Reflections- 2007 at a Glance

I've seen this on quite a few friends blogs and thought it was a great idea to see what all of what has happened in the past year though not too exciting but, also when & how I met so many new friends. This is my 2007 in a glance.....

January- This month didn't start out too well for me as I remember being told in Dec of previous year that my job was now part time and I lost all benefits, but its also when I met Judy B as she was my very first Swap pal in the ITEIII. This was my first exchange and very first felted bag! I had also started my blog even though I had no clue on what I was doing...lol

February-This month found new challenges being home more often trying to catch up. Also keeping touch and meeting new people through ITEIII. I got hooked on felted bags. Also monsterous doggie Lady started getting use to me being around some more, this was a great thing!

March-Mike & I celebrated our 32nd Anniversary along with oldest son, Tim & Krista celebrated their 9th Anniversary. Also came a job change for Tim that would eventually move his family to the Sparks/Reno area of Nevada.

April-This month kept me hopping, so many new things and new friends. I was able to co-host in ITE 4, I also met Chan & Anne cause of the Dishcloth Exchanges and the Felted Bag Exchanges. I met Nancy as she was my pal for the First Felted Bag Exchange. I tried to keep myself busy as Krista & the grand kids moved up to be with Tim. We helped them get all packed up and said our good-byes.

May- I kept on with the next felted bag exchange and I also got to met JoAnn (though we've seen each others names on other swaps before), we share a love for the color Purple! I also met Jessi who I later bothered a few times..lol

June- This was my milestone month for turning the Big 50! I also share this same birthday with Jane from Jane's Designs. I think she has a year on me though...lol I met so many wonderful friends and had lots of surprise packages & emails too! Thank you all very much! You made that BIG day an awesome one! I also met Amy and helped alittle bit with her charity project Warm up Winc. Hope this next year will be able to make up even more.

July- Other then the hot weather out this way I continued in a few swaps. Crocheted alot and even tried my hand at learning to knit...lol What site that would've been for you all to see...lol
I also got to know Chan alot more and also meet Devon.

August- This was an exciting month for me, I actually got to really co-host with Chan & Devon in the Tea Swap we held. This is when I also met Amanda (though I call her "Mama" now) I also had my first ever Scone via some ingredients sent my way from Roni (Devons Mom). They really turned out good and don't taste bad either. :-)

September- This month was an exciting month as its when I opened an Etsy store with Thanks to a co-worker of mine & my dear Chan! Also had my first order that same month! Thank you gals for the gentle shoves!! Its also when Mike & Nick made a road trip to Oregon to pick up #2 son, Rob. He was coming home for good.

October- This month brought celebrations of Mike's birthday and our youngest sons Anniversary of the big motorcycle accident he had 2 years ago. He surprised everyone including doctors with being able to walk again and was back at work 6 months afterwards. Also was when Mike had his first motorcycle accident which thankfully was not bad, just a broken ankle and sore ribs....I really do have lots to be Thankful for!! Thank God for family & Friends!!!

November- My lucky & unlucky month full of changes. First I quit work the first of the month, said no more bull! Don't need it...Then a week later found out our one dog Storm, is diabetic. What a big change this was not only for her, but for us too. Even more strain on finances, but we do what we have to do... we will survive!

December- I was kept busy this month with Custom Orders and my whole hearted "Thank yous" go out to all who did order from my Etsy store! This month is what got us through vet visits with Storm. It really warms my heart too that so many bloggers out there really do care. Couldn't have done it without you! My Thanks to you all!!

I know I've met so many new friends out there whether being swap pals or stumbling to your blog by other blog reads, but there are too many to actually name all, but I hope the friendships continue to grow.
I am glad that 2007 is in the rear-view, though 2008 isn't starting as good as I'd like, I do hope for all of you that 2008 will bring you many Blessings, good health, good friends, Peace, Joy, Hope & Love! Lets make it a good one!!

Thanks for being my friend!!

Christmas-After

Christmas was here and is gone now for another year! I am proud to say I made it through..lol I had some last minute gift makings, but it all came together. We wound up with Christmas movies Marathon as a few Crystal hadn't seen before, but when all was done this is how our tree looked before going up to bed on Christmas Eve...

Ornaments and Tinsel only come down so far and I think you all know why..lol Give ya one 4-legged guess :) Proud of her to, she only had 2 ornaments off the tree this year :) Good girl Lady!!

Everyone seemed happy with what they recieved from Santa! Doggies were busy with new toys as we tried to get some photo's of different things. Doesn't help when batteries are low even after charging all night, but we have a few, though I'm only showing my new toys and this one that will become famous come football time. This is Crystal showing off her Team spirit,

which by the way, should be interesting the next time they and our Eagles play..lol The girl is in Eagles territory! (I know, we suck this year, there always next time) lol

Next is my new toys!

I had fun later making cakes of different sorts :) The first one wasn't so hot, but the next one turned out great! Love that hubby :)

Gets better each time, but its really great with no more yarn tangles and knots and it stays put too, thats how easy the yarn comes out the center. I used one last night starting a new project. Can't wait to make more!!

Our big surprise was hearing from our little ones, Krista made a short cell phone video of the kids saying "Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas" :) So cute but my phones a piece of crap and wouldn't play right so Nick has it on his and now I can't get it to download from my email right, but I haven't given up yet though and we did get these pic's by email too...

This is the first Christmas they weren't here for, but they were with us in spirit and they made Grammies day with the video and pic's.

One last photo of some tired pups, I do believe that they are happy pups and this was sure one lucky shot...

Can you say lazy..lol Think they wore themselves out!

Thank you to all my bloggy friends for all the Christmas Wishes, cards and gifts! You've all kept me from going in sane and I cherish each friendship!! I hope that this coming New Year brings you all a Safe, Healthy and Happy one. Here's to 2008, Lets make it a great one!!

Hope, Peace, Joy & Love to all!

Email Goodness

Just wanted to share some email pic's from our Oldest up in the Reno area. Was a great surprise to receive these.

Kids know I love to see these types of photo's..lol Wish I was up there to play in it too.

Then I thought I'd share a photo of youngest son & Crystal. Nick's work "Holiday" party was last weekend and so Mike got to take this photo before we had to leave to bowl.

They did get a picture taken at the party, but we need to scan it in and get prints so we have enough for all of us.

Hopefully we'll be able to get more "family pic's during the next few days.

I wish you all a very "Merry Christmas"!!

Those travleing, please stay safe. May everyone have a safe and healthy New Year!!

Pimp The Swap Contest

Monica is promoting a swap just for those in the UK, but anyone can help promote it and be in a drawing for a fibery prize! So check it out, especailly if your in the UK! Let them know I sent you, ok?
Below is just a little bit about it, but you can read it all on the blog.

Pimp The Swap Contest
The purpose of the contest is to spread the word about the UK Swap and generate interest on the Swap Blog. Anyone (living anywhere) can promote the swap and participate in (and win) the contest. However, only those living in the UK will be able to join the swap. Pimp the Swap on your blog or website. Post a message and a button telling everyone that we’re doing a Knitter’s Swap in the UK from January – March. Tell them Sign-ups begin on January 7th, 2008.

Just Blabbing & Update!

Oh my Gosh I couldn't believe the opportunity for this pic below! I finally, after all the years and the different fur kids we've had, have one (possibly two) that uses a pet pillow!!

Its a miracle...lol

Believe me, I have bought plenty of these babies and not one fur kid, cats included, ever used it. None of them even came close enough to sniff it, they wanted nothing to do with it. My grandson, when little, use to use the last one we had so much that I sent it over to the other grandma's when I went to work a few years ago (pre-Lady). I'm just ecstatic about it and she even got Storm to use part of it too :) I think Rob set them up as he was on the one end with them earlier, I made him move and was so glad they stayed..lol Don't get a shot of the two dogs close like that too often.

Oh, for those staying tuned for Storms progress, yesterdays vet visit was good and bad.

Bad news is her numbers are still way over 500 (more then their meter could read), so we're up to 21cc's of insulin now, BUT the good news is she weighed in at 51 lbs.! So she is gaining weight, yeah!!! Think Mommas gonna go back to mixing carrots and green beans in Storm food, seemed when she had Thanksgiving dinner we had her numbers down in the 200.

Well, I have a cake I have to frost. Its Rob's (middle son) 30th birthday today!

Happy Birthday kid, you make your mom feel really old...lol

We'll be celebrating with cake and gifts after we're home from bowling tonight.

Hope you all have a great Thursday! Be good to yourselves :)

WWCS Topic of the Week

Topic of The Week:
Last weeks topic, we wanted to know what is your favorite activity during the "Wintery" months. Please post what would be the perfect vacation during the Winter Season? Would you rather head to the beach to escape all the cold weather or want to pack your ski's and head to the mountains? You tell us what vacation you prefer during the Winter Season.

If I had the choice of a vacation this time of year that would defintely be a hard decision to choose from.
1). I do miss the beach and walking in the sand and along the water, my tooties just crave that sand between the toes and the smell of the salt in the air but,
2). I could head to the mountains and watch everyone else ski, you'd find me in a snow bank somewhere making Snow Angels and then find me afterwards enjoying a BIG ol Mug of cocoa topped with marshmellows to warm up with!

So I'm guessing we better make it a 2 week vacation, huh, so we can spend a week doing both :)

Chocolate Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips
Were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips.
Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care,
In hopes that my thighs would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps
Had just settled down to sugar-borne naps.
When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Tore open the icebox then threw up the sash.
The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow
Sent thoughts of a binge to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!
That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick
I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer,
I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear;
On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPSA
Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.

From the top of the scales to the top of the hall
Now dash away pounds; now dash away all.
Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress
My clothes were all bulging from too much excess.

My droll little mouth and my round little belly
They shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
I spoke not a word but went straight to my work
Ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger beside my heartburn
Gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned.
I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry
If temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again as I turned for the night
"In the morning I'll starve...'til I take that first bite!"

Forgotten Dog's Christmas!

I saw this on Chan's Blog and asked to sang it, as I think its something everyone should see, kinda makes me wish I could run off millions of copies and put them in every door out here.... so many times when outside with my own, we hear doggie cries and it always make me wonder. Alot of folks out this way keep there dogs outside constantly and I really feel for those doggies. I guess mine are very spoiled and live the life of luxury when I think about it..only time they are outside is to go potty or we sit outside and enjoy the cool air..and sometimes to get Lady wore out with ball playing :)

Hope that everyone will pass this along!



Forgotten Dog’s Christmas


‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With no thought of the dog filling their head. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap Knew he was cold but didn’t care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter! I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter! Away to the window I flew like a flash Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears.
He un-chained the dog once so lively and quick. Last year’s Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick. More rapid than eagles he called the dog’s name And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.
“Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Let’s find this dog a home where he’ll be loved by all.
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear. The gift of a dog is not just for one season. We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons. In our haste to think of the kids a gift. There was one important thing that we missed.

A dog should be family, and cared for the same. You don’t give a gift, then put it on a chain. And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight “You weren’t given a gift! You were given a LIFE!”


Author Unknown

WWCS Topic of the Week

Another topic of the week from WWCS:
For many people, Winter is a time of cold weather and snow - and many fun outdoor activities that can only be enjoyed during those times! What's YOUR favorite activity in Winter, and is it even outdoors??
Oh, when I was kid, many moons ago, we loved being outside jumping around in the snow, making Snow Angels and sledding, but I use to love to ice skate too! There was a small pond just off Coles Ave. in Maple Shade, NJ that would freeze over just perfect for ice skating on. There were always a few of us girls that use to walk to it. Only when the green flag was up would we ice skate. We use to have a blast ! The best part was always going home for that hot cup of cocoa Mom would make us!
Now, unfortunately I live in the desert and we don't get snow, if we do its only a light flurry or two or a dusting enough to cover everything but the street and then melts in about 5 minutes..lol When you hear someone say "its snowing" you run for the camera..lol But I still enjoy a hot cup of cocoa otherwise. I also use to love to make Snow Angels and I will always miss doing that!


Seeings this is a WWCS topic too, I'm glad to say my WWCS pal's package is on it way to....

You can expect to see this hopefully before the end of the week :-) I've been having some mail issues lately..so hoping delivery confirmation helps in keeping it on time! (and you thought I would tell, huh?)

Saw this over at Nancy's blog. Knew I had to find out which I one :) You Are an Angel

A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Etsy Update!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I just put another requested new item up in my Etsy Store!

Jessi and I worked on making these by request and after seeing this post, she put me butt in gear to get mine up, so in return I ask Jessi & Chan the same thing, Whatcha think? lol



I had to re-make a couple more as I had given the others I had as little gifts. (if they ever get there). Also they are for those that Crochet too!!! Not just for knitters.
I'm now working on making some matching stitch markers if I have enough of the same beads left. Have a few ideas on changing these some, but it won't be just yet. (and I'll let ya know).
Do hope you'll check them out, they do make nice gifts and I do like to play with color schemes. If you have any particular colors you'd like to see, drop me a comment, cause I do take custom orders and sometimes comments gives me more ideas!
My Thanks go out to Jessi & Chan not only for new ideas, but also for the help with the new ideas, Thanks Ladies!!! I owe ya!

Thank You Secret Santa!!

Warning: this post picture heavy :)

A great BIG "THANK YOU" goes out to my Secret Santa from over at Jane's Design! There were about 8 of us that joined in on the Secret Santa Swap. Well Santa came to visit last night (of course it was a bowling night, somehow my swap packages always manage to come on those nights...lol).

My Secret Santa was Jennifer!!

I did get a chance to get everything out of the box, took before photo, unwrapped everything in "no record time" and emailed her quickly...lol Needless to say I was NOT going bowling with this suspense..lol I bowled bad enough!

Oh my gosh, I was blown away after emptying the box! Here is everything out of the box it arrived in...she wrapped everything so nice or had in the cute boxes and the little bags...I really got spoiled here, but I love it and it was very needed!

I couldn't believe how much was packaged in there..WOW!

This is a pic after I tore everything opened :)

These are the homemade ornaments which was one requirements of this swap and they just blew me away! (pic does not do them justice) They are absolutely gorgeous and when the light hits them they just shine & glitter so beautifully!! Great job Jennifer, I Love em!! They will definitely get displayed but not sure if it will be on the tree just yet, not till I make sure Lady will leave the tree alone :)

Then the other requirement was a handmade gift NOT to be opened til Christmas! ( this is not fair, this is such a tease, but luckily my guys here will keep me straight) It lays on top of my desk out of doggie reach :)

Then of course I forgot this in the big overall picture and its just too cute! Real nice size too. Then of course you see the cute little sheep and then there is the first aid kit ( I always seem to be in need of) The mulling Spices smell fantastic! and I Love the cute little boxes which were used to hold some of these gifts. I can't wait to try that relaxing feet, as my feet are always rough, I just hate shoes and am always bare foot. Mike smiled when he saw the Vanilla Fragrance set...lol I'm sure after Christmas is over those will get used.

Then a box of yummy chocolates!! (NO and you quit drooling over them, they are mine) LOL I will have to watch these, they will sneaking in them...lol I already set my candles out and they smell great, Holiday Scent. There was one of those little pin cushions (that Jane makes), which I will tape/glue or Velcro to my desk..one of my cats took an interest to it :) and the "M" note pad, which I won't have to buy as my other one is just about gone.

Somehow Thank you doesn't seem enough, but I do Thank you Jennifer from the bottom of my heart!! Your package came at a great time, Thank you!! You spoiled me crazy! Tell Mom hi and she has your email :)

Merry Christmas to you!!

Update Post

I know, its been a bit since I posted, but I'm glad to say it was a "Custom Order" keeping me busy and some doggie interruptions..lol Am glad to say now that the order is done and ready for mailing! I still get doggie interruptions though..lol

Have a few updates and some pic's for ya's.
Starting with Storm's visit to the vet Tuesday, her numbers shot way back up, so they have upped the dosage again and we go back next week. Maybe the reason for my "foul" mood the other day, but then its pic's like these that crack me up...think I have my own Dog Days on Thursdays...lol They just look too comfy, don't they? But they're my baby girls!



I know I posted the row counter bracelets in a previous post, but I haven't gotten a chance to put them up in the store yet, though hope to by this weekend. I do have these two already to go,
I worked on the leaf one after Jessi & I worked out the others. I know Jessi just put some up in her etsy store, you should check them out! Still time to get them for Christmas Gifts! She's also getting ready for the Cocoa Swap that coming up too. Even "Mama" (as I call her) is getting ready for that swap! Here's her etsy store. Guess I should get my butt in gear as I'm signing up for that one..definitely 2 of my favorite things...cocoa and yarn! Yummmmmmmmmmmmm!!

Well guess this is long enough for now, I need to get back to my poor sock, its probably wondering if I changed my mind on making it, but I can't wait to finish it and I sure hope it fits, then I can make the mate for it...lol

Hope you all enjoy your Thursday!! Make it a good one!