Friday, May 26, 2006

Made it to the Weekend

AND it's a 3-day one, too!!! Woo Hoo!! Even though this week has flown by, it's been rather stressful. Took home too many extra projects from work. But I am not working extra this weekend!

Still organizing, too. I've added more eBay listings. And I've been trying to convince myself to post even more - especially some more dolls which I have been collecting for years now but never look at. I can think of only a few that I truly love and can't bear to part with. I've pretty much sold most of the ones that aren't my very favorites. Now I've just got to work on parting with the ones that I like A LOT but don't LOVE. It's difficult for me to let go. However, if I keep reminding myself that I want this camera - Canon PowerShot S3 IS - then I'm hoping it will behoove my frugal nature to win out over my pack rat tendencies. So far the battle is a stalemate, but I'll keep you posted.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Parent/Teacher Conference

Clark had his last parent/teacher conference for 1st Grade last night. I'm rather sad that he's moving on. We've loved his teacher Mrs. Judkins, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the progress he's made. He's really become his own person, and Mrs. J. says he's "like a sponge." She can throw anything at him and he'll just soak it up. We need to keep him challenged, or he could easily get bored. It's always nice to hear nice things about my kids.


Sunday, May 21, 2006

Sunday etc.

OK, so my scrapbooking party was a bust. It was really not a good weekend to host one based on everyone who said they couldn't come. Unfortunately, it was the best weekend for my schedule, and I probably won't have time to host another one until late mid-July. I won't go into all my woes with hosting parties to begin with, but suffice to say my timing s*cks. However, on a positive note the house looks so much better, I'm making headway on organizing my scrapbooking area (although right now it looks worse than it did before ), and I got some knitting done instead, which I probably would have done instead of scrapbook anyway! :)

I'm bummed I had to miss this month's SnB though. Spent time cleaning the house instead. I have yet to make it to one because I always remember them at the last minute.

Here's a progress pic of Calla. I'm really trying to get this done quickly because I'm dying to start on Ella and join the Amazing Lace. Plus, with all of Erin's photos of her Kool-Aid dyeing success I'm afraid I'm going to be sucked into trying that, too. Resistance is futile . . .



Another recent obsession - wanting a new camera. I'm rationalizing it by saying that I don't know how I'm going to get great photos of Clark playing T-ball. So I've been checking out dpreview again. (I think it's the best site for comparing digital cameras.) Guess I should start working on getting a raise first though.

I've spent most of the day loading eBay auctions - nearly all of my collection of scrapbooking magazines and idea books. This is, of course, due to my attempts at getting organized. I've uploaded 14 different auctions, so I'd say it's a really great start. Check them out, if you are so inclined.

It's been a hot, summer-like day here, too. And it's been full of summer-like activities. Not only did the kids help Steve bathe Lilo, but they also got to have late afternoon ice creams from our local ice cream truck (well, it's more of
a van really and not very cool or fun looking at that). Clark chose a Darth Vader fruit punch, berry confection with gumball eyes, and Shea chose a cotton candy flavored popsicle. YUM!

Friday, May 19, 2006

Getting Organized

Or trying to anyway. I've had it. I fully admit that I have never been very organized, although I frequently dream of a perfectly organized desk and house.
So lately I have been watching a lot of organizing shows for inspiration, which helps keep me going for about 15 minutes. My biggest problem is clutter. It's not as bad as what you see on the shows, but I do have my problem areas - namely my scrapbooking area and the kids' rooms.

I'm working on letting go of much of my scrapbooking stuff. It all needs to fit back into my armoire/desk. I plan to ebay quite a bit and probably Freecycle the rest. (What an awesome tool Freecyle is! I learned about it awhile back from Erin.)

For the kids' rooms I need to work with them to find an organizing system that works.

Unfortunately, I think that's my biggest problem. What works for me? What works best for them? Organizing products are spendy, and to put it nicely I'm on the frugal side. And then whenever I buy an organizing product it doesn't always work out as nicely. I guess I should plan and measure each type of thing. And here's the big point: When the types of things no longer fit the size of the container, then a decision and purge must be made. The ironic thing about my issues with organizing ultimately come down to I'm too anal and perfectionistic (not a word but go along with me) to generate a plan (because they will never be perfect), so that makes me a slob which also goes against my anal and perfectionistic nature.

Suffice to say I'm pulling my hair out. But I will keep working on organizing.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Batter Up!

Clark's first tee-ball practice was tonight. I think he did a fabulous job, if I do say so myself. His batting was rather consistent, he hustled for the ball nicely, and he even caught a couple. The most important part is he's enjoying it. I would love for him to have a sport that he enjoys - besides the car racing thing, that is. ;)

Planning a scrapbooking crop this weekend. Mostly to have a party and do something a little different. I'm getting to know quite a few scrapbookers, and even though I'm not so into it lately, it would be terrific to get inspired to get into it again.

Of course, this means I really need to focus on deep cleaning the house this week. Wish me luck!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there!! You all deserve it!!!

My Mother's Day started with a bit of a bang. At 3:30 this morning Clark came running into our room saying he threw up in his bed. And yes, yes, he did. And a lot, too. But since I am the mom and Steve can't handle cleaning up messes like that very well, I cleaned it up and quickly got everything into the washer. TMI, I know, but that's the bummer of how my Mother's Day started. Not letting Clark eat too much yet, since he's a couple more mile episodes since this morning. Hope he gets to feeling better soon. I'm now worried about anyone else getting sick. Unfortunately, I've known directly & indirectly quite a few people who have caught the stomach flu this last week. We've been bleaching everything all morning.

Thought I'd take photos of the wonderful cards my sweet children made for me.

Some pages from Clark's booklet:





















I chuckled about the high heels & tank top comment.

And Shea's card. I can't believe that her handwriting at 4 years old is better than her dad's.


Saturday, May 13, 2006

Calla Progress

Calla is progressing nicely, and I'm quite pleased with the results so far.


However, now I'm really wanting to start on Ella again, and I'm considering her for my teammate in the Amazing Lace. Haven't confirmed yet, though, because I'm not certain about my available time right now. Work has been a little crazy lately, and I don't anticipate it calming down any time soon.

Hoping to get some quality knitting time in tomorrow though. It is Mother's Day after all. ;)

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

No More AI

I am hereby boycotting American Idol. I cannot believe that Chris was voted off tonight. DH & I are still in shock. What a bummer! Doubt I can finish watching this season. I really thought that Chris & Taylor would be the final two. Guess that's what I get for thinking.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Second May FO

Finished my second project in May - my final Mother's Day gift & another Fulled Lopi Tote.

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino in Black, Bernat Ping Pong in Pink Power, No Boundaries (eyelash)
Needle Size: 9
Started: 4/29/06
Completed: 5/7/06
Felt Cycles: 2
Special Notes: I had to increase a needle size when doubling the Patons with the Bernat Ping Pong, and unfortunately, the two didn't felt well together. The Ping Pong is too bulky in comparison I think. Plus, the Patons bled onto the novelty yarns, dulling the hot pink colors. Overall, however, I love how the Patons felted.

Before:

After:

Saturday, May 06, 2006

National Scrapbooking Day aka National Homebrewers Day

I've been catching up on some fave blogs - trying to get motivated to finish knitting MIL's felted bag, but not so thrilled with the novelty I'm using. It's got these flags every now & then, and I WAS anal-retentively trying to get them all to go to the front. I've since given up after 5 rows. I'll just pull them through at the end.

Today is National Scrapbooking Day, but wouldn't you know it's also National Homebrewing Day. For the last 3 years DH has reserved his kid-free time before me. He's lucky this year because I've been off the scrapbooking wagon lately. Guess I should find out when National Knitting Day is. ;)

Went to the Rockies game tonight. What a great game! JJ pitched the entire game and shut out the Astros. We sat way back in the backfield under the scoreboard - a long way from the action but still fun to watch, anyway. The weather was perfect - only a little chilly. And the nice couple behind us just thought the kids were cute & great, which is always nice. We only had to make one trip the playground, and the kids decided to split licorice and Dippin' Dots instead of cotton candy this time. It was nice that it was a quick game - the kids didn't get so antsy.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Another Baby Hat

My first finished object for May - yet another baby hat for another co-worker.
Pattern: Mix between Barb's Twizzle Baby Hat and Stitch 'N Bitch Umbilical Cord Hat
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Jimmy Beenz
Needle Size: 8
Started: 5/30/06
Finished: 5/3/06
Pattern Notes: Same as my other baby hat, only in blue & purple. I've got to mix up the colors, or it would be too boring to complete again. Crossing my fingers that it doesn't look girlie.




Clark & Steve had their haircuts tonight. Shea didn't have hers cut, since we're still working at growing out her bangs. We went to a cozy, little Italian restaurant next door this evening. It was nice to be complimented on our kids' good behavior by both the server and a couple having dinner near us. Not so unusual, I guess, but the kids can certainly drive us crazy.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Random Thoughts

Fun sites I've visted recently:
Lace Extravaganza - everything about knitting lace
Knit Motorcycle - recently featured at the Georgia Museum of Art
Pimp My Snack - recommended from Not Martha (another cool site) - see snacks gone wild

Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends isn't just for kids, but then again I still love cartoons and you've gotta love the theme song.

I hate getting colds - mostly because if I get a cough it sticks around for months. :(

I'm happy Chris still remains in the running on American Idol, as I've voted for him since the beginning, although DH has been swayed by Cat's beauty.

Haven't watched House in months, but this week I got snared by their 2-parter. 24, on the other hand, remains as infuriating as ever. Would it be so difficult to quickly play back "the evidence" to another cell phone, answering machine, PDA, what have you??!!!

Knitting has really increased my TV viewing, and May sweeps hasn't helped.

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