wound center pull cake. This lace pattern that seemed very intimidating is WAY easier that I'd guessed, and I'm very pleased at how its knitting up in this autumn colored yarn.

I originally started this sock on size 0s Friday evening while watching The Weatherman with Nicholas Cage (most depressing movie I've ever seen, don't bother). On Saturday some of my SnB girlfriends and I spent the day at the Mannings in East Berlin, PA... the closest thing to a yarn mecca I've ever seen.

We sat out in the cool breeze, with the heat wave FINALLY breaking, under the pines and knit, seriously, all day long. With fun conversations, yummy snacks and serious yarn shopping at hand it was simply a slice of heaven. I knit on this sock, along with Abi's hoodie, through the day, only to find out that the darn thing was too small. So a frogging I went and ripped it all out this morning with the kids in my lap and coffee in hand. I bumped up to size 2 dpns (just what the pattern called for... yeah, smack me on the head) and its been smooth sailing all day. The stitches are much easier to get into on 2s, so its moving super fast now. And I'm loving it!!

September IS around the corner... they will be done just in time for hayrides and pumpkin patches. Ahhh, I can already smell the season coming.

Ahh... to be a squirrel

The Squirrels Will Be Happy
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

We were at Don's parents over the weekend and out playing with the children... I happened to notice how large the acorns are this summer. Astounding really, because its been a pretty dry for several months now.

The trees are really laden with nuts... a good year to be a squirrel I suppose. They should be fat and happy all winter. I think the old wives tail says this means a lot of snow.

Snow would be great right now. The heat index today was over 100 degrees farenheit. (faint)

Sock Stash... HELP ME!!

Sock Stash... HELP ME!!
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Help me decide which socks will be next! I want to do them all NOW!!! but I must choose.

Which would you reach for FIRST?? L to R:

Vesper in Afterglo
Regia in Rio Red, self striping
Cherry Tree Hill (cake) color unknown
Lorna's Laces in Vera
STR in Farmhouse
STR in Flourite
STR in Cracked Canyon

Little Hooded Top Down Sweater WIP

Little Hooded Top Down Sweater WIP
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I cast on for a fall/spring lightweight hoodie for Abi this week.

My girlfriend knit this adorable hooded sweater for he son in the spring and I was so smitten with the deliciousness of Artyarns SuperMerino she was using I quickly found some things to sell on Ebay so I could generate some paypal. LOL

I snagged this gorgeous yarn from Sarah's Yarns (gotta love Sarah's deals), color #127 in muted pinks and limes so I could make the same sweater for my Abigayle. I'm about 5 inches into the hood, knitting the size 4 so she can wear it as a top outer layer, and I just can't get enough of it!

I can't wait to see my girly sporting this sweater once the weather cools down.

Regia and Pumpkins

Regia and Pumpkins
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I'm all done with my consolation socks, after loosing a zipper bag containing my Peaks and Valleys socks between a playdate and home (don't ask... maybe they fell out of my purse?).

I cast on these Regia sport weight 6fadig Crazy Color #5264 Lettuce in a simple 56 stitch, double ribbed socks just 2 weeks ago. I wasn't so sure when I started how I'd like the sport weight sock, but they are so yummy and delicious and promise to keep my tootsies warm around the house when the cold sets in in the late fall. Hopefully I'll be wearing them when these pumpkins are ready to pick and decorate my front porch in October.

Andrew's fall pumpkin, which he decided not to carve, from last year gave us a back garden nook full of vines and the bees are super busy pollenating the blooms. COME ON GUYS... grow us some lucious pumpkins!!!

Andrew's Marigolds

Andrew's Marigolds
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

This is a follow up to a previous post (Marigold Class Project) to report that Andrew's seedling marigolds have grown in to the most beautiful pot full of orange marigolds. ORANGE! His favorite color. He could not be happier.

I am so proud of him. The make our porch cheery and greet us with a smile each time we go out.

Willamsburg Vacation 2007

Prisoners
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

We've been home almost a week now and we're still recovering from our summer vacation. It takes a week to get ready, a week to be gone and a week to recoup when you go away.

All very much worth it however as we all thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our trip down to Willamsburg, VA last week. We had intended on spending some time at Colonial Willamsburg, but the kids were just so smitten with Busch Gardens and Water Country, USA that we decided to put the historical portion on hold until Abi and Andrew are a bit older. No one felt slighted however... it was a total blast.

Both parks are designed with family in mind with plenty for the little ones, like Abi and Andrew, to keep busy with while the older ones have 5 of the most fantstic roller coasters around to keep them spinning. Including the brand new Griffon, which opened last month, the world's tallest dive coaster sending the riders on a 205 ft plunge straight toward the ground. Mary Grace just loved all of them as well as the water rides and virtual 4D rides. So much fun.

You can view all of our vacation pictures by clicking here.

The Monica, a pattern from Knitty.com

Abi in the Monica from Knitty - Back
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Abi, modeling her new haltar top that I knitted for summer. Its a little big to grow into but better big than small I suppose. I really liked this quick knit and altared it to knit in the round instead of 2 pieces... it just made sense to do it this way.

Pattern: The Monica by Knitty
Yarn: Shine Worsted from KnitPicks in Sunflower and Watermelon

Also completed last week, the june knit along discloth: Baby Fern Stitch from Dishcloth Boutique in Sugar'nCream, over the Rainbow.

Sunday Morning Picasos

Sunday Morning Picasos
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

My 3 this morning, painting with water colors. The action starts early over here. Andrew wanted to paint, then MG joined in. Of course little bit couldn't be left out. There were some tense moments when colors got mixed, but no one came to blows thankfully. We did suffer one fat lip when Abi stood up and then fell off her chair. But she's a trooper and has already forgotten about it.

Abi: Cars picture of Sally and Lightening McQueen
Mary Grace: Bratz dolls (cringe)
Andrew: 2 Buzz Lightears from TS2... his current fascination

Terrible lighting, but the moment was to beautiful not to share. These 3 on the same task at once is a miracle in itself!

My first Project Spectrum inspiration...Complete!!!

Summer Cotton Low Roll Sock Complete
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I pushed myself to finish these summer cotton socks as part of Lolly's Project Spectrum II. The colors for project inspiration during the months of April and May were pink-green-yellow. I had this yarn, from my birthday yarn extravaganza, and it fit, perfectly incorporating all three colors. Hooray!

A pair of socks in two weeks seems like a real accomplishment to this mom of three, so pardon my pat on the back. Its so nice to set a goal for yourself, even if it is a small one, and succeed. Funny how a simple pair of knitted socks can make you feel so fulfilled.

But enough about me... the socks!!! The pattern is a simple 64 stitch cast on, fingering weight on size 1 double pointed needles, slip/knit heel picking up 17 for each side of the gusset. I adapted the rolled top from a pattern in Knit Socks! by Betsy McCarthy. The yarn is cotton from Norway by SandesGarn, Mandarin #2406, SO soft and luxurious. They are the perfect sock for summer heat and for wearing with Crocs. These happen to match 2 pairs of my own. Weeee!

All that said, there is something troubling me. I finished these socks yesterday, May 31st... the last day of this color triad for Project Spectrum II... and wore them to my knitting circle last night. I was showing them to two friends and of course they were happy for me... its what we knitters do. When another knitter, who is a bit on the fringes of our group (hasn't come very often, hasn't made an effort to really get to know anyone) asked, "you're wearing socks?" with a bit of a snarky face. I replied, "yes, I knit them in light cotton, just for the summer. She let out this most evil laugh and tossed head back, "socks in summer? hahahahahhahahaha!" I was floored. First of, I know I'm not the only person that puts socks on in the summer time occasionally, BUT that someone who is coming to socialize and supposedly strike a common chord with a group of women would be so rude to belittle another person. And openly, for crying out loud!! It was quite possibly the most eye-opening event of recent days for me, regarding the spirit of some people.

Many of us in our very small SnB have tried hard to get to know her, and have been hurt by her snide personality on several occasions. It just makes me sad that someone can be so cruel and manipulative. Its a good thing I'm a fairly confident kind of gal... or she would have crushed me like a bug! Perhaps that was her intent. What a meanie!

She's Growing Up

Watching Little Sis
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I often ask myself how I can possibly have three children. I was SO done when Mary Grace was born. I was in my mid-twenties and deep in a career and a social life. Having a baby really threw me for a loop. I knew immediately I didn't want any more.

Fast forward 11 years. My baby girl, precious and perfect, is racing toward adulthood, more than halfway there now. (tears) How can Mary Grace be 11? And how can it be that I have two more children now? I mean really, how can all of this be?

I was just saying to Don that she is becoming more graceful, after a few years of tween clumsiness due to radical growth spurts. She's looking more proportional to me, more and more lady-like.

Of course and I type this, she's upstairs playing with her two younger siblings, laughing hysterically and squealing. There is still a lot of kid left in her... but less that I'm comfortable admitting.

She's growing up. How does that happen?

Bucket Back Sack

Bucket Back Sack
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.
Pattern: Felted Bucket Bag
Yarn: Debbie Bliss SoHo

For Christmas, I knitted this Bucket Bag for Mary Grace. I never did get a picture in the chaos that was going on with the holiday and mom's passing.

So here it is now. I adore how she's personalized it with her softball photo keychair... she played outfield for the Summerdale Cardinals this spring. *big proud mama grin*

I added the single strap to turn it into an over the shoulder backsack. This was the start of it, way back in November:

Marigold Class Project

Marigold Class Project
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Andrew planted seeds before school ended, just a couple weeks ago, for these nice Marigolds. He has been petting them and watering them and they are finally strong enough to find a home in the ground.

We plan to transplant them tomorrow. Andrew is so proud of them, and I'm so proud of him for keeping them going.

More later once the bloom. :)

Cotton Summer Sock

Cotton Summer Sock
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I started a new sock this week, for me. Just a simple sporty sock, in cotton for summer. The first time I've chosen a knit, not by accident, for Project Spectrum 2. GREEN PINK YELLOW! We shall see if I make it to completion. I'm going to try, I have 11 days left. ;)

Pattern: standard stockinette sock with 1 inch of purl at the top so it will look rolled. Cast on 64, 32 for the heel in slip/knit. Love it!

Yarn: SandesGarn from Norway, in Mandarin Petite #2406, 100% cotton it is SO soft and luxurious.

~~~love~~~

Knitting with this yarn makes me crave sherbert!!!

Teacher Gifts

Teacher Gifts
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Today is Andrew's last day of preschool so I'm sending these along in his backpack as thank you gifts for his teachers. Its been a wonderful year!

I can't believe all he's accomplished this year and how much he's blossomed. I'm so proud of my little guy and very thankful for his teachers.

These are simple dishcloths with English lavendar soaps wrapped in hand-knit dishcloths. Patterns: Flying Geese and Open Star I'm so please with how they turned out. :)

One Lozenge Sock - Done

Lozenge Mosaic
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

My first completed Men's Lozenge Sock from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks.

In Lornas Laces Shepard Sport (Aslan colorway).

Altered cast on from 72(0s) to 60(1s) as pattern was for fingering weight, also altered the heel to a slip/knit heel, to strenghten it.

The sock fits Don well! Now he just needs the match. This sock feels HUGE compared to a women's sock. I feel like I could have knitted 3 pair of women's socks in the time it too for me to do this ONE. But I love it! I enjoyed doing the Weldon's wide toe, and am very happy with the look of it.

Monthly Dishcloth Knit-A-Long

My knitting circle is doing a monthly knit-a-long of dishcloths. Each participating member gets to choose the pattern one month and a yarn theme. This month was "Cinco de Mayo" for May. The pattern was Open Star and the yarn theme was something in the fiesta realm. I chose Peaches and Cream in Fiesta Ombre.

Our first month in the knit-a-long was "April Showers." I knitted the Chinese Waves pattern in Peaches and Creme Spring Rain.

Babys Got A Brand New Big Bag Complete

Babys Got A Brand New Big Bag Complete
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

All done and drying out back. I'm in love! This is my drag everything to the park bag. (happy dance) Its a very quick knit... only 2 weeks for this SAHM.

This is my second time to knit Maia's Baby's Got A Brand New Big Bag. The first was from a recycled Alpaca sweater from my girlfriend Lauri. It was a very enjoyable knit... and the bag is incredible. So incredible that I wanted one for myself!

I used Original Lopi by Reynolds and the only adjustment was that the yarn not doubled worsted... its chunky so I knit single yarn.

Other pics while in process:

Love In Two Portraits

Love In Two Portraits
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

My dad. My parent's wedding portrait.

In May of 2006, 7 months before my mom succumbed to ovarian cancer, mom and dad renewed their wedding vows.... 42 years they were together. Mom had always dreamed of a 50 year vow renewal. When it became evident that she would not make it those next 8 years they decided it was the right time to renew on their anniversary.

Dad was sitting beside my mom (out of frame) and watching every move she made. This was after the service, after lunch. Mom was exhausted, with her oxgen tube on for breathing, trying to stay "pretty as a bride" for the day. But whew, she was tired. So was dad... you can see it in his face.

I didn't know how strong my dad was until my mom got sick. He was always a very strong man, physically, and always there as a husband and father. But the kind of strength I'm talking about doesn't come out until super-human abilities are required. And man, does he have it.

He is my own hero. I love you dad.

For those who have lost... but most importantly, loved first.

Where My Heart Lives

Where My Heart Lives
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Ahhhh, spring break! Its rainy, its cold. But my Mary Grace so the house is warm. This is where my heart lives... right here in the middle of these three people. Ahhhh.

Happy Birthday to me!

Birthday Cupcake - knitted
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I'm 37 today. ACK! I'm 37 today?!?! Just kidding, I'm totally ok with that. I've marked my the day by knitting up this fun little cupcake just to make me happy. It makes me smile. :) The kids have had a great time playing with it in the toy kitchen.



Yarn:
KnitPicks Shite Worsted in Sunflower (bottom)
Lion Chenille in White (icing)
KnitPicks Sparkles in Sunset (sprinkles)

Pattern by: ax174, Pattern Here

365 on flickr

Warm Up
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I jumped into a stream of people doing a self portrait for each day of the year. It encourages you to explore photography as well as yourself. I've only just begun, today being entry number six. Already I can see its a challenge... and the biggest thing I've learned... its not alway so flattering. I immediately, with day one, discovered my eyebrows were LONG over due for plucking.

Sad it takes a photograph to show me that. I do own mirrors, for crying out loud.

View my .:365:. on flickr.

Mom's Comb

Mom's Comb
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

When my mom died on Christmas day, just 3 months ago, after an 18 month battle with ovarian cancer it was hard to make the thousand mile drive with the family down to Alabama, knowing what I'd be facing. The loss of my mother.

As we drove for almost 17 hours, my mind flashed over the years of my childhood and my adult days of going "back home." And oddly enough, the one thing that was part of all of that was this pink comb that belonged to my mom.

We are not sure of its origin. Mom thought she got it from my dad's mom (her MIL)... Dad thinks they may have bought it when they first got married. No one is quite sure. But what I do know is that its older than I am. Its combed my hair thousands of times. I have vivid memories of sitting in the floor on Sunday nights after a bath, eating grilled cheese sandwiches in the living room floor (picnic!!!!). I would nibble, we'd watch Wild Kingdom and the Wide World of Disney (70s!!) as a family and my mother would comb out my long blond hair.

I asked Dad for the comb just a couple hours after we got down the day after Christmas... the day after mom died. And it came back to Pennsylvania with me. It now combs the hair of my family. Its had long service and shows signs of miscoloring and a couple broken and bent teeth. But its my treasure. Its my mom.

Snowflake Cake

Snowflake Cake
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Andrew and I baked a cake today. It is serving several purposes.

1. Happy Birthday Granny! My grandmother is 83 today. Sadly we won't see her because she lives about 1000 miles away in Alabama. We were talking about her birthday last night and Andrew inquired, "are we going to have a party and cake for Granny?" Of course he was sad when I reminded him how far away AL is so Daddy suggested we have our own cake to celebrate her 83rd year. I love you, Granny, Happy Birthday. She was tickled to hear we are having cake today in her honor. Seriously, the boy is going to turn into a chicken nugget!

2. To say, "goodbye," HOPEFULLY to old man winter, who was late arriving but is a guest who just won't leave!

3. As an incentive to Andrew to try peas today (pending the reward of cake). We are implementing a new "you must try 4 bites of each dish" policy. He is 4 for crying out loud... its time for him to eat real meals. I'm sick of being a short order cook! Seriously, the boy is going to turn into a chicken nugget!

Their Chudders

Chudders
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Anytime Andrew means to say "each other" he says "their chudder." He's been saying it that way since he started using that phrase. Well this morning he patted the chair for Abi to come sit with him. She climbed up and he offered her some of his bowl of cheerios he was snacking on and put his arm around her.

He said, "Mom, brothers and sisters take care of their chudders." Made me all teary and giggly at the same time.
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Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Mmmmmhmm yummy comfort food. Yesterday I made my mom's recipe for chicken and dumplings.... our Sunday, stay in your jammies through lunch, meal.

Its one of those meals that just gets better after a day in the frig, so I can't wait for Don to get home from work so we can re-enjoy them!
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Nana's Chicken n Dumplins

whole chicken
salted water to cover
2 cups all purpose flour
milk
salt
pepper

Simmer chicken on the stovetop in a large pot until meat is done and falling off the bone. Remove the chicken. If you are a lightweight you can skim the fat off… but why on earth would you do that really?

While the chicken is cooling, mix flour and milk until ball is formed (like a biscuit consistency). Roll out dumplings on wax paper or foil, dusting with flour to keep from sticking, until 1/8 inch thick. Yes, super thin. Cut into strips (I like to use a pizza cutter) and place back into boiling broth, a few at a time.

Pick chicken while dumplings are cooking and add back in with dumplings. Add a half cup of milk and salt and pepper to taste. Dumplings should take about half an hour until tender and cooked through. Serve hot from the stove. If too thick, add water if desired.

Choo Choos & Cheese

Abi's language is beginning to explode. I can't even count the number of new words she's gotten in the last few weeks. Its so much fun to watch her attempt new words, then get so excited when I parrot them back to her. Here she is from a few nights ago... sitting at the kitchen island watching me get dinner ready. (click the link below)

Choo Choos & Cheese

Wilbur!!

Since moving to Lancaster County PA over 7 years ago I've always wanted to pay a visit to the Wilbur Chocolate Factory Museum and Store. So after our plans for a second annual trip to see friends in Montreal came to a screeching halt, we decided to console ourselves with some chocolate.

The Candy Americana Museum is pretty small in scale but by no means is it a lightweight or low in calorie. There are 3 rooms full of delicious memorabilia from all kinds of candy made in America over the years. The walls are lined with tins that once held cocoa, hard and soft candies and chocolates. I've never seen so many different kinds of chocolate molds, there must be over 100 chocolate Easter Bunny molds alone. They even have a collection of fine china chocolate pots with cups and saucers to match.

Don's favorite discoveries there were equipement used for all aspects of candy making. From a cocoa bean mill for grinding up the beans to a candy crimper used for making ribbon candies. He has a love for iron parts of pretty much any kind of machine, having been a moulder at a local iron foundry for several years before we met.

Andrew finished up our visit by picking out a chocolate airplane on a stick, which he devoured at home after dinner last night. What a fun day, you can view all our pictures by clicking on the one above...