Brrrrrr!

Brrrrrrr! It's been cold outside the last day or two. It's been a real test of my dedication to early-morning walking for sure! I can't say that I was disappointed when Kandee told me this morning she couldn't walk tomorrow----it's supposed to be 23 degrees or so!

In light of the cold weather, I decided that Emmi needed something to keep her warm. I made her a coat earlier this winter, but it's not something that she can keep on all day---it's more for a walk outside, etc. Since she uses her doggie door all day long while I'm at work, she needed something that she could keep on during these really cold days.

Trying to use up yarn that I already had on hand, I doubled the strands of this soft turquoise yarn and knitted this little sweater that I found on Midnight Knitter' site.As you can see, it is a bit small. Well, more than a bit small---I had a hard time getting it on and off of Emmi. She did wear it all day, but the way the knitting was stretched, I doubt that it did much in the way of keeping her warm.

So, yesterday I stopped and got another skein of a thicker yarn and tried again last night. This one fits her much better and actually seems like it might keep her warm. I would like for it to be a little bit longer in the back, but other than that, it works pretty well and she seemed like she liked it. Maybe if I actually use the kind of yarn and needles suggested in the pattern, it would fit her the way it's supposed to!

Round Robin Challenge: Camera Resolutions

As 2009 begins, I began to think about things I'd like to capture with my camera this year. The one I've chosen to photograph first is "A Closer Look". On the coffee table in my living room, I keep a some apothecary jars and sometimes a vase or two. Here, I display seasonal items---things that make me smile. Right now, there are tiny winter scenes composed of figurines and a reproduction Putz house. I filled the jars with a layer of mica snow and though it is rarely below freezing down here in Louisiana, I can stay cool by looking at my miniature winter wonderland.

For the other 2 categories, I suggest:
1. Patterns
2. Joy

Time Wasters

Before settling in this afternoon to get some housework done, I was checking some blogs that i keep track of. I found a couple of fun "time wasters" on How About Orange. This color test was kind of fun---actually a bit addictive. Jana I want to hear your score (I made a 36).

And what about this fun little test where you can determine your decorating style? I don't think they have a category for "Early Attic", but instead I found my style to be "Comfy Country" (no surprise, I'm sure). Let me know about yours. . .

New Year, New Skills

Well, I finally took the plunge and decided to start the year 2009 learning some new skills. In an effort to join the millions of other people using Facebook and to keep in touch with some of them, I created a profile and am now trying to "learn the ropes". I've already re-connected with a couple of faces from my past, so that's been fun.

Yesterday, I also decided to try out my new Cricut machine and the wall vinyl that I'd purchased. I certainly have lots more to learn about how the machine works and all, but my first attempt turned out pretty well. So well, in fact, that I applied it to my living room wall! (in the photo, some of the words seem to be crooked, but in real life, they look okay)
What do you think?

Bird of Change Exchange

A new year, a new challenge! I just ran across Creative Kistmet's blog and found her Bird of Change exchange. Knowing how much I love birds, it should come as no surprise that I decided to participate. I'm not quite sure what medium I'll use, but am anxious to start crafting. Here's a link to the Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativekismet/3157741102

Our Past, Our Future

As I have been cleaning out, re-arranging and freshening rooms in my house the last month or so, I decided that the photos that have been hanging in my hallway also needed a fresh look. Using coupons and sales, I have been replacing the worn-out, cheap wooden frames with new black gallery-style frames.
Yesterday, I measured and leveled and got most of them hung back up. I love the way it looks now---clean and uncluttered. As I've removed photos from frames and carefully chose which ones to continue displaying and which to store away for now, I've reminisced about the girls and the stages they've grown through. In addition, I have several photos taken of my parents (this one is of my dad) and grandparents and other ancestors. I love looking at the handmade clothes they are wearing in many of the pictures and marvel at the hands that made the eyelet, lace and buttonholes. Having these photos in my home provides a link to our family's past.

Perhaps they will also be a link to the future. Perhaps future generations will one day hang this picture of Jana

or this one of Callie (wearing her Poppy's dress)

in the hallways of their homes. Maybe they will admire clothes they wear or wonder about their families and lives.

Happy 2009!

Happy 2009! My new year began surrounded by a bunch of teenagers! I chaperoned a youth lock-in at my church last night. After agreeing to help out, I was really beginning to dread the night as the time got closer. But, things went well! There was a good crowd of kids and Jonathan had planned plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. There was a scavenger hunt, a short devotional, fireworks in the parking lot (awesome fireworks), a 2009 song performance by Cate and Susan, sparkling juice in the Ark and food, food, food. We tried out Susan's new game, Pictionary Man (which was really fun, by the way) and spent a couple of hours playing Sardines(a variation of Hide & Seek) throughout the church--in the dark most of the time.

EARLY in the morning, kids seemed to be winding down. Most gathered with sleeping bags and pillows to watch a movie while a few played Guitar Hero in the game room. However, right on schedule, at 5:00 a.m. they all jumped up, eager for a game of trench ball in the gym! Ugh!

By 7:30 this morning, all the kids had been picked up and I was snuggling into the covers of my own bed for a "long winter's nap."