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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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...

Mom went to Heaven on Christmas Day

I haven't been keeping up here with all that has been going on with traveling and mom passing. But for those who have been praying so faithfully I wanted to let you know that mom went to be with the Lord on Christmas Day. She is a stinker... her favorite day has always been Christmas and we truly believe she was holding out. What an incredible fighter she was. She wanted to arrive on the day of the big birthday party! What a day to go to Heaven!

We miss her terribly but are so relieved that her pain and suffering is over. She had a new body now and is living among the angels. For us its hard to be without her, but its just a blink of an eye really in the eternal timeline.... we'll all be together one day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been taking a blogging break with all of the busyness but soon I plan to be back. With a new look and lots of updates on the children and my knitting adventures.

Thank all of you for your fantastic prayers and support of my mother and my family. You have been so faithful to us. We are grateful in a way that mere words cannot express. You are a blessing!

A different kind of holiday

Its been a while since I updated on my mom. Sadly, once she got over (if you can really call it that) the pneumonia episode and started the maintenance chemo, we soon learned that the cancer had taken a radical turn. The final stages were on the way. Less than a month ago we were told that her CA125 numbers had seriously jumped, more than quadrupled, actually. The oncologist didn't want to give a prognosis, but since mom and dad asked, he said his best guess is that she'd have about 3 months.

Mom is still hanging on at home, but the day to day care has gotten tougher. I jetted down last weekend and spent 4 full and treasured days with her. Since that time she has been faced with new struggles daily. Its sobering for me to consider how she was just 1 week ago while I was there, and compare it with what my dad is sharing with me now.

She is fighting, he believes, to make it through Christmas at home. And then he thinks she will be ready to go on to be with our Lord. No one can really know, only God, when her name on the Roll will be called. But she is ready. And has been a glorious testimony to peace... the peace that only comes from above. She has been strong and steady and sure through every step of this trial. She is focused on the prize, on the promise. I am so proud of her.

We ask that you pray for mercy and peace for my mother. I ask that you pray for rest for my brain, as I'm burdened with thoughts about how the next few weeks will play out with holiday travels, Santa for my kiddos, and what will happen with my mom in the mix. But surely... I can cope with the details, if she can cope with what the Lord has given her. She is amazing. She is a blessing. She is my hero.

The Battle Is Not Ours

The battle is not ours
We look to God above
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love

I will not be afraid
I will not run and hide
For there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side
No, there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side

The battle is not ours
We look to God above
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love ~

Appreciation

You know, I am just enjoying my knitting circle so much. Last night as we sat around the tables at Barnes & Noble one of the girls spontaneously spouted out, "I love you guys. Did I say that before?" It was so dear. And I think the majority of us feel the same way.

Sitting around that table are women of all ages, backgrounds, walks of life, stages of womanhood. But we all leave our own little worlds for a few hours each week to come together and share something we love. We appreciate each other for the things we have in common and the things we don't.

I'm fairly certain that if I'd met some of them under different circumstances, we'd not have clicked. Some of us are just that different. But the thing we all hold so valuable, time spent knitting things for those we love, brings us together and builds our friendships. Its just amazing. I'm so thankful to be a part of it.

He's just a regular guy!

We were at the mall yesterday and stopped by so Andrew could sit on Santa's lap and see him for the first time this holiday season. Andrew had stars in his eyes. This age, 4, is such a fantastic age for Santa... they really grasp the "magic" of it all.

While Andrew was on his lap rattling off his list, Santa did a little discrete yawn behind his white glove and I said, "Andrew I think Santa needs a nap." Santa said, "yes, I just had a yummy lunch, now I'd like to lay down and rest a while. Ho ho ho!!" (this was a great Santa). Andrew screwed his face around as he processed that. As we walked away, he asked me, "mom, why does Santa have lunch like we do?" I told him Santa was a regular person, just like us, who has a special job at Christmas time. His eyebrows raised up and his eyes got as big as saucers... he didn't say a word as we walked on. But I saw the light go on. It was so wonderful watching him take it all in.

The Nana Report

After coming home from the hospital a few weeks ago, mom saw her oncologist and they decided on a low dose, weekly dose of chemo, instead of the high-powered dose every 3 weeks in cycle. So far, she's having a much easier time of it with Paxotere, this new chemo drug.

The newest hitch is that she found a lump in her breast last week. Yeah, crazy isn't it? Why can't my mom get some breaks??? On Tuesday of this week she went for a mammogram so we're hoping to hear back from that pretty quickly. Prayerfully it will just be a glad that is swollen or irritated, and NOT more malignancy.

One highlight to her week is that over the weekend my brother came up to visit with his 4 children. They stayed with mom and dad which is pretty rare and was a huge treat for mom and dad. Generally they say with my brother's ILs but his wife stayed behind for some job training so they got to stay with Nana and Papaw this trip. It was a delightful visit and mom was all a-buzz about the kiddos.

5 years

In all the craziness of the last months travels and birthday and day to day life, Don and I managed to celebrate our 5th anniversary of marriage.

This photo was taken at one of the two adult-only moments we managed to squeak in last month, a wedding of one of Don's coworkers. It was an interesting day to say the least, but much needed time with my hubby. A couple weeks later, a week after our actual anniversary, we enjoyed celebrating our occasion by having dinner out. Alone. Date nights are so nice, we really should make an effort to do it more often. Of course, once you figure in the cost of a baby sitter and a real meal out in a non-smorgasboard environment, you're pushing the budget of a one income family of 5.

I love you, Don! Now more than ever! Thank you for being my eternal companion.

Bag-O-Rama

Not so long ago I said 2 things that now seems just down right silly, regarding knitting. I said I am not the type to start something new before I finish knitting another. And I said I would probably never knit socks. Riiiiight. I have 3 bags planned for felting on the needles at the present time. And I have 2 skeins of Socks that Rock waiting in the wings for after holiday knitting is done.

I picked up this delicious wool yarn by Debbie Bliss while at Stitches last weekend. Its called Soho and is in colors of purple, pink and a nice variegated mix. The plan: Felted Bucket Bag I've just cast on the bottom yesterday. I'm a bit under the weather at the moment so I'm getting more "sit still" time that usual, so I've used that to knit a good bit. I'm very pleased with the progress as this one is a Christmas gift.

My second French Market Bag, I wanted this one to be in wintry colors as the first one definitely screams "fall!" I'm using Butterflies and Bullfrogs in Prairie by Lornas Lace, the yarn I picked up on the farm escapade last month. I plan on using it from just after Thanksgiving until the crocus bulbs begin pushing up their greens in mid-March.

Also, the recycled alpaca from my good friend L is now on the move. I have only just cast on and worked a few rows in garter stitch for this lovely Baby's Got a Brand New Big Bag. Can't wait to see how it turns out. No hurry on this one as its not for Christmas.

Sunset Lancaster County

I stepped out my back door last week to toss something into the trash and was greeted by this beautiful sunset across the Lancaster County sky.

The Two Black Sheep

Wow, I'm so very honored! Two of my knitting circle buddies (Heather and Becky) have decided to open a yarn store here in Lancaster Co, PA in the next year. Heather asked for submissions for a store name, just for fun. I submitted a number of names, as did others in our stitch n bitch. She picked her favorites then opened a poll so knitters could vote for the favored name. Turns out I won the contest!!! I submitted The Black Sheep and it was a top voted choice. They have decided to name the store The Two Black Sheep. I'm so honored. Oh and I get a prize too! A skein of Socks that Rock from Blue Moon Fiber Arts... only the most yummy sock yarn in the world!! Wahoo!

I wish the girls a fantastic success with their endeavor. I'm so proud of them. If you'd like to keep up with the goings on you can find them here: The Two Black Sheep

There's a Cello in my Toaster

There's a Cello in my toaster
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

And dice. Life is fun with a 1 year old. Dangerous but crazy fun too.

I was making some waffles for Andrew the other night and something inside the toast caught my eye when I went to get the waffles out. Something lavender and polka-dot. It was not food.

It was a little plastic dice piece. A junk toy from a vending machine at the mall. I keep my toaster on a shelf on the bottom of my kitchen island. Readily accessible. To everyone it seems.

I called Don in to see the dice, sort of giggling under my breath knowing that we'd successfully escaped a fire. He looked in. And he said, "keep looking, there is something down there besides dice."

Sure enough, a little metal cello Christmas ornament rested on the bottom with the crumbs. I think we'd better keep an eye on the VCR and the disk drive.

Nana News

Mom's doc has given her an ok for discharge and she's going to come home from the hospital today. They successfully moved her from the nebulizer for breathing treatments to an inhaler. And got her on pills for an antibiotic instead of through the IV. She will continue on her oxygen, as she has since last summer.

She still gets out of breath when she gets up for anything, but the doc believes that is because the pneumonia is still clearing out, and because honestly, she is just whipped physically.

So she'll be home by this afternoon. Hooray!

Ever feel like you've been in a vortex??

Not literally of course, but like you've been so sucked so deeply into your own schedule that life around your own personal borders seems to have passed you by?

I always did when I had a new infant. All 3 times, with each child, somewhere around 4 months or so it suddenly dawned on me that while I was so caught up new family dynamics the world was still going on. And it happened after my divorce too, I had about a year or downtime where I could see the hustle and bustle in the distance, but I wasn't part of it really.

In the last 2 weeks we've had so much stuffed into our family schedule, I've felt like the little metal ball inside a pinball machine just bouncing from one gig to the next. I knew there was a world out there, because we were doing things involving the world, driving cars, flying on airplanes, celebrating birthdays, going to hospitals... it was all living and breathing. But I could only focus on my children and who needed what, when. Whew.

And today its Monday. Its all done. And suddenly I'm back from my own little circus of activity. Its quiet now. I like quiet.

Happy 4th Birthday, Andrew!!!

With the Go, Diego, Go cake #2
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I can't believe you're 4, my sweet baby boy!

We delighted in numerous celebrations over the last week. One Diego cake in Alabama. One set of cupcakes at Grandma and Dzaidzai's house on Saturday. A second Diego cake with friends at a bonfire and pumpkin patch event on Saturday night, and mini-cupcakes with preschool friends to boot! We didn't have an offical "party," but Andrew got to share his special day, and days for that matter, with all the people he loves. What a great opportunity to share the fun!

Bama Trip

Click the photo for a slideshow of all our Bama moments.

Andrew, Abi and I are back from a whirlwind trip to Alabama for 5 days. It was a bittersweet visit because even though we were there for a happy visit with my parents and Mary Grace, mom ended up in the hospital with pneumonia while we were there. She keeps apologizing to me for that, the stinker. I mean, you really can't choose when you're ill can you? Wouldn't that be convenient??!?!

She is still in the hospital, which is imposing a break on her chemo. That is a relief but the chemois much needed of course. Meanwhile, mom is struggling with getting the congestion to go away, all the while struggling to get enough oxygen IN. I take for granted my own breathing. Until I saw her working to get bronchial spasms under control (which you can't really do it turns out), I never really thought of how scary it is to loose, or loose control over, your own breath. That was so hard to see. And even harder for her to endure.

We didn't have much time for any running around while there. My grandmom came to us to visit, at mom's, as I didn't have wheels this stay. I did manage to see a University of Alabama game, my alma mater, while there. A very dear girlfriend from North Alabama had tickets... she ditched her hubby and kidnapped me for the game. What a treat! They defeated Olde Miss in overtime, 26-23. Very cool! It was the first time I'd been to a game since I graduated in 1992. Rolllllll Tide Roll!!

We also celebrated Andrew's birthday a bit early, so he could share it with big sis Mary Grace, Nana, Papaw and Granny. It was a fun evening... we filled out bellies with papaw burgers, cake and shared lots of smiles and presents. Just lovely!

Unraveling the Alpaca

Alpaca Mosaic
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

My good friend Lauri gave me her gorgeous 100% alpaca sweater to recycle. Its fantastic, but just too hot to be worn very often and she hated to see it sit in her drawer winter after winter.

I wasn't sure I'd find the right end originally but I turned it inside out then stretched the neck and saw the yarn end moving inside where it had been woven in. Once I got it out, it quickly came apart.

The fair-isle color work around the neck had me a bit worried. But I was pleasantly surprised that it came apart so easily. I pulled a few yards out at a time, then wound each color separately so it didn't tangle.

Detail of fair-isle.





I've cast on and knitting around 120 stitches for a tote. I'm just going to wing it and see what I come up with, since I have no clue how much yardage there is. We'll see what it turns into.

Janene's Guide to Free and Easy Living

On my local playgroup message board someone posed the question "how do you keep on top of it all?" She is struggling with keeping the house clean, meals, caring for 3 children. You know, being a June Cleaver.
There were lots of answers and tips. But one really struck me, because we must have had the same Home Ec instructor. I thought her guide was blog worthy...

Janene's guide to free and easy living:

1) NEVER clean the house unless someone is coming over

2) NEVER have people over so you don't have to clean

3) Your only necessary accomplishment every day is to feed your kids and keep them healthfully clean. Not hygenically clean, heathfully clean. This means they are clean enough not to get sick. Everything else is negotiable

4) Your kids will remember love and attention 20 years from now, not your messy house

5) Life will only be this way for 5 more years, and then hopefully you can carve out 2 hours a day to do the stuff you feel guilty about not doing now while the kids are in school. Think about that. Only 5 years.

Hoodie Model

Hoodie Model
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

As Andrew used to say from the highchair, "all done!"

Last night at the SnB I finished seaming the hoodie and wove in the yarn ends. It was so rewarding to finish my first garment (Abi's dress took the back burner since this was for spring) and be able to hold it up for my knitting buds to see. My confidence was bolstered with a round of "hoorays" and cheers. What a great group!

So its currently 47 degrees and we walk down to preschool in less than an hour! He will get to wear it this morning! I'm so excited! And he is too!

Pattern: Penny by Berroco

Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky, Canyon

Parade Route

I love this time of year. Here it is parade season so our local school band is gearing up for all the gigs they have over the next few months. We just happen to live on the same street as the middle school. So we get our own personal parade every M-F morning between 8:15 and 9am, as they practice. Marching band must be first period. LOL This year the song of choice is "When the Saints Go Marching In" which just makes you get up and march. Last year we enjoyed 3 months of Funkytown. Hahaha!

Here is a little clip of the kids enjoying their own little parade. They came by three times today!

The Marching Barons

Luscious Lorna

Sounds like a call girl but its actually my newest yarn acquisition.

A knitting girlfriend, OCKKaren, has connections with a yarn shop that went out of business this spring. The owner and hand spinner of Yarn on the Farm, Joann Sadler, sold much of her inventory to a new shop owner. But what she retained, she's been offering to her friends at an amazing deal. Pretty much her cost.

Last night 8 of us knitters and our mascot, a very cool non-knitter who thinks we're fun, went over hill and dale out to the farm. Literally a farm, where Joann raises her own sheep. It was a leap back it time. She extended her amazing deal to us, since Karen knits with us in the SnB.

I scored 3 beautiful hanks of Lornas Lace from the Butterflies and Bullfrogs line, in the color Prairie. I can't wait to put it on the needles, but there is so much ahead of it. This will be my post-holiday knit. I'm really looking forward to it!

We rounded the evening out with Chicken Fried, Country Fried, Gravy drenched dinners and cream pies at Silk City Diner in Adamstown, PA. Or were we still in Stevens? Or maybe Reamstown? I don't know... all those places run together after a bit. Anyway... good, good stuff!

Wedding Washcloths

Washcloth Detail
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Current project on the needles, well one set of needles: a wedding gift in progress.

Hubby's coworker is getting married on Saturday so Im making them a set of washcloths to match their towels (ivy and khaki). Using Country Sage Ombre, by Sugar & Creme.

Pattern from Knitting Pattern Central, Raised Triangle Washcloth

I think we need some at home too!

The Last Knit

Can't Be Still!

Can't Be Still!
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

I got the shoulders seamed up, using the kitchener stitch. I'm pleased with how that went. I had already bound them off as per the pattern but realized a whip stitch would make it look cruddy, so I un-bound them, then used the kitchener. That worked.

I guess it fits... not that this wiggle worm would let me see for more than a micro second. The length is good, and its nice and roomy for clothing underneath.

Headed to PreSchool

Like Daddy
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Here's the boy this morning, all dressed "like daddy" and ready to go to school. He's so enthusiastic about school this year. He loves everything about it. Today he wanted me to tuck in his shirt "like daddy." I must admit, with the shirt in and his new hiking style sneaks on, he DOES look even more like daddy than usual. He's just getting so big.


Andrew is very much into kid arts now, and making all sorts of fun things. In his first week, last Wednesday, he brought home this snail puzzle he's made. He's finally, at almost 4, starting to fancy coloring and creating. And he's getting pretty good with the scissors now too, as you can see from his cuttings in this puzzle. We are loving all the creativity!

And here is little sis, Abi! Along for the ride on big brother's walk to PreSchool this morning. She loves her stroller... so impatient once I open it up. She likes roaming around Manheim just as much as her mama!

Hoodie Progress

Hoodie progress
Originally uploaded by wenjomatic.

Here is Andrew's hoodie in progress. The back and front panels are complete. Now I'm moving up the first sleeve with 3 inches to go. This is a very fast knit, with Paton's Shetland Chunky at about 3.5 stitches per inch. Its very rewarding to knit something up so quickly. And with cool weather right around the corner, it should be done just in time to cover my guy's little head up for fall.

My Shower with the Cowboy

Ever feel like you're not alone? I always do. Moms are very rarely alone. But every weekday morning during Abi's nap I desperately try to work in a quick shower so that the flies are not drawn to me when I head out for playdates or errands.

Today was one of those days. I did managed to have an express shower (moms, you know what I mean by express shower) before Abi woke up. While washing my hair I looked down to find I was not alone. Cowboy Woody was laying in the tub watching me. As well as his friends, 3 alligators, 2 frogs, a whole school of rubber fish and the entire alphabet of foamy letters. Well, all but K, and K was down in the kitchen after being discarded there by one of the kids.

I love all these little things that having children in the house brings. Sure we live in a state of constant clutter and messes. But they are only small once. These are Signs Of Life as Stephen Curtis Chapman would say when he sings about crayons rolling around on the floorboard of his car, outerspace men sitting in his chair and bats and balls all over his yard.

Yesterday on the phone my mom said, "Wendy, I can really tell that you love staying home with your children." Yeah, mom, I do. I love it more than I've ever loved anything else in my life. I am so blessed. I'll take my shower with a cowboy any old day. And be happier because of it!