Scarves #3, #4, #5

Okay, so I have finished five scarves to date. I hear that at least two more on in the works as we speak. I can't wait to see pictures of them! This has been so much fun and pretty relaxing. It has even been fun unravelling a scarf (it was a foot over the measurements, seriously some people should just not start too early in the day).

This is number one. It was an experiment just to find out how many rows I needed (20) to get to the needed width. I am not crazy about it but it has no real character flaws.

I liked these two much better. The consensus is that the more blue the better.

I just finished with these last two and loved both of them. The kids asked if they could take them to bed. Apparently I am making at least two more in puffy pink next...

Everyone in the house has had fun with this project. It has been a real family affair.

Perspective

So Sunday I was subbing in the Valiant 10 class. These are nine and ten year old boys. I walked in and the class was empty and the lights were out (no windows). So I promptly went looking - no way could that many boys be gone on the same day right?

I talked to the primary secretary again and we started peeking into classrooms and restrooms (not me a male teacher). I ran into the parents of one of the boys and they assured me that their boy was ... somewhere. I checked the room again, still no kids, no lights.

Ten minutes into class I decide to go set up any way. I found four boys strategically hiding behind chairs and tables, absolutely still and quiet. I recognized their prowess and named them king of the hill and proceeded to teach them the gospel. They are good kids and followed along and asked and answered questions.

The lesson was on Jesus Visiting the Nephites. At one point we were talking about how the Nephites were so happy that they cried. The boys so did not relate to this. They could not fathom how the two reactions could happen together. We discussed it some and then one of the boys remembered a time when something "exactly like that" happened to him - he had laughed so hard he had wet his pants. Since it was the closest to what we were talking about the perspective stuck and suddenly all the boys understood. The Nephites must have been really happy.

I do believe that a gentleman out in the foyer had a coughing fit at this point (I had the door wide open). I don't have all the answers and it is good when they can relate the world around them to themselves. I do believe that they will remember 3rd Nephi for awhile at least. We left it at that.

All-Nighter

Can I tell you how much I love my husband?! He just stayed up almost all night because he couldn't put down Breaking Dawn (Twilight, Stephenie Meyer). It was so cute. Granted we usually don't go to bed until two but still, it has been fun sharing this experience. Next we start on Brisinger...

Treasure Hunt Tuesday

So I have a little case of agoraphobia, not really, I just don't get out much. This week's theme of buildings was really tough for me. I got out to get the mail, milk and go to church.

So we started looking around the house. Living in a cookie cutter home in the heart of suburbia doesn't offer up much.
So when I saw the tower I decided it didn't get much better. We call this demolition day (kind of like a theme in our house).

Nature vs. Nurture

In our house I try to encourage independence. This can only happen if you don't micromanage and redo everything that your kids do on their own, especially if it was on their own initiative. My kids know that as long as they are modest (no one needs to know that the Mario Bros. are in the house) they can wear any outfit that they want. I have never redressed any of my children...until today. It is picture day today. I don't buy pictures so that little tid-bit of information is really irrelevant, but it did give me an excuse to dust off the old cob webs of my vito power. This picture just does not give the onslaught of style justice. The cherry red shirt, the maroon leggings and the tube socks rolled down will forever be infamous in my mind. So as to not damage the psyche too much, we just did a switcher-roo with just half of the combination. In the end she danced out of the house looking like she was ready for recess, if not for the rest of the day. I can live with that.

Scarf #2

Here is my second scarf - the one on the left. I am so much more pleased with this one. I like the aba scheme much better. My next one is going to be bab. I am sticking to the pattern because the kids like the finge so much.

Treasure Hunt Tuesdays

For Treasure Hunt Tuesdays the theme this week was Plants, flowers and trees, oh my! I struggled with this one. I was going out to the lake for scouts and thought that I would find something there - forgot the camera - twice. You should have seen the moon on the lake... We went to the stake orchard to glean peaches - forgot the camera again. So I really need to get into the habit of bringing along my camera to capture what I see everyday.

I call this picture Beauty in all Things. I actually didn't take this picture, JP did, but it did come from our household collect efforts. This is the flower bed in front of my house at the beginning of the summer before we reclaimed it. It was just such a neat experience watching the kids watching the humming bird that the dandelions didn't matter (the kids think that they are pretty happy flowers - rose colored shades me thinks).

Love, Honor, Negotiate, Compromise

So football season is in full swing in the House of Pickled Packers. We had a rough start with the whole Favre thing, but things are going smoother now. Aaron Rogers has been working well for us and it has been fun branching out and cheering for the Jets. Though we miss seeing number 4 in green and yellow. I do like his new colors... WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT!! Football is not one of my top 100 favorite things, but I have little else to talk about since the season has started. I sit through a lot of pre, post and half-time game shows. Now for those of you that aren't in the know, these game shows are not the kind that you get to watch old ladies kiss Bob Barker. These are the kind of shows where they talk about the game - what has happened, what might happen, or what the coach should make happen out on the field. Then after they discuss this (and sometimes at the top of their lungs) they remove their suit coats and roll up their sleeves and reenact what has already happened (and you have probably already seen in instant replay from at least 4 different camera angles)(yes, we are still talking about grown men). They say that we women talk to much...

Any way, JP and I have come up with a new compromise. If a football game is in the second half and one team is winning by 16 points (that is at least a three possession game - it would take the other team three possessions, without the winning team scoring, to catch up) we get to change the channel! Mind you we have three tvs but seriously, who wants to watch BSU eviscerate a tiny back woods school (ISU 49-7 yes, my alma mater, Go Bengals!). Living in the Treasure Valley every game is made available to us via local channels or ESPN. With BSU averaging an almost 23 point lead each game we probably won't be watching many second halves.Now don't get me wrong, I love my husband, which is why I know who/what Ocho Cinco, LT, TO, TD, audibles, and Matt Cassel are. I even have a family picture with all my family in jerseys (yes, they are all #4 Packer jerseys). I just don't want to dream stats - all of the time.

Special Scarf

So I finished my first scarf for the Special Olympics. It took about 1 skein to do it and I did it in one afternoon/evening. I let JP chose the pattern out of a group of five that I had narrowed it down to. It is called Chained Fringe Scarf I think that on my next one I will use the same pattern, but do an aba order instead of abab. This has 20 rows and is 4 1/2" x 50" (not including fringe.

It has been pretty fun and easy. This one only uses single crochet and chaining. B wants to learn now. I think that we will start on the never ending chain first. I remember growing up and using them for everything from cat's cradle to chinese jump rope. We probably had a couple that measured ten feet at least. I had a very patient mother that was dedicated to discovery learning. Thanks Mom!

Zero

So my three year old is quite the mathematician. He can almost count to 20 in English and to 10 in Spanish. He loves to line things up and count them. So numbers are a familiar thing.

Yesterday I was handing out two cookies to each of my crew. Two, as many of you know is just never enough and the negotiations begin. I never waiver, but they always try.

BK was in a negotiable mood and so he put his plan on the table. He wanted a HUGE amount of cookies, so he chose ZERO. I tried, for like ten minutes, to explain that zero and none were the same and he was choosing no cookies not a gazillion. We counted it out on hands, but of course mother is always wrong. He went away empty handed and pouty.

Fifteen minutes later he came crawling back and asked for two. I think that he has learned zero. Wonder what will come to the negotiation tables next time...

New Project

For those of you that know me, you know I am driven by causes. So I have my next project and would love help. The Special Olympics World Winter games are coming to Boise and they would like to give a personalized gift to each of the delegates. They have chosen to give each of them a scarf. They are looking for 5,000 scarves! I was part of a mile-long-muffler (didn't make it into the book of world records-two adult men used a machine to make one just a little bit longer) in 4th grade in elementary and know that as kids we did it, but it took 18 months. We need help!


They want the scarves to be uniform in color but can take on a personal touch through the design. This can be knitted or crocheted. They just ask that you do it in the dimensions 4 1/2" x 50" and use Red Heart Yarn color (0885)-Deft Blue and (0311)-White. The yarn can be found at Wal-Mart. For details of where and how to mail it go to:



http://www.2009worldgames.org/volunteer/scarf-project



My goal is ten scarves. If you would like to be one of my ten let me know. If you live in the Boise area they do have donated yarn that can be picked up. Scarves need to be turned in by January 15, 2009. I will put up any and all pictures of scarves here on my blog. Thanks for helping!

Treasure Hunt Tuesdays

So this week the photo treasure hunt theme is "Back to School". The thing that brings me back to reality the most is the perpetual pile at the door. I hated hearing my mom ALWAYS saying, "take it clear to your room!" I now, on a daily basis, say, "hang it up! Put your shoes in the pockets!" These pockets and hook are only two feet away! I have become my mother! You can tell by all the (!) - it doesn't infer yelling just !. It's just who we are, just how we roll!

Beauty in the Kitchen

As I figure it, we are in the kitchen at least two hours a day and usually bent over a hot stove. We deserve to look amazing while doing it right? Tammy sent me to a website http://maplelane-jan.blogspot.com/ that was all about just that. This month they are giving aprons away. Check it out and see how beautiful you could be as your hubby walks through the door from a long day at work.

Wish Upon a Star

If BK were to wish upon a star he would wish for one of two things: his bed to be turned into a huge lump of jello on which he would bounce to his little heart's content or go golfing with his daddy.

Today one of them came true (sorry, no jello dripping off the ceilings).

JP went golfing with two buddies and they were cool enough to let a desperate little boy tag along.

So I loaded his pockets full of snacks (box of raisins, three gummies, two granola bars, baggy of crackers, and a bottle of water-dad thought too much, but he has never played 18 holes with a three year old), smothered him with sunscreen and kisses and sent them off.

I did phone twice (sorry Brian and Ted) to remind dada to reapply the sunscreen, but it sounded like they were surviving very well.

BK came home with empty pockets and heavy lids.

It was a successful day all in all. Sweet dreams little boy.

What's for Dinner

Million Dollar Question right? A fellow blogger and I want to start a new blog that anyone can author. Each day we add on what we are making for dinner or can come and steal ideas from other kitchens. Give me a buzz if you want to take part. It will be fun to break outside of Monday Night Meatloaf routine.

http://mothersfordinner.blogspot.com/

body parts

So we were playing the name that body part game with JD the other day. It is a game that all the kids really get into. We stand around him with goofy smiles on our faces and name and point to each of our noses, ears, eyes, etc, etc. It is fun for the kids because we say their name and they get to be the spotlight and the center of JD's little world for two seconds. After going through a lot of parts and some two or three times, EEP got a very concerned look on her face and asked where JD's neck was. Just one more endearing sign that JP is their daddy. We love you Grandma P!

Hygiene Kits

Our area is looking for help gathering supplies to help those in need. This effort goes directly to those around us who have great need. If you want to help out and cross off anything off our list let me know. We are trying to have it filled by September 14th. Thanks for your help!

• unbreakable combs (without pointed handles),


• Packaged toothbrush


• toothpaste (travel size or regular - no pumps)


• Shampoo (8.5 inches or smaller - to fit in gallon bag)


• bar of soap (travel size or regular)


• shaving razor


• additional items can include but not required are deodorant & small hand towels

Writer's Block

Apparently I have gotten over my writer's block.

Blog Awards

A super awesome way to see others blogs is by giving out blogs that you love awards and showing them off to your friends. I recently was bestowed the "I Heart Your Blog" and "Must See Blog" awards from a fellow blogger and super mom Jenee. Now I get to pick my favs and send out some rave reviews. My favorites are worth the time you will take to check them out.

Jenee - she takes the best pics

Tammy - All around super mom

Stacey - She brings Clarity to motherhood

"Official" Rules (in case anyone would like to read them)
1. The winner(s) can put the logo on her blog.

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

3. Nominate other blogs (up to seven) to pass along the award to.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

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

Apologies

For all those that have been enjoying my playlist I need to say "I am SOOOOOOOOOO sorry!" Apparently some artists chose, for whatever reasons, to release two versions of their songs. I errantly chose a version of one of my songs that doesn't exactly reflect who I am. So if you noticed, I grovel at your feet and hope to prove to you that I do not have that little taste in tunes.

Hair cuts

Here is a picture of one of JD's first hair cuts. Because he is his father's son I know that we have many ahead of us. He was really pretty good about it. BK even got into it. BK loves to see others get hair cuts, but suggesting that he is next sends him into hysterics.

Writer's Block

I have been having a little writers block lately. I just don't have much more than the mundane going on. I got this idea from Jenee and hope this gets me over the hump.

Outside my window...It's dark of course. This is my time.

I am thinking...I have scouting issues and need to resolve them and can't until people wake up!

I am thankful...for Josh. He is amazing and I honestly can't do it without him. He is what makes me - me!

From the kitchen...Brichetta chicken, corn on the cob, peach cobbler. So yummy, let me know if you want to hear more...

I am wearing...A Packers shirt of course - it is football season and if I don't pace myself I won't get through all the gear.

I am creating...memories for Betty. 80th Birthday coming up. She has a lot of people who have depended on her through the years.

I am reading...The Uglies (Scott Westerfield). It is the first of four. I have already finished book 2 and started on three. It's just the way I roll.

I am hoping...the kids will one day want to eat food that doesn't just have to be defrosted. Actual herbs and spices. Cheeses that aren't orange...

I am hearing...Dallas is ready to eat...again.

Around the house...Ella's serenade is finally quiet - perhaps she is asleep. Dishes are done but it is too early to vacuum yet.

One of my favorite things...A freshly mopped floor. It last such a short time I bask in it's cleanliness.

A few plans for the next week...11 year old camp out. I am in charge of the campfire program Friday night and Breakfast the following morning. I am not camping just driving to and from. Dallas will still hungry.

A picture thought I am sharing...



This is the before picture of my living room. Notice the heavy traffic patterns and loose carpet. I used a flash in one and not in the other so ignore the major yellowing. Just look at the main idea of the carpet. It needed to be stretched in the center and in the area by my computer.
The after pictures are just amazing. He took out four inches which apparently is just unheard of. The next man did miracles and saved me from making the decision of putting in wood/laminate/try matching carpet on stairs. It has been breath taking.