I'm a Wind Spirit


Thought above feeling and mind over matter are your mottos. Others come to you for advice and guidance. Some see you as introverted and snobbish, but they are merely jealous of your common sense knack to think things through. Don't be afraid to listen to your heart though.

OK, so there was no "weight loss" post this week, nor was there anything about the life of Jen. I do have a good reason, though.

Influenza A.

See, told you it was a good reason!

Oh, and the kid got strep throat. Know what that means? Yep. Hubby has become nursemaid.

More later when I'm feeling better.

No one likes to be woken up at 3 in the morning. When you're NOT a morning person, though, and no one is dead or dying, it almost qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment.

But that's what happened to me today. I was woken to my brave and loving husband yelling my name.

Let me digress. You see, we have only a crawl space under our house. Somehow a stray cat managed to find its way down there about two days ago. Now, we do have three cats and two dogs of our own, so another cat meowing below the house isn't really something we need or want. Not to mention that the temperature last night was -24 (yes, that's negative twenty-four degrees!) -- BRRRRRR!!!!

OK, so for two days we've tried to catch this mystery cat. My brave husband even put a "Have-A-Heart" trap down in the crawl space to capture it. At 3 a.m. today it finally worked.

As he yelled for me to see the cat (which I've named "Harry" for Harry Houdini) did what is supposed to be impossible. He escaped.

My husband dropped the cage and grabbed the cat. Harry didn't appreciate that, as you might imagine. Harry tried to escape again. This time using claws and teeth, he succeeded for a second time in less then 2 minutes.

That's when all heck broke loose. Our three cats scattered in every direction and Harry took off like... well, you get the idea. Thankfully, the two dogs were outside already, doing their own thing.

As a side note, 6-foot tall men with heavy Texas accents should never scream like young girls. Not at 3 a.m. and not if they don't want their very tired wives to laugh.


Harry darted away and ended up in the bathroom. It took every ounce of focus I had at that time of the morning to close the bathroom door and trap Harry. Meanwhile, my husband, still sounding a bit like a pre-pubescent girl, grabbed a sheet to use on Harry.

The brave man went into the bathroom and said "Calm down, boy." It didn't work.

Crash! Bang! Crash!

"Open the door!" Hubby then ran out of the bathroom carrying a wad of bed clothing that wiggles more than when the kids were little and thought we might not notice the lump in the bed. I opened the door as he tossed the pile into the front lawn. By the time the sheet hit the ground, the cat was gone.

I was back in bed by 3:15, although it took much longer to actually fall back asleep!

Have I ever mentioned here that I really don't like Microsoft? OK, so now a whole bunch of people will probably shun me and I'll be taken off Bill Gates Christmas card list for sure, but it's true.

I'm a Mac girl. I think I'll probably always be a Mac girl, much to the dismay of my father. (Who isn't allowed to touch my Mac, but that's another post!)

I'm a Mac girl, but I'm a mystery buff. I really like the Nancy Drew computer games. I also have an AWESOME embroidery machine that I just love. Unfortunately, both of those hobbies are Windows based. (Yes, my embroidery machine runs off a computer. It's a Singer Quantum Futura for those who are interested. AWESOME machine, but I think I mentioned that already.)

So my loving and adoring husband got me a laptop — an HP Pavilion. Unfortunately, it has Vista and I needed XP, so I've "adjusted" it. And there's no recovery disk.... grrrrrrr

After spending two days trying to fix the problem myself, I finally called HP. An hour later I have a set of recovery disks on the way and for a LOT LESS than I was afraid I'd have to spend.

So, while I'm not real happy with my laptop right now, I am very pleased with HP. Let's just hope I can fix what I did!

I finished the Zodiac socks last night. The kid wanted socks with the Taurus symbol on them from "Hip Graphic Knits." They were made with super-soft yarn and seem to be pretty cozy! Of course, she almost never wears *truly* matching socks, so I didn't see the point of making her matching socks! Being the snot of a mom that I am, I made one green with the symbol in blue and the other blue with the symbol in green. Now she can wear matching socks WITHOUT matching!

Yep... I'm a snot!

Down another 1.6 pounds this week. And then hubby and I went out to lunch and I'm not sure that was the best plan I've ever had! (But it was some GOOD Mexican food!!!)

I'm still on a major high from finding out that the book has been published. I ordered a few from Amazon and they were shipped today. The book is supposed to be here next Tuesday. Would hubby be mad if that's all he got for Valentine's? ("Here, honey. I autographed it for you!")

It's here!!!!

OK, after a long wait, the anthology with my story has been PRINTED! It's now listed at Amazon.com and can be purchased for $14.99 (Donard Anthology)

I spent years thinking that I didn't have time to exercise. I didn't have time to eat right. I was wrong.

In the past two weeks (and, yes, I know it's just two weeks - six weeks makes a habit), I've found the time to exercise and eat better and still get to my hobbies. I've completed one sock for the kid (I'm starting the heel of the second one), I've worked on my second mystery novel, I've attended all the meetings and *junk* that I'm supposed to and started cutting out a quilt for my bed. (Or should I say the husband's bed since he's the one who really wants the quilt? Nah. What's his is mine and what's mine is mine, right? *smile*)

I will admit, though, that I didn't get my five geocaches done in January. Nor did I finish any bookmarks on the embroidery machine. That's OK. I have time. Besides, there's a reason I call them "goals" and not "resolutions"!

OK, another weigh-in day and I lost a pound. That puts me at just over the 10 pound mark, which is really cool. Now, with WW, though, I have only lost 7.6, because I lost 3 before joining (which is reflected on the blog, but not at WW).

I took my first-ever yoga class today. That was an experience.

The class was a yoga-pilates mix, and a real workout. I had walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes before that, so I was totally ready for the showers when the hour-long class was finished.

Exercise is usually NOT something I enjoy. I would much rather curl up on the couch with a good book, not walk for a few miles in place. And, as my super-skinny daughter likes to remind me, running could be hazardous to my eyes. (Gotta love teenagers!) Anyway, despite my aversion to exercise, though, I really enjoyed the class. The gym only offers yoga once a week, so I guess I'll be heading there each Wednesday morning for awhile.

Or until I can justify paying for a separate class, anyway!

Down another pound this week. That's a big thing for me, since it's been a tough week.

I found out yesterday that my kidney stone is still there. I guess it's "stuck" in the tube somewhere, which is pretty gross to think about. Yeah, really gross to think about, actually! Now they're talking about breaking the stone with a laser and then some surgery to remove it. Not really what I wanted to hear yesterday!

I'm drinking so much water that I think I could float away!

Finished a knitting project this week. I meant to make a hat for my sister, but the first one was a little "small." Instead of frogging it, I opted to finish that one and do one a little larger. So my sister and niece now have matching hats!

One of these days I'll remember to check my gauge before I'm half-way finished with a project. But, honestly, I don't have the patience for that part!

(Isn't my niece so cute??)

What kind of knitting needles are you?

You are interchangeable.Fun, free, and into everything, you've got every eventuality covered and every opportunity just has to be taken. Every fiber is wonderful, and every day is a new beginning. You are good at so many things, it's amazing, but you can easily lose your place and forget to show up. They have row counters for people like you!
Take this quiz!








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FINAL UPDATE: Hubby is home and kisses have been delivered!!!

UPDATE: 57.9 miles from home and still driving.... He should be here (hopefully!) in an hour.

UPDATE: 103.2 miles from home and still driving......

UPDATE: He's 150 miles from home and still driving.....

Ever notice how one phone call can change your day? Or your outlook on the day?

That's where I am right now.

This morning I was in such a good mood! Today was weigh-in day and I'd lost 4.6 pounds! Go, me!!

I called my loving hubby to share my good news and all was well. (He's been driving from Texas to take care of some things with his mom's passing last November.) So I'm enjoying my mood when "WHAM!" I get that call.

The call came from my hubby. He's about 230 miles from home now and I haven't seen him in a week and now his transmission is going. The stretch of road he's currently on doesn't have the best cell reception and his phone isn't totally charged right now, either.

Now I'm worried. I'm scared. I just want him home...

DANG IT!

Today was "weigh in day" and I only lost 0.8 lbs. Now, before I get the "hey, at least you lost" messages, I know that it's better to lose 0.8 than it is to gain 0.2. But I guess I was hoping for more. I felt like I really worked my buns off (figuratively, of course!) and wanted to see that scale really tip.

Oh well. I guess I'll just have to try harder for next week.

On the "plus side" of the day, though, I didn't blow it after the WW meeting. I went to the grocery store and got a salad for lunch. I skipped the candy bar that was "calling my name" at the check out and didn't opt for a coke, either. I'm working on more water.

Next week will be better....

OK, I'm bored. So I think I'll write out some more of my 2007 goals.

Around the house, I plan to organize my office and organize the kitchen. I am going to paint the kitchen this year and create a weekly cleaning routine.

I have goals for my hobbies, too. I plan to do 5 geocaches each month; embroider 6 bookmarks each month; do more quilting; keep knitting and crocheting; keep making soaps and candles; write my pen pals within seven days of getting their letters; and learn to play my guitar.

Finally, I am going to keep going to church each week (singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school make that happen!); continue my daily devotions; and "meditate" more.

Well, that's it. No more goals.

Now to make them all happen!

I've already listed my health goals for 2007, so I thought I'd list my "work" and my "writing" goals for the year.

First, for those who don't know, I own my own business. I'm a web designer and my work goals deal with that. I want to sign a new client every two months and update my work site (www.jabpublish.com). OK, so that was free, cheap advertising, but what the heck!

For my writing goals, I plan to write some each and every day and to have one of my two novels ready to submit to publishers -- or at least send query letters -- by July 1.

Guess I better get writing!

Real quick note: a story I wrote will be in a published anthology. It will be available to order in.... 10 DAYS!!!! I'm so excited!

Well, I did it. I joined WW today. (If you notice the ticker, it's changed! Their scale said I weighed more, so I decided to go by that. I hate the scale we have!) Of course, that means I have more to lose, but what the heck.

On the up side, I've drunk SO MUCH water today it isn't even funny! If nothing else, that's a great habit to have since the kidney stone episode.

What a great way to start the year: 3 pounds lighter!

Obviously, weight loss is one of my goals for 2007. Notice, I didn't say "resolutions." I don't make resolutions. Everyone breaks those. I do, though, make goals that I strive to keep and that's one of them this year.

I've been toying with the idea of joining Weight Watchers, but have a problem with that. First, it can be expensive. It looks like $40 a month, which I guess isn't *that* bad, but still.... And I'm not the one to usually spend money on myself like that.

Then there's the whole "getting to the meetings" part. I guess that wouldn't be so bad. I know if I'm spending $40 a month, I'll make sure I get there. Part of being frugal, you know. (No one likes to be cheap!)

I know darn well that I need motivation. Hubby says he'll walk with me, but I'm not sure that will happen and (knowing me like I do!) him NOT saying "let's go" will be the excuse I need to blow it off.

Other health goals I have this year include to exercise daily, to drink my 64 oz of water each day, complete six volksmarches in the year, and walk the "circuit" -- a 4 mile circle near our home -- at least once a week. Now, I know that I won't get to that last one right away. I need to be in better shape first!!!

Wish me luck!

Today the little one reminded me she's not so little anymore. She was installed as Guide in her Job's Daughter's Bethel and looked absolutely gorgeous in the formal we bought a year or so ago. It's hard to believe that she will one day have the cape and crown of the queen in that organization. She's not going to be the "little one" for much longer, I don't think.

The best part (for her) is that her best friend will follow right behind her. Those two are closer than most sisters I've met. I know it was surprising to her friend's mom and dad -- or my kid's "other parents" as she calls them -- when my kiddo introduced them as part of her family. Heck, they're good people for her to have as another family, so long as I still get the tax credit! *smile*

Anyway, I'm really proud of the kid. She's becoming an amazing young lady.

Good thing my husband is red-neck enough to have many weapons which will need regular cleaning as this one becomes dating age....

My daughter and I often stop to get a coffee while we're out and about. I'll admit, I do like this one, too! Although, I'm more of a chocolate girl!

Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino

Smooth and sweet, you fit in to almost any crowd. No one would suspect you of being a coffee tweaker!

What Flavor Frappuccino Are You?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I think this will go down as one of the most memorable Christmas's ever around my house. In addition to not sleeping so well the past week or so (I HATE acid-reflux!!), we started the Christmas holiday with a trip to the ER! Yep. You read it right! A trip
to the Emergency Room was stop number one on Christmas Eve.

It seems that I was so focused on my upper digestive tract, that I missed the tell-tale signs of a kidney stone until I awoke in severe pain Sunday morning. After four hours in the ER (I'm *so* glad we don't live in a big city, since it only took four hours!), I found out the stone is about 5mm and might pass on it's own, or might not.

I did get some good drugs out of the deal, though.

My current plans for the day after Christmas now involve a trip to the doctor... Oh well!

DRAT! No sleep last night.

Last night was even worse then the night before, and I really don't know why. There was literally NOTHING (diet-wise) that was the same between the two days.

I did go out this morning to get some Kefir.
(On a side note, I should have known that the Wonder Twin would have an
answer!) The local "spice market" had two flavors: peach and raspberry.
Since I don't like peach, I got a bottle of raspberry. I drank some
right away when I got home. It wasn't bad! I kind of expected it to
tasty nasty. Like something that was "good for you." But I really liked
it.

Now let's just hope it works!

Life isn't fair.

Yes, I know that is not a new revelation, but it's what is on my mind right now.

It is the wee hours of the morning and I can't sleep. It's not that I
don't want to sleep. It's not that I don't feel tired. I suffer from
acid-reflux and tonight isn't a night that will let me sleep.

For anyone who doesn't suffer with this cruel trick of nature, you are
lucky. You have no idea how lucky you are. Me, I have to purchase tums
by the crate. The prescription , once-a-day drugs don't always work.
And, try as I might, I haven't been able to determine what types of
foods trigger an attack.

What is an attack like? I'm glad you asked. It's the worst heartburn you've ever had. It's gas trying to escape your belly. It's a coughing as the bile escapes your stomach and makes its way up your esophagus. It's a burning in your throat as
you feel nauseous with the plastic-like taste of a lump of stomach acid. It's all that combined and more.

Someone I love suffers from chronic back pain. During these nights of forced insomnia, I envy his pain. Because his pain is chronic, he knows it will be there. I never know what night I'll sleep and what night I'll be awake, wishing for comfort. Or what night I will be awoken from a sound sleep, feeling as if I'm drowning because of the acid reflux. Or what night I'll be worshiping porcelain god like some over-indulgent frat boy, feeling the burning in my throat for hours afterward.

I've tried all I can think of to alleviate the discomfort. I sleep with LOTS of pillows to keep my head propped up. It doesn't always work -- as evidenced by me writing this at one in the morning. I eat anti-acids like candy and try to avoid any foods I think MAY cause a reaction. (A difficult task since I can be suffering one day and not another after eating the same foods....)

Tonight I will spend the rest of the "sleeping hours" on the couch - sitting up, trying to get some much needed rest. I can tell now that my brain won't be functioning that well once the sun comes up. But what other choice do I have?

I'm half way done with baking Christmas cookies. The kid decided that she wanted some, even after I explained that it was faster to buy Oreos. Didn't work.

So right now, in the kitchen, I have a batch of Peanut Butter Stars, a pan of Fantasy Fudge, a batch of Chocolate Chip, and one of Forgotten Kisses.

So much for the diet.....

You Are a Dreaming Soul

Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you away from this world So much so that you tend to live in your head most of the time You have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all... But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you. Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses. Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others. Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life. Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Another intersting quiz....

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti


Just for the record, right now my sister is laughing her head off.... Buttercup is my least favorite character from that film!

Finished this afghan yesterday morning. It's a Christmas gift for someone who I know doesn't read my blog, so it's OK to post, right? *big smile!*

It isn't the style I would have picked for this person, but it is a nice afghan.

I just hope she likes it....

My teen has an "old heart," I think. She wanted a quilt like the one I had made earlier but she didn't want it Halloween fabric.

Originally, she wanted the entire quilt to be a surprise. I'm glad we didn't go that route!

I convinced her to at least pick out fabric for the back of the quilt. Well, that led to her selecting ALL the fabric. WOW! I never would have picked any of these for her -- or any other teen, really. To me, this fabric is all "old!"

But she likes it. No, she LOVES it. So I guess it's all OK after all!

It's official. I live in the country. My husband took this picture off of our back porch today. How cool is that???

Day 22:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 36,674
Total words written: 50,006
Words left to reach 50,000: NONE!!! I wrote like a mad woman today and did it!!!!

And a bit of insomnia where I was working on another project didn't hurt! *big smile!*

Day 20:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 33,340
Total words written: 31,109
Words left to reach 50,000: 18,891

OK, so I have had two days in a row of "not so much writing!" I spent a good chunk of the day at the doctor's office with the kiddo and the rest running what my sister called "Hospice House" But I'm not hearing any coughing coming from the child's room, so I'm OK with that. Maybe I'll be extra (triple!) inspired tomorrow!

Day 19:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 31,673
Total words written: 30,756
Words left to reach 50,000: 19,244

I think this one was the "least written" day so far. I'm battling a cold and have laryngitis. (Although the family doesn't seem to be complaining about *my* lack of noise.... hmmm....) Also, the kiddo is ill. I'll be making an appointment for her tomorrow — even if I have to take her to the urgent care clinic.

Today being *mom* trumped being an author. That's OK, though. I like the mom job better. As far as I'm concerned, it pays better!

Day 18:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 30,006
Total words written: 30,008
Words left to reach 50,000: 19,992

Day 17:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 28,339
Total words written: 28,355
Words left to reach 50,000: 21,645

Day 16:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 26,672
Total words written: 26,184
Words left to reach 50,000: 23,816

Day 15 (Half-Way Mark!):

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 25,005
Total words written: 25,018
Words left to reach 50,000: 24,982

Not bad sinc I now have the flu. Stuffy head, sore throat. Maybe just a cold, but still NASTY! I am grateful that I'm not running a fever, but it does make it tough to write a mystery.

Day 14:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 23,338
Total words written: 23,349
Words left to reach 50,000: 26,651

Day 13:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 21,671
Total words written: 21,674
Words left to reach 50,000: 28,326

Day 12:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 20,004
Total words written: 20,016
Words left to reach 50,000: 29,984

Day 11 (Happy Veteran's Day!):

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 18,337
Total words written: 18,566
Words left to reach 50,000: 31,434

Day 10:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 16,670
Total words written: 16,741
Words left to reach 50,000: 33,259

Day 9:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 15,003
Total words written: 14,007
Words left to reach 50,000: 35,993

Got some terrible news yesterday. My mother-in-law passed away. She suffered from Alzheimer's, and sometimes didn't recognize her family or friends. I know that she is now in a better place, where her mind is back and her memories are all good.

That doesn't make the grieving process any easier on my family, though.

Day 8:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 13,336
Total words written: 12,291
Words left to reach 50,000: 37,709

Day 7:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 11,669
Total words written: 11,686
Words left to reach 50,000: 38,314

Day 6:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 10,002
Total words written: 8,811
Words left to reach 50,000: 41,189

Well, my little sister did it. She tied the knot. (Or walked the plank, as you can see from her wedding picture!)

I'm a little bummed that they got married on "short notice" since it didn't work out for me to be there, but I totally understand why she did it.

The best part of the whole deal, in my opinion (and since this is my blog, that's what matters, right?) is that it was a surprise to many of the people who DID make their Halloween party. Obviously, my parents (oh, I suppose those would be my sister's parents as well!) and I guess his parents were in on the plan and they even found a judge who asked if any "scallywags or wenches" wanted to object! I got to hear most of the ceremony via cell phone, so that was kinda cool, too.

Again, I wish I coulda been there, but it wasn't in the cards (get it? I was a gypsy!). I do wish my sister and her new husband all the best, though!

Like I don't have enough stuff to do around here!! I decided that this would be a good time to make a quilt! (OK, so I'm nuts....)

This one is a rag quilt for my mother-in-law. She is in a nursing home and this will keep her warm. (Although, how warm do you need to be kept in Texas? *grin*) The pattern is called "Falling Leaves" and this is the first rag quilt I've ever done.
As my husband pointed out, this is the second quilt I've ever done, and we won't keep either of them!

What can I say? I'm a giver!

Day 5:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 8,335
Total words written: 8,379
Words left to reach 50,000: 41,621

Day 4:

Milestone to reach (to make 1,667 words a day): 6,668
Total words written: 6,673
Words left to reach 50,000: 43,512

Day 3

Total words written: 5,051
Words left to write: 44,949

Day 2

Total words: 3,502
Words left: 46,498

NaNoWriMo has begun!

Day 1 Status: 1,695 words written
48,305 words left to go!

Just want to take a moment to brag about the short story I wrote the other day. It's called "It's All In The Cards" and you can read it on my writing blog. Honestly, though, I'm just gosh-darned proud of it and think I did a pretty good job!

Well, the secret is out! The witch wall hanging has found a new home. I gave it to my sister for her birthday (which is this month) and she said it looked "an awful lot like one I saw on someone's blog!" At least I know she liked it!

OK, so I *finally* finished all the
parts to this goofy costume! The vest is done out of a fake-velvet with
a lining made of the same satiny material as the skirt. I did have to rib the lining out of the front for the vest to fit, though!

There's also a headband out of the purple.

I'm so ready for my sister's wedding!

I wasn't *just* making quilts the past few weekends. I did this costume for two reasons. One, my sister is getting married. She is thinking of doing a "rennaisance" wedding, so I decided to go in costume. I have a knight costume for my husband, but I haven't started it yet. This gypsy one is WAY more complicated!

The second reason is that our daughter is going to a halloween party with her friends and (of course) I'll be there to chaperone. As long as I had the pattern and material, I might as well make the costume in time for that, too!

There is still a vest that I need to finish. I cut it out tonight and hope to sew it up tomorrow afternoon!

Now, what shoes does a gypsy wear???

I've been a busy bugger the past 2 weekends. The sewing machine doesn't have dust on it now!

If you can't tell, I've made my first real quilt!!! The only thing I have left to do on it is the actual quilting, which I'll probably -- hopefully! -- —finish tomorrow. Having never done more than just quilt around appliqués for wall hangings, this will be an experience.
The quilt was made with fabric for Halloween (obviously!) that I got on sale. It really was between 20 percent and 50 percent off, so I didn't mind "practicing" with it. Oh, the back side of the quilt is the same black and florescent material as the boarder.

I'm just so dang proud of myself!

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes.
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Which kind of candy are you?

You're Skittles!!! You have a very interesting personality, you're so unique. You're the kind of person who always thinks outside of the box. You're also a very accepting individual, and believe in inner beauty.
Take this quiz!








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Ok, I'm ready to rant about this wall hanging.

The pattern (it's from an "Art to Heart" book) calls for a spider-type button. Can you believe I couldn't find one? Anywhere! At least not in this town.

So I get the bright idea to embroider a spider. Really. How hard could it be? I have a fancy-shmancy machine. I found a spider pattern. No problem, right? WRONG!

Somehow the machine or the hanging moved mid-embroider. GRRR... I really wanted to save this, so I tried to take out the thousand-plus stitches without ruining the wall hanging, since I'm planning on giving it as a gift. Then my husband, bless him!, tried to help by offering suggestions. Now, I know he was trying to help, but I didn't want to hear it. (He suggested adding a broom in there.)

Finally, I decided to make it a BIG spider — so big no one could see where I'd removed spider number 1. So now the spider is really 3-D, made of pom poms and pipe cleaner!

And all because I couldn't find a button!

Just a short note to let those who read know that I accomplished two things this week. I've finished a wall hanging that will be a gift (pictures to follow!) and have a skirt that will be ready tomorrow. Yep, I've been bitten by the sewing bug as well!

Projects in the works include:
Afgahn for Christmas
Quilt — probably for Christmas
iPod Cover for Christmas
Dreaded Weasley sweater (grrrrr)
Costume for my sister's wedding
Choker for this month's exchange
Fingerless gloves — hopefully a Christmas gift

And then I need 100 embroidered bookmarks by March 2009 and I still want to do some soaping and candlemaking.... I need more time in the day!

I'll send pictures when I can!

One of the best things about homeschooling is getting to learn with your kids. A close second is seeing what they do with that information.

So the older daughter was getting a little frustrated with the younger one. (They are six years apart in age, so it's understandable.) But HOW does the older one deal with her sister? Simple. She has the young one put in the stocks.

The younger one is then placed on the stage with her "crime" for all the world to see -- being a "twit." (To those who know her in person, no, it didn't go over well at first!) The converstaion then went something like this:

Jailer: "You have been accused of a crime."

Jailer's Assistant: "A most obvious crime."

Jailer: "Yes. The obvious crime is you being a twit. Do you pled guilty or innocnet."

Silly daughter pled guilty.

Jailer: "Now, repeat after me: I am dumber than Jessica Simpson."

Daughter: "You're dumber than Jessica Simpson."

Assistant shakes head.

Jailer: "You aren't playing fair. Now I said repeat after me. Say I am dumber than Jessica Simpson."

Daughter (who is nothing if not consistant!): "You are dumber than Jessica Simpson."

Finally, the jailer decides to threaten the kid with water all over the pretty hair-do I wrote about earlier. It didn't stop her. She kept saying the jailer was dumber than Jessica Simpson, even after a mug of H2O down her back. (At least he did spare the hair!) Since not even the water would cause the kid to change her stance, he decided to go for another tactic.

Jailer: "This girl needs a boost of confidence."

Assistant nods.

Jailer: "What we need is 100 strapping young men to come up here and give her a kiss and she will be set free." Daughter blushes -- a lot!

Jailer: "How about 50? 10?"

At this point two little boys from the front row jump up to volunteer! It was very funny, but it did get my daughter out of the stocks!

Another fun thing about the Ren. Fest was the hair! I'm not sure that anyone actually *wore* their hair like this, but it sure looks good. Since it was only the girls who went to the event, we had to talk hair. And the younger one has a TON of it! Do you think that people in the medieval times *really* wore their hair this way? I'm sure the rich did, but the normal people? I'm not sure. In fact, I'm pretty sure they looked more like the washing well wenches that I'll talk about another day!

So, anyway, the younger one picked out a hair-do. Now, for those who may not know, this one is so NOT a "girlie-girl." Her idea of dressing up is a clean t-shirt and a skirt with leggings under it. Twice a year she'll dress up for Job's Daughters installations, but that's only because all her friends do, too!

And what does this little one pick? A fancy braid with little gray flowers in it! Complete with fairy dust (glitter) sprinkled in it. Go figure....

Anyway, the hair was done and looked beautiful. And she's pretty happy with it.

Another memory made!

Had a wonderful time at the Minnesota Ren-Fest this weekend. Honestly, I wish we lived closer and could be active in something like it, but a 9 hour drive isn't all that fun! Also got to see my step-daughter, who is living in the Twin Cities now.

We did help the Minnesota economy, though. Had a lot of fun shopping at the Mall of America Friday before going "back in time" on Saturday. The only thing I got for me was a new wok (we're having Chinese food this week! YEAH!!!) and some books at Barnes and Noble -- a shock to those who know me, I'm sure.

Will post more as I "unwind" from the trip!

Which Angel Virtue are you?

You are Wisdom! You remind us that wisdom is a virtue that is learned,and that as we grow we gain precious knowledge. Take this quiz! Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Didn't do much knitting this week, but I did do some fashion design!
My daughter found a pattern at the fabric store that had "perfect sleeves" - unfortunately, it didn't have a perfect anything else! So, being the sewing hobbiest that I am, I created the shirt. I'm not real happy with the length of this one, but she likes it. And, as long as she wears a tank top under it (which she will have to because the fabric is a little sheer!), I think it will be OK.
The originial pattern had more ruffles and ties - kind of a princess bodice thing. It shocked me that she would pick this pattern, because she's not a "princess bodice" girl. But she loves the sleeves and that's why she wanted it.
Since I just prices plain long-sleeve tees at American Eagle this week, I know that making this shirt was a little cheeper. Especially if I can make her a second one with the same pattern!!!

HELP! A warrant for my arrest has been issued by the March of Dimes for aiding and abetting the fight against prematurity.

I have been found GUILTY of wanting every baby to be born full-term and healthy! To avoid doing hard time for my crimes I must raise my bail quickly. YOU CAN HELP bail me out – or contribute to my incarceration. Visit my cell online at www.marchofdimes.com/jailandbail/jenbin today.

To learn more about how your dollars are helping to fight prematurity and save babies’ lives visit the March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.com.

If you or someone you know has had a child born prematurely or with birth defects, or who has lost a child, encourage them to visit a special site for families at www.shareyourstory.org.

Learned something about my daughter this week — she likes caves. I mean, she *really* likes them!

We went to Jewel Cave (http://www.nps.gov/jeca/) this week to visit some other homeschoolers and — thanks to road construction — arrived a lovely seven minutes late for the scenic tour. Now, please understand, this kid was whinning all week about going in a cave. So, we show up late for the 70 minute scenic tour of our Nation's second largest cave and I decide that instead of standing around looking dumb for 70 minutes, we could take the 20 minute discovery talk. Not as much fun, I'm sure, but she wouldn't be looking too terribly bored for the whole time. (And, honestly, I thought even if she did look bored, it would be dark in the cave and I wouldn't have to see it!)

So we go and she really had a good time. Asked some intelligent questions. Really paid attention to the guide. I was impressed!

When the tour was over, she kept talking about how cool it was. Outside the cave, we found this box that showed the smallest area a person squeezes through on the Spelunking tour and the kiddo asks if she can do that when she turns 16 (the park's minimum age for that one).

After lunch with the family we were supposed to meet, the kiddo asks "can we go back and do the scenic tour?"

"Gee, I thought caves were dumb," says I.

"I was just being a butt. I really wanna go back."

GRRRRR!!! Teenagers!!!!

Is this crazy or what??? Can you belive this candle? I'm not sure why it decided to curve this way. I swear I really did make the candle as a straight taper. Very odd.... Any candle-makers out there with some advice?

By the way, this candle is a strawberry and cream scent that is just YUMMY! This week I did some "jar candles" with a chocolate bliss scent. I think I gained weight just *making* them!

Got some great news today! I entered a writing contest -- well, the writing category at the local fair anyway -- and won first place! OK, so it's a fair, but FIRST PLACE! Hello! This is what I want to do. I want to be an author should I ever decide to grow up. Entering this short story really gave me some motivation to keep working on the novel I've been "plugging away at" since NaNoWriMo.

Back to work!

To me!