Goodbye 2007

Well, it's been quite a year, hasn't it? It's hard to believe 2007 is almost over. We have no plans at all, even less than normal, for New Year's Eve because hubby is working a double shift that night. He will get home just before midnight though so that's not too bad.

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

May all of your dreams come true in 2008!! I'm hoping some of mine do!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas this year. I hope everyone is warm and with family and/or loved ones.


Think of friends and they will be sharing the day with you.

Take a moment and think of loved ones who are not with you


Hold the joy of the season in your heart and it will stay with you all year around!

And I hope all of you have a wonderfully Merry Christmas. Y'all make my year much brighter!! Thank you for that!

Dallas Mavericks and .... is it really almost Christmas???

Go Mavs Go!! Had a great time last night at the Dallas Mavericks game. They won, of course and it was so cool to finally get to go see them. And of course, they won!!!

We had really awful seats though and were only 4 rows from the very top...not good. Luckily my camera has a decent zoom on it and I could get a few pretty good pics.

#41, Dirk Nowitzki, team captain and center, is my favorite player. #34, Devon Harris is my second favorite. And they both played a great game last night!!


Dirk scoring a 3 pointer!

Dirk again, guarding

Opening faceoff

Samantha, being camera shy...lol

Yes, we were farrrrrrrr away!!

Dirk (center) and Devon Harris (facing Dirk) during warmup

Dirk, scoring on a free throw
And some shots outside the American Airlines Center in Dallas, after the game....

Samantha and Austin

Me and Samantha

Me and Austin...I really like this picture!
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In other news, I can't believe it's only a few days until Christmas. I guess I'm just not excited about it this year because my mom and dad won't be here....just won't be the same. Oh well, I'll make the most of it.......I guess.

I hope everyone is healthy and has a wonderful Christmas!!!

Austin's Christmas play

Austin is the one behind the little boy with a hat and vest on. He has the plaid shirt on with short sleeves. You can't see him very well but he's still trying to sing along.
It was cute..........
Here is a picture of him first, so you can recognize him a bit better....

GO! SENS! GO!!!

We had a fantastic time at the hockey game last night! I've never been so excited to see a hockey game before in my life. We were 10 rows away from the ice and I. was. in. heaven..... I don't know how I'm ever going to be able to go back to the nosebleed section!!

I was amazed by how many people did have Ottawa jerseys on, like I did...so we made some noise!

And now...for some pictures.......

You can see how close I am ........and loving it!

I sat so close I could see their faces!!

My favorite player....team captain, Daniel Alfredson....Alfie (on the right)

Assisstant Captain (on the left) Wade Redden

And the final score.............gotta love it!!!

It was a great game and I had a fantastic time!! I can't wait until Ottawa comes back again!!!

I'm so proud!!!!

Congratulations, Samantha! You’ve been admitted to SFA as of 12/04/07.



Admissions Counseling Coordinator

Office of Admissions

Stephen F. Austin State University

Caution: long post ahead

Geesh, I had no idea it had been this long since my last post.

I've put up my Christmas tree, had Thanksgiving dinner, crocheted a whole bunch....phew...ok, now for the updates........

Here is a picture of my boys putting the star on top of the Christmas tree. It was just too cute. One of those times when I took a mental picture as well as a digital one so it would stay in my mind forever!


The cat really liked the tree too.......too much......



I just had to take a picture of my turkey...it turned out so good this year. And it was so yummy! And if you look closely at the other one you can see a happy face in the stuffing....Matt thought it would be funny......



Earlier this week we went to the high school for an 'Honor Role Banquet' that Samantha received a certificate at. I'm so proud of her.
The night went beautifully, including a speech made by the Superintendant that actually made me cry. It was about how we have to enjoy our children and even though some things they might ask us to do for them, like tie a shoe (or straighten hair as is my case with Sam) that we will miss it so much when it's gone and they're not at home with us anymore. I tell ya, it brings a tear to my eye right now. I'm going to be a basket case when she goes off to college next year!!

These are not great pics but..........

Let's see....my mom had hip replacement surgery on Dec 4th and came through with flying colors. My dad has called me every day to let me know how she's doing (I don't think I've ever talked so much to my dad on the phone before!). Yesterday she even put all her weight on her leg when she was up walking and while her incision was sore, her hip was not. It has literally been at least 15 years since she's had no pain in her hip. Amazing. There'll be no stopping her now!!

One last note before I go.........GO SENS GO!! Tonight is the BIG hockey game! I finally get to go see my Ottawa Senators play!! Ironic that I had to move to Texas to see them huh? I'm so excited...we have a great seats....10 rows from the ice!!! Don't worry, I'm bringing my camera and I'll tell you all about it tomorrow!!!!

Have a good one ................

Goodbye little friend

It's been a few days now and I can just now post something about it. We had to put our little kitty 'Bo' down last week. He had kidney failure. It came on so fast. It was like one day he was here and the next he was gone. We were all very sad. So this is a tribute to Bo.

Bo, we will miss you. I hope you feel better now, where you are, at the Rainbow Bridge. We love you little fella.......

Christmas Decorations......done

Yesterday was a lovely day here in Texas....it was about 84F. We put up our Christmas lights and if I say so...we did a lovely job. They could always better but I like them.

I have to give credit where credit is due though. I told my son what to do and where to put them and he did. One of the few times a 16 year ol boy listens to his mother. He had fun though, it was a nice time.

I promised you pics and here they are..........

(All pics clickable...as usual)

And of course, Patches had to 'help'.

It's been too long..........

It's been a long time since I've posted but I have a good reason...I've been dying. At least that's what it has felt like. I've soooo sick. I was kinda sick for a few days at the beginning of last week and then I felt like I was getting better, then it hit me. I woke up Friday morning literally feeling like someone had taken a sledgehammer to me in my sleep and decimated all of my body, especially my joints. It was awful. I had a fever that would not go below 101F. It was rough.

Would you believe I have not picked up a hook a week? I know, me either. I think I'm going to give it a go as soon as I'm done this post. My hands were hurting me so much, I couldn't even imagine picking up a hook. I do have orders though so I really have to get things going again.

Saturday is the big day around here. We are putting up our Christmas lights. Have no fear...I'll take pictures and let you see them. I can't wait. It'll be about 70F that day so it'll be nice weather for it. Gosh, I remember putting up Christmas lights when I lived in Canada...freezing my fingers off, wearing full winter garb and going in every 15 minutes because it was so darn cold. Another plus to living in Texas......ahhhhhhhhhhhh

Oh, and my mom's hip replacement surgery was scheduled for Dec 4th. So things look 'iffy' for them being here for Christmas but if I know my mom at all (she's as stubborn as a mule!!) if she can take the drive at all she'll be here. If not, we'll have Christmas in January this year when she can stand (well, actually sit for 7 hours) the trip! Good luck mom. You know I love you so much!! I really hope this operation gets rid of the personal hell you've been going through with your hip for the last 15-20 years. It'll be so nice to see you walking without limping and knowing you're not in unbearable pain anymore. Break a leg.....hahahahahahahahaha.....yeah, poor taste, but I couldn't help it!!

Here is my mom with my kids last Christmas.....

If you don't laugh with this...

Cool website

I was sent a link for a really cool website: http://www.biglots.com/NorthPole/elfomatic.aspx



You can upload a picture of your house and decorate it like you might for Christmas. I'm going to do my house in a couple of weeks....let's see how close I get it......

Kids will be messy kids

As dh worked overtime tonight I was taking a minute or two away from my thread crochet to save my eyes and was looking at my email, etc.
When I did groceries this morning I got the kids some fruit. Well, they decided it would be 'cool' if they tried to make smoothies. I told we didn't have the right stuff to make smoothies. "Trust us mom, we know what we're doing." Uh huh, famous last words.

This is what my kitchen looked like when they were done......and YES....they clean it up again, spotless!!

Oh well, they had fun and they enjoyed their drinks....and they laughed. They laughed so hard. It made my heart feel good.

Grey's A-freakin'-natomy!!!

OMG!!!

I am totally beyond myself right now. I got an order from a woman yesterday for 2 baby sweater/hat/booties sets...which was great...but she wanted both sets in her hands, in California, by Thursday....are you freakin' kidding?
So, I'm thinking just that, this woman is crazy. There's no way I can get 2 sets done and to her in 2 days, seeing how one of those days would be a shipping day. Then, I get an email.....

Hi there good folks of a playful yarn -

My name is **** and I've just placed an order for some of your items. I'm the Propmaster on a TV show called Grey's Anatomy. Our schedules are very tight and the script included a scene that involves hand knitted baby clothes that shoot Thursday - hence my rush. If it makes it easier I can give you our fedex number, please let me know if there is any way I can facilitate this transaction. If that's not convenient, I'll paypal you the shipping difference. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me on *****. Thanks again. Kind regards - A***

My daughter was at my computer and I asked her to check my emails. All of a sudden she starts yelling "OMG. OMG. She's from Grey's Anatomy. Mom! OMG!". She was not making any sense to me so I got up and read it and then I started going...OMG!! So, what's a person to do?? I called her.

It seems this one set in particular will be what they call a 'hero prop'....meaning someone will hold it up and say 'Look what I made for you'. How awesome is that????

She said she printed off a picture of it off of my Etsy site and showed it to Chandra Wilson, the big shot at Grey's. Chandra said 'that's perfect!'

So, I started at 5pm and stayed up until 3am making these sets. My fingers are still sore this morning. I got 2 hours of sleep but it was worth it. I have to admit I'm going back to bed though as soon as the kids and hubby leave.

The show will air Dec 20, and I'll remind you again, be sure of that, and it's called 'Lay Your Hands on Me'. Now, I have no idea who has 'made' this outfit or who it's for but it's too cool.

Anyhow, I'm running on fumes right now and just thrilled beyond belief!! I keep wondering if McDreamy will touch it......ahhhhhhhhhh to dream.

Oh, I have to make a special acknowledgement to my dear dear husband, without whom this would never have happened. He had to go to WalMart on his break at work (he was working a double shift) and buy 2 skeins of Caron Simply Soft yellow yarn. Wouldn't you know it, I was out. So without his kindness I would never have been able to do this. Mind you, I'll be hearing about it for the next year now....lol.

Ok, I'm going back to bed now.......hope I don't wake up and this was all a dream!!

Update 1-1-07 11am pst:

Got the sweaters this morning, Lisa, thank you.
They are adorable and everyone loves them.
Thanks again for your prompt fufillment of the order.
Best regards -

Purple?? Purple!?!

Why is all my text purple?? It didn't used to be purple...so why is it purple now?

Any suggestions how I can fix it??

Are you freezing kidding me?

I don't know how this happened. How did it go from 90F on Sunday to being so cold that I've had to turn the heater on?? I don't understand. Does someone want to put in a call to Mother Nature and tell her she's made a mistake? She skipped over the 70's completely this year. First we were having August weather in October and now we're having December weather in October. Can't we just have October weather in October? Would that be so wrong?????

Phew, ok, I'm done ranting now...I think.

So much is going on right now but I'm going to try my very best to keep up with my blog at least a few times a week.

There is a Secret Santa Swap coming up on CMania that I'm in charge of. I just love swaps and I love Christmas so what a perfect match. I can't wait to start making things for my swap partner.

Well, on that note, I'm off to sit under a blanket and crochet some ballerina slippers for a customer. They're a pain to make but they turn out cute.

I hope everyone has a great day!!

The fall Blaahhs have hit

Well, it went from summer to winter here in just one day. Yesterday afternoon it was almost 90F and today it won't get higher than about 56F. How d'ya like that? Yes, we've been spoiled in Texas, and as far as I can see, a lot of the country, with warmer than normal temperatures, but I like to be spoiled. I don't like to be cold. It's been raining most of the day so far too...just blaahhhh. Good thing we mowed the yard and did all the yardwork yesterday!!

I haven't posted much lately because I've been busy. Busy with crochet. I've been starting to sell some stuff on Etsy finally, which is good. I actually sold 2 Longhorn hats this weekend....HOOK EM HORNS!!.... Then my apple cozy pattern is selling and I'm just thrilled about that...something I made up on my own is something people like to buy!!

I've been crocheting that dang sweater for my mom!! What a pain that is. The pattern is so screwy, but I"m getting there. I just have the arms left to do.

I'm also involved in making something from thread crochet for my all time favorite designer for a book be published next year. I'm very excited about it, and feel honored to be involved in any small way.

On a different note, with Thanksgiving right around corner I'm starting to think about Christmas and decorating my house outside. We recently went to a yard sale where I bought 4 deer, 3 stars and 2 other 'light up's' for $10.....and these will go along with the current 3 deer I have and all the outside lights too. My son and I are so looking forward to decorating. He's so much like me...yikes!!

Sam will be getting her SAT scores on Thursday and she's excited about that. I hope she gets back the scores she's expecting or 'it' will hit the fan...if ya know what I mean.

OK, I think that's it...oh! Wait! I forgot!! Yesterday I won tickets on eBay to go see the Dec 7th Dallas Stars hockey game. Why am I so 'over the top' excited about it?? Because they are playing THE OTTAWA SENATORS that night. Even when I lived only 45 minutes away in Canada, I was never able to go see the Sens play. This is the 1st time in 3 years that Ottawa has been here and I'm so excited. And yes, I'm going to be wearing my Sens shirt that night and cheering loudly for my team to win!! GO! SENS! GO!!

Ok, I think I'm done now. But I can't leave without a picture so here it is.....

Don't ya love how cats sleep in piles? This is my entire cat family...so cute!!
Bo, Romo, Belle, and Patches...

Well, it went from summer to winter here in just one day. Yesterday afternoon it was almost 90F and today it won't get higher than about 56F. How d'ya like that? Yes, we've been spoiled in Texas, and as far as I can see, a lot of the country, with warmer than normal temperatures, but I like to be spoiled. I don't like to be cold. It's been raining most of the day so far too...just blaahhhh. Good thing we mowed the yard and did all the yardwork yesterday!!

I haven't posted much lately because I've been busy. Busy with crochet. I've been starting to sell some stuff on Etsy finally, which is good. I actually sold 2 Longhorn hats this weekend....HOOK EM HORNS!!.... Then my apple cozy pattern is selling and I'm just thrilled about that...something I made up on my own is something people like to buy!!

I've been crocheting that dang sweater for my mom!! What a pain that is. The pattern is so screwy, but I"m getting there. I just have the arms left to do.

I'm also involved in making something from thread crochet for my all time favorite designer for a book be published next year. I'm very excited about it, and feel honored to be involved in any small way.

On a different note, with Thanksgiving right around corner I'm starting to think about Christmas and decorating my house outside. We recently went to a yard sale where I bought 4 deer, 3 stars and 2 other 'light up's' for $10.....and these will go along with the current 3 deer I have and all the outside lights too. My son and I are so looking forward to decorating. He's so much like me...yikes!!

Sam will be getting her SAT scores on Thursday and she's excited about that. I hope she gets back the scores she's expecting or 'it' will hit the fan...if ya know what I mean.

OK, I think that's it...oh! Wait! I forgot!! Yesterday I won tickets on eBay to go see the Dec 7th Dallas Stars hockey game. Why am I so 'over the top' excited about it?? Because they are playing THE OTTAWA SENATORS that night. Even when I lived only 45 minutes away in Canada, I was never able to go see the Sens play. This is the 1st time in 3 years that Ottawa has been here and I'm so excited. And yes, I'm going to be wearing my Sens shirt that night and cheering loudly for my team to win!! GO! SENS! GO!!

Ok, I think I'm done now. But I can't leave without a picture so here it is.....
Bo, Romo, Belle and Patches...on their favorite place to sleep, the crocheted blanket I made for Samantha last year.

Vicki Howell Podcast

In celebration of the upcoming launch of her new podcast, CRL: with Vickie Howell, she is having a goodie giveaway! Everyone who posts the CRL banner on their blog or website will get a free ball of yarn.


I think that's 2 good reasons to post this here. #1. helping a fellow yarnie (even if she is a 'biggie' and I'm not even a 'smallie'...lol) and #2, free yarn. Congratulations Vicki an good luck!!

Halloween Swap and awwwwwwwww

I got my package in from Aurora yesterday (from Crochet Mania's Halloween swap) and I just love it. My 16 y/o son is amazed by the mummy, he thinks it's just too cool!! Thank you so much Aurora (Dragonflymom).

And I just had to post this.....I thought it was so cute!! It made me go 'AWWWWWWWW'. This is Romo (the newest addition) and Chico this morning. It's so cold here this morning that Chico was shivering so I put a sweater on him. I guess Romo was chilly too and wanted to snuggle for warmth. Yes, I do realize the coolness is all relative but it's been 90+ here up until a couple of days ago, and 70 overnight. Last night it got down to 57....brrrrrrrrr

Apple Tea Pot Cozy

Well, I couldn't find one so I made one. My son said "Mom, you can make one yourself, just make one."........so I did.

I was going to publish it as a free pattern buy DH said I'd be crazy to do that as there's likely other people out there looking for one so I posted it on my Etsy shop.

Here are a couple of pics ...........



I have it for sale on my Etsy store.