Butterflies and Christmas Memories

It's said that a butterfly is a deceased loved one letting you know they are near and their spirit lives on.  I have not seen many butterflies lately let alone be near one.  Today, however, I had one fly up to me.  While he didn't land on or near me, he did flutter around me.  He would flutter in front of me, then fly off ahead and come back, playful like.  I watched for a few minutes before he flew up and away.  I have reason to believe it was sent from my grandparents, or at least my grandfather.  This past Monday, December 19th, was his birthday.  Tomorrow, December 22nd, will be the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Even after all these years, I still think about him a lot and wish he was here.  He loved being a grandfather and he was so thrilled to be a great-grandfather when my oldest, Jennifer, was born.  He passed when she was 14 months old.  I know he would have loved to do things with all of his great-grandchildren just like he did with me and my brother.

My grandmother will be gone 28 years next February.  I think about her a lot as well.  She is the one who initially taught me to crochet.  She started me with granny squares.  I did a lot of those.  I try not to do those these days if I can help it.  Earlier this year I started making jams and jellies.  She made those, too, and I think of her a lot when I'm doing them.  I wish I could have had the chance to do it with her.  She always did them when we weren't at their house.

Every year I think about the silver Christmas tree with the colored light wheel that sat in front of it.  We also opened presents on Christmas Eve after dinner.  Of course my brother and I were so impatient because after dinner, we also had to wait until Grandpa watched the 5:30 news.  He watched it at 5:00, why did he need to watch it at 5:30?  But eventually he would grin at us, get a twinkle in his eye, and tell us it was time.  And away we went.  Of course, when we got up the next morning, Christmas Day, Santa had been there.  He was generous at Grandma and Grandpa's house (So was the Easter Bunny but that's another story for another time).  I remember the excitement I felt when I got my very own little TV when I was about 7, 8 years old.  It was a little B&W but it was all mine to watch what I wanted in my bedroom.  My brother got a 10-speed.

So many memories...I still miss them a lot even after all these years.

Merry Christmas to everyone.  May your holidays be merry, bright and a lot of memories made

Terri

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.  I went to Paul and Kaylena's (my son and daughter-in-law) for Thanksgiving.  She was making her first turkey dinner by herself and I must say, she did a wonderful job.  The turkey was moist and delicious. It was great to spend the holiday with them and three of my grandchildren.  Of course I was missing my two daughters, son-in-law and three of my grandchildren. 

I brought my crochet bag with enough yarn to make the two littlest ones hats should I find myself with down time.  I didn't find myself with down time.  So in addition to completing the WIP I have at home, I will start some hats.  I do have a request for a sweater and a scarf.  I'm behind already.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving 2016 gets closer, I've been reflecting on the past year.  The past two years, actually.  A lot has happened, some good, some not so good.  I would like to think that I've grown as I've made some self-discovery but I'm not so sure about that.  What I have done, though, is be able to think about things a lot more clearly than I would have in the past, and that allowed me to really see and reflect on things that I knew weren't good for me in the past.  I'm not around some people anymore that I realized were a big cause of tension and stress.  I think I knew it years ago but now I'm sure because I don't have that tension and stress anymore.  Not that I never get stressed or have tension from time to time, it's just not that particular tension and stress. 

Normally I would be able to crochet away while reflecting on things but this past year and a half I was unable to do that.  Oh I did manage to do a couple of small projects and I did start a bigger, albeit still small, project back in September that is intended as a Christmas present for my 2-year-old granddaughter.  I haven't finished it yet as I still lose my interest from time to time.  As I feel myself coming out of this - whatever this is, I do find myself looking forward to picking up my hook and yarn while I'm at work.  I hope the upcoming New Year will be a turning point for me...and my stash.

So for now, onward and upward.  The best is yet to come.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

2015

Oh my gosh...my blog actually stayed put and didn't redirect to random ads like it has done the past couple of years.  I really miss blogging about my hooking and my family.  Although I haven't done any big projects for the past year and a half, I have picked up some new patterns, yarn and hooks along the way.  I feel that I am getting my mojo back.  So on that note...here's looking to have a new project to show off soon.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is upon us once again.  Sure it's the unofficial start of summer and everyone has cook-outs and shopping expeditions planned.  But it's really the time for everyone to reflect on our fallen soldiers and how they gave their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom.  I also have a deep appreciation for our soldiers that are continuing the fight today.  I am so proud of them and very proud to be an American. 

Everybody be safe and have a good holiday weekend.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Summer 2012

Okay, let's give this a try.  I haven't been able to update my blog because everytime I log in, my page gets redirected to random ads.  I have no idea why but this time, it stayed on here. 

Here we are near the end of August 2012 and there is a storm brewing out there, Tropical Storm Isaac, who is expected to become a Hurricane really soon.  Although we have a hurricane survivial kit all put together, the Mr.  forgot my importan items - hooks and yarn.  What, is he expecting me to be bored to tears if the power is out and I can't get online?  Of course he has his fishing gear together.  He said that is essential.  I suppose...

My soldier son, Paul, went back to Afghanistan last May (or was it April?) and is expected to come back home March 2013.  He is already planning a Spring Break trip.  I sure do miss him. 

As far as hooking goes, I only did one hat for the Ravelympics...oopsie...Ravellenic Games.  The USIOC had a problem with Ravelry using ...lympics... so the name was changed. I wonder, though, did they issue a cease-and-desist letter to Scooby Doo and the Laff-A-Lympics? 

I do have a baby blanket on the hook for my grandson that was born in January, on Friday the 13th.  I need to get that finished so that I can start my holiday hooking.  Why yes, the holidays are coming up fast.  It's just two blocks away (not quite around the corner yet but close).

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Happy New Year, everyone.  Goodness but it just doesn't seem possible that we are in 2012 already.  I feel like I blinked a few times in 2011 and missed part of it.  But I do feel that good times and good things are in store for 2012.  So how many of you made New Year's Resolutions?  I didn't because let's face it...those are just made to be broken so let's just skip that step, shall we? 

Was Santa Claus good to you?  He was good to me.  My wonderful husband, Kevin, gave me an iPad2.  Both of my daughters were eyeballing it and I had to point out to them that my name was engraved on the back so don't even think about taking off with it.  Gee, they looked disappointed after that.  Poor babies.  I wanted to make sure that it was protected from scratches while in my purse so I made this:

It was really very simple to make using a worsted weight yarn.  I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn.

1 skein Red
1 skein White
Hook size N

Holding two strands together chain 41. 
Row 1:  HDC in 3rd chain from hook to the end of the foundation row; Join with Slip Stitch.
You will now be working in rounds.
Round 2: Chain 2, HDC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first HDC.
Round 3 - 17:  Repeat Round 2. 

Handle:
Rounds 1 - 2: Chain 1 and SC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Round 3: Chain 1 and SC for the first 5 stitches.  Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC.  SC in the next 11 stitches.  Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC.  SC to the first SC in the round and join with a slip stitch.
Rounds 4 - 5:  Chain 1 and SC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Whip stitch bottom of bag. 

There you have it.  Easy to carry and it gets protected from scratches when in your purse or briefcase.
I think I will now go make one for my iPod and Android phone, minus the handles.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad...

I sure haven't been very good at keeping up with my blog.  I have been busy with projects for Christmas.  I'm pretty much making all the little kids their gifts but since they range in ages 1 - 6, I'll also get them a small toy or something to go with it.  I would show pictures of what I have made so far but I'll have to wait until after they open them. 

I'm also working on a crochet scarf for the Texas Special Olympics.  The deadline for them to receive it is in January so while it seems like I have a lot of time, I really don't.  But a refreshing beverage helps:

On another note...Bethanie started decorating our Christmas tree that we have had for  13 years:

She used to stand on her tippy toes on a chair to reach that same branch.

Well, off to do some more hooking.  Have to keep at it if I want to finish everything in time. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Louie in 2012



'Tis the season

I know, I know...it's been almost two months since my last posting.  After I last posted I started a job and I found it hard to find the time to update.  I did, however, slowly finish the project that I began with the pink yarn.  I made a lovely prayer shawl that was intended to be a give-away here but I came across someone in need of it and gave it to her.  I didn't get a picture of it but I have started another one in the same color and when that one is finished, I will take a picture and post it here.  I thought about doing it in holiday colors but I just love the pink yarn and another donation was made to the Susan G. Komen foundation. 

There's just something comforting about making prayer shawls.  I have made a few over the years without having anybody in mind.  But it's nice to have them to give.  The same goes for newborn hats.  I just feel so peaceful when I'm making them because I know they will be going on a newborn's little head at the hospital, whether in the NICU or regular nursery.  Making those just takes my mind off of everyday issues for a little while, I can just "zone" out for a while.

So on that note, I am currently working on hats for the grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  I just might throw some in for my children, too.  We shall see. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Prince Louie IV in 2012

Fall has arrived

Fall has finally arrived.  We have gone from triple-digit temperatures down to the cooler mid - to - high 90's.  Still no rain, although we did have some showers a week and a half ago.  Yay for the little things. 

One of the good things about the arrival of Fall is...the holidays aren't too far away!  Isn't that exciting?  I think it is.  October is just a few days away so that means Halloween is coming.  Now that my daughter and her family have moved back home from Kentucky, I get to see my three granddaughters in their Halloween costumes.  So excited!  Doesn't take much to excite me, does it? 

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I am hoping that one day there will be a cure for it as I can't stand the thought of any of my girls (or anyone else) having to go through that.  So on that note, when I bought this lovely yarn...

...the proceeds of the sale were donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure  (www.komen.org).  Wonder what this yarn will grow up to become.  Stay tuned to my blog for a give-away. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

P.S.  Louie in 2012!

Friday Quickies

Happy Friday!  The weather has finally gotten cooler, if you can call 95 degrees cool.  But after going through 20 plus days of triple-digit temperatures, yes, I do call 95 degrees cool.  But we still need rain.

So on that note, I made a pair of wristers: 

These should keep me warm when it's cold in the room and let me keep on crocheting and blogging.  These are so simple to make.  It's made with Lion Brand Hometown USA and a P hook.  It's a simple half-double crochet stitch.

Chain 14
Row 1: HDC in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each stitch across.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures about 7 - 12 inches from beginning.  (Measurement depends on how long you want it - mine is 8 inches). 
Fasten off.

Beginning at top edge, sew side edges together for 1 inch, leave next 1 1/2 inches open for thumb, sew remainder of side edges together.
Weave in ends.

There you go.  Easy peasy.  And warm. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Roses and Hooking

Did everyone have a good Labor Day?  I did.  In fact it was mine and Kevin's 13th wedding anniversary.  Here is what he got me (notice the bottle of chocolate syrup?):

The roses have bloomed open and are really pretty.  I love the red and white combination. 

Today I decided to take a break from the bigger crochet projects I'm working on (the Special Olympic scarfs) and do a quickie project.  I love how it turned out:

It's a Boutique Purse and you can find the pattern here.  I'm thinking about making one for each of my three granddaughters and two nieces for Christmas, all between the ages of 2 and 6.  Stuff them with little toys and candies, and it should make a nice extra little gift for them.  I'm also thinking that maybe I should make another one or two with the holiday sparkle yarn for the holiday season (it is just a couple of months away, you know).  But I do need to finish the special project and then make a little something for a baby girl that's due in Janaury and a baby boy (my grandson!) that's also due in January.

Until next time, keep on hooking. 

Terri

 

Song of the day...

The song of the day is Whip It by Devo.  Except I'm substituting Frog It for Whip It.  Why, you ask?  I started a pair of Wristers yesterday.  I finished the first one, length was great, side seaming was great, thumb hole was perfect.  I started the second one.  Should have been a piece of cake.  It's a mindless chain 14, half-double crochet across until the piece measures 7 - 12", depending on your preferred length. 

The first one was 8"; I thought I would just measure the second one by that one.  But I worked on it while watching Dance Moms (have you seen that?  OMG, those little girls are so limber and wonderful dancers) and mindlessly crocheting, to the tune of 18".  A bit long for a wrister but I suppose it could be an elbower.  Le Sigh...Rip it, Rip it, Rip it good. 

Now on to other news...

Prince Louie IV in 2012

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

The Making of a Military Mom

When the good Lord was creating mothers, he was into his fifth day of overtime.An angel appeared and said, “You’re having a lot of trouble with this one. Why not use the standard model?”

And the Lord replied, “Have you seen the specifications on this order? Give birth to a child that will become one of my warriors; install values of duty, honor, and country into them from birth while teaching them to be compassionate and loving; safeguard this treasure through flu, sickness, cuts and scrapes knowing that she can’t be with them when country calls; embrace them but let go of her precious gift to perfect strangers; brighten their day when all seems confused not knowing the pain they are enduring; have the patience of a saint when waiting for them to return home; and have two sets of shoulders to handle the weight of both love and uncertainty.”

The angel shrugged slowly looking down and said, “two sets of shoulders… no way!”

And the Lord answered, ”Don’t worry, we’ll make other military mothers to help carry the burden. Besides it’s not the shoulders that are causing the problem, it’s the heart. It must swell with pride, sustain the ache of separation, beat on steadily when it’s too worried to do so and be large enough to say, “I Understand” when it doesn’t.

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve gently. “Come to bed… finish this tomorrow!”

“I can’t,” said the Lord. ”I’m so close to creating something special and unique. Already I have one who heals herself from within; can send joy a thousand miles away in just a small box; able to cheer them up with one phone call and can wave good-bye from a pier, a car or off a runway and understand that it is important to her country that they leave.”

The angel circled the model of the military mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed.

“But tough,” said the Lord excitedly. “You cannot imagine what this woman can do or endure.”

“Can it think?”

“Can it think? It can home school if need be”

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“It’s not a leak,” said the Lord. “It’s a tear.”

“What’s it for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for joy. Sadness. Disappointment. Pain, loneliness and pride!”

“You are a genius,” sighed the angel.

The Lord looked somber and replied, “I didn’t put it there.

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Yes, I am a military mom and I am very proud of my son.  At the age of 23 he has been in the Army for about 6.5 years and has already served two tours and will be going back April 2012.  As much as I do not want him to go, I know this is what he wants to do.  He signed up at the age of 17 and has made everybody proud of him.  When it's time for him to leave again, I'll do my best to not let him see me cry, but I can't make any promises.  As I know it gets cold at night where he's going, I best get busy making him some helmet liners and hats. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack...

Did you miss me?  It has been over a year since I last blogged.  A lot has been going on and I just couldn't seem to find the time (or energy) to come here daily, or even three times a week.  Although this would probably have helped for me to write it all down.  But now I'm back and I promise to be more regular in my blogging. 

I have a lot of new crochet patterns that I want to try out and share with you.  Right now I'm working on a special scarf.  It's for the 2012 Special Olympics.

As you can see I still have a ways to go but I will finish soon.  I like the colors for 2012 - Red Heart Super Saver Soft Navy and Cherry Red.  They are working up quite nicely together. 

As for Louie, well, he's still his ornery self. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  Remembering those who died while fighting the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice and thinking of the ones still fighting the fight and the veterans who have fought the fight so that we may still have our freedom. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Memorial Day

Gosh but it really has been a long time since I last posted.  It is now coming up on the Memorial Day weekend.  It's time for everyone to reflect on our fallen soldiers and how they gave their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom.  I also have a deep appreciation for our soldiers that are continuing the fight today.  I am so proud of them and very proud to be an American. 

So since I last posted Bethanie has gotten her braces off.

As far as my working life goes, I am now an Independent Sales Representative with Avon.  So far so good.  I like what I'm doing, it's fun and I have met a lot of new people, including my new neighbors.  So that's a plus.  But I am working on getting my Freelance Paralegal business up and running.  That's going to take more time as attorneys are hesitant to send their work out due to the confidentiality issues.  So we shall see...

We do have a new resident in our backyard. 

As the owl was sitting so calmly on the horseshoe spike, Louie was walking around him, not even barking.  Now that was surprising.  So now he has taken up residence in a palm tree in the next door neighbor's backyard, which is right next to the fence so we get to see him every night. 

He comes out and eyeballs a bird's nest in the tree next to his and the Mama and Daddy birds fly at him and scream at him.  As far as I can tell he hasn't bothered the nest but I really don't know as the birds don't seem to hang out in that tree anymore. 

I have seemed to have misplaced my crochet mojo but I'm working on getting it back.  It took me two and a half days just to do a simple dishcloth.  Now that's bad because it doesn't take nearly that long. 

Louie smiling his smile. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

So last Saturday Bethanie turned 15 and today Kevin is 37!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!  And being a man I know he doesn't mind that I just let the virtual world know his age. 

This has been an abnormal week.  First of all, Kevin left last Friday with his mother to take care of some family business out of state, meaning he wasn't here for Bethanie's birthday but it's okay.  We were all okay with it considering the nature of the trip.  And he's not even home for his birthday because things happened where they went and they had to stretch out their trip.  But hopefully he'll be home tomorrow. 

And since he's been gone, I haven't been able to sleep very well.  I keep hearing all sorts of noises that I've never heard before.  I don't know if they're are new noises or I'm just hearing them because he's been gone.  The dog has only growled at the front door a few times so I dunno...

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On another note...I have been on a yarn diet (comes with being unemployed) and the lovely ladies at my Monday Night Therapy group (that's what my knit/crochet night is for me) took pity on me.  A couple of them were destashing and saved some for me.  Yay, I can make another baby sweater and hat for my newest granddaughter.  She lives in Kentucky where it's still colder there than here.  So she will still get use out of it.  My knittas and hookers are the best there is, bar none.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Happy New Year

Oh my goodness...it has been too long since I updated.  I'm still having computer issues (yes, it's still not working - I was told it needs a new motherboard).  Since my last blogging venture we've had Christmas, a new granddaughter, Alexa (December 28, 2009), the calendar turned over to 2010, and now my youngest, Bethanie, is turning 15 tomorrow, January 16, 2010 (Gosh, where has the time gone), and Louie the Super Dog (hee hee hee) turned 3 earlier this month.

As for my hooking, I made all three granddaughters sweaters and the baby got a hat to go with hers.  I sent those off in the mail the Monday before Christmas, and that's it.  I haven't done anything else since then.  I'm on a yarn diet while I job hunt.  Hopefully that won't last long.  I think I'm having withdrawal symptoms.  I mean, it hasn't been a full month since I finished the little hat but it sure seems much longer.  Is there a rehab place for this?  But on a good note, I've lost 10 pounds since December 20th!  That's called the Poverty Diet.  Hee hee hee  Not getting the extra goodies that call my name at all hours of the day and night helps.  A lot.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

The Day After

So last night we met up with a couple of friends for my birthday.  It was fun.  We had a great time.  The band was really great.  I tried my first jager bomb.  It tasted like Nyquil.  Kevin said it wasn't made right.  He only had a couple of sips of his and poured the rest in my glass.  He subsisted on Bud Light the rest of the evening.  Me, I stuck with pineapple juice.  And maybe a little Malibu rum for flavor.  Hee hee hee hic. 


  The beer bottle is not mine.  Honest.

 Oooh...a lapdance from my husband!

I just luvs him soooo much.

Aren't we cute? 


Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri