Breanna's Knit Bits

Spring in the Woods

2010-06-07T20:46:00.000-06:00

Nesting Bald Eagles

2010-06-06T20:43:00.000-06:00

This is the most amazing thing we have ever seen during a walk in the woods! We were able to see a mother and father bald eagle and their huge nest. A man was using a big set of binoculars to view the nest and baby but we never got to see it. We didn't stay long as we did not want to upset the new parents.

Missouri Wild Flowers

2010-06-05T20:40:00.000-06:00

All of these flower pictures were taken during a walk at Crowder State Park in Missouri. Can anyone help me identify them? I would love to start a Missouri animal, insect,and plant book for my children but I need a good resource for identifying Missouri wildlife and plantlife that won't break the bank. Any ideas?

Come Take a Walk part 2

2010-06-04T20:33:00.000-06:00

Spring will be gone all too soon what will you miss the most?

Come Take a Walk

2010-06-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

What does spring mean to you?

Mama What is that on my Back?

2010-06-02T20:26:00.000-06:00

Thomas is a wonderful cat, he catches mice, moles, birds (BAD KITTY) and I love him dearly! Normally he would chase down any rodent, play with it for a while and then eat it but when we introduce him to a pet in the house he gives us the look (really another one the other cats will never let me live this down) and then settles for being friends instead of having an extra meal. Amazing kitty, Thomas has made friends with chicks, ducklings, baby rabbits, a rat, and now two guinea pigs. Have I mentioned that I love my cat. He doesn't know it yet but he is getting kittens to love soon.

I think he can handle a few more friends before he needs therapy. Love that Cat!

Happy Easter

2010-06-01T20:23:00.001-06:00

Please excuse my lateness in posting about Easter (Is it really already June? When did this happen? Can we rewind just a little?) We had a quiet and relaxing Easter at home with our littles. Every year for as long as I can remember my dad's family has gotten together on Easter for Food, Family, and Fun. I must admit that while staying home was relaxing there were many tears shed before hand as I came to terms with the lose of my Aunt Betty Ann and how that loss has changed our family. Aunt Betty has been gone for over a year and the family tried at first to continue as before but without the heart of the family, the planner, the soul, we are lost in the darkness. I am sure we will find our way back together but it will never be the same, still good just different.

In keeping with tradition we had an Easter egg hunt, and a special family dinner.

I made this amazing upside down apple pie and OH MY was it ever Delicious, but can I remember now where I got the recipe? No Not a Chance but when I do remember I will come back here and add in the information.

Farm Fresh Eggs

2010-05-31T20:15:00.000-06:00

I do not believe their is anything better in the morning than farm fresh eggs over easy and a piece of buttery toast. I am blessed to have friends who are willing to share their bounty.

Painting Brad's Room

2010-05-30T20:13:00.000-06:00

Old Clothes check
Music check
Rollers check
Paint in the Perfect Shade of Blue check
Wet Washcloth check
Two Willing Helpers check

My babies working together to transform Brad's bedroom priceless!

Giveaway

2010-05-24T15:16:00.000-06:00

Puking Pastilles is haveing a fabric giveaway today hop on over and check it out!

Walk in the Woods

2010-04-18T20:36:00.003-06:00

This mama loves a quiet walk in the woods with my littles.

GP's Garden

2010-04-18T19:57:00.004-06:00

GP is our guinea pig Patches. GP didn't like vegetables when we first brought him home so I decided to get the kids excited about eating vegetables by planting a guinea pig garden in a pot. We went to the hardware store to purchase vegetable seeds and some herbs. We planted basil, dill, thyme, sugar snap peas, carrots, and radishes. I am hoping that the kids will be more likely to each fresh vegetables now that they are so excited about feeding them to GP.

The best part about this whole adventure is that the planter will be right outside the back door and we will see it everytime we walk in and out of the house. The kids and I will be able to keep a close eye on the growth of GP's vegetables.

Jack Frost Wonder Land

2010-03-04T16:41:00.000-06:00

The trees and bushes have been covered with a thick beautiful frost for the past few days. When the sun hits the trees they twinkle as if they are covered with a million twinkling lights.

Beauty Found in the Everyday

2010-03-03T16:37:00.000-06:00

ENJOY

Home Safe and Sound

2010-03-02T18:33:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago out puppies went missing out of our yard. I am glad to tell you that they are both home safe and sound thanks to the help of good honest people in our home town!

No More Thumb Sucking

2010-03-01T18:32:00.000-06:00

Annabelle and I are working to limit her thumb sucking we are currently using a glove that has the fingers cut off. I stitched around the cut edges to keep them from unraveling. Before spending lots of money on thumb sucking guards we wanted to give a home remedy a try, I will let you know how well it works.

My Perspective

2010-02-28T21:48:00.000-06:00

The view from my chair today! Winter days were made for cuddles, knitting, stories, and comfort food.

Science Fair

2010-02-27T16:45:00.002-06:00

The science fair love is or hate it what do you think? I think it is a double edged sword, on one hand the children if involved learn through the process and on the other hand the parents at least of young children end up doing most of the work.

This was the first year that Annabelle had to participate in a science fair and although we had fun completing the experiment the write up and display board took hours and did not help her learn anything as she can't read. I wish their was a compromise for the little people so that they were graded for the work and knowledge they have gained without the extra hours of parent work.

Just in case you are wondering her experiment was on viscosity (thickness of a liquid) and it's effect on the beads she placed in each container. Her conclusion the thin liquid let the beads move fast and the thick liquid made the beads move slow.

Do you have any really good science experiment resources that I can use for next years science fair?

High Roller

2010-02-01T21:38:00.000-06:00

These mineature dice always make me smile! How about you, what makes you smile?

Brad's First Sewing

2010-01-30T21:40:00.003-06:00

For years I have hoped that my children would eventually take an interst in sewing. What time could be better for a sewing lesson than a cold winter weekend with little to do and many hours before bedtime. Brad asked the question that melted my heart "Will you teach me to sew something?" Just last week at soulemama there was a post about her children sewing I left the post up for Brad to read. Brad didn't comment right away so I figured he was not interested in sewing. Oh how glad I am that I was wrong.

Brad made two sets of mittens using an old pair of fleece pajamas for fabric. The first pair fit Annabelle perfectly and the second pair made just a little bigger fit Brad perfectly.

Good Morning

2010-01-30T21:35:00.001-06:00

I can see the Sun! I had almost forgotten what it was like to have the sun say goodmorning on my way to work. Oh dear sun how I have missed you, I hope you can hang around for a spell.

Sledding In a Winter Wonderland

2010-01-12T17:47:00.000-06:00

Conner and his new cowboy boots had a wonderful time sledding at Simpson park.

I love this picture of Annabelle flying down the hill!

Daddy was always willing to go to the bottom and promise to catch the sledding children.

My favorite shot from the day.

Winter Fun

2010-01-11T17:43:00.000-06:00

Annabelle found magic in a giant icicle.

Brad was amazed that they were so big on grandpa's house.

Ares has decided that the snow might not be so bad.

Ares has also decided that getting loved on by Annabelle isn't so bad either.

Annabelle enjoyed painting beads at my mothers house. I love the slow easy life of winter when we easily flow from frolicking in the snow to relaxing and loving the inside.

Black Berry Cobbler

2010-01-10T17:39:00.001-06:00

It was delicious!

New Year New Beginnings New Chances to Learn!

2010-01-01T18:02:00.003-06:00

Welcome 2010! I am looking forward to a new year in which to learn and grow as a spouse, parent, and teacher. There are many positive changes that I want to make this year but I hesitate to call them resolutions. Resolutions seem to only last until spring at the best so this year I want to make positived changes every month! My goal is to reflect on the past month and look forward to the current month on the first and post about the positive changes I want to make. I know that this sounds vague (as it should)!
My first goal for 2010

January: is to make healthy clean food choices. I want to incorporate 5 serving of fruits and vegetables every day in my diet. I also want to take pictures of our everyday lives not just the planned or special occasions. Last but not least I want to spend more one on one time with my son.

So far that is my list of changes for January I hope that the list will change and grow throughout the comming year~

Becky's Christmas Party

2010-01-01T17:26:00.004-06:00

Christmas with Grandpa Jim

2010-01-01T17:21:00.001-06:00

This is where I tell you that I am a bad blogger and was busy crafting but I didn't take any pictures until the gifts were already given. Kenna is holding an example of what I made for each of my nieces and nephews for Christmas. Each child got a shirt with their first initial on the front.

Baby Alex had a wonderful time and he loved his ride on toy.

Fiber Gals December

2010-01-01T17:11:00.003-06:00

When I grow up I want one of these for my yarn stash!

Every month the Fiber Gals meet to spin, knit, crochet, weave, etc. There is always friendship, fiber, and food! I need my monthly dose of friendship, fiber, and food like a fish needs water. I believe that every parent needs time to enjoy themselves so that they can be better parents when they return home refueled and rejuvenated. The lesson here don't feel guilty about spending time on yourself.

Winter Concert

2009-12-30T17:05:00.000-06:00

This is the year that the magic came alive for Annabelle she placed all of her faith as only a child can do in Santa for this years Christmas gift magic and he did not disappoint! What did she ask Santa for you may ask why make-up of course because mom and dad had already said no.

Preschool Love (Too Cute)

Denton Christmas

2009-12-27T17:16:00.000-06:00

Grandma Monica and Grandpa Doug always know just what to get the kids for Christmas Brad got a lot of Bakugan things and a very cool holder.

Annabelle got two ZUZU pets that her wonderful grandpa waited two hours in line to get!

And best of all Monica always gets the kids a new ornament for the Christmas tree.

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T17:32:00.000-06:00

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas has come true in a big way. Can you believe all of that snow. The kids were so very excited to wake up to a yard full of snow! The birds however do not seem quite as excited.

The new Wii games were a huge hit (I love Brad's expression)

Santa did a great job as always Brad got a charger for his electric scooter, and Annabelle got a crib for her baby Isabella.

Merry Christmas to you and yours! And if you don't celebrate Christmas may you enjoy the season.

Scenes of Christmas

2009-12-24T16:56:00.000-06:00

Trimming the Tree

2009-12-23T16:51:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it we were actually able to get that huge tree into the house through the front door (with a little pulling by dad and a little pushing from mom). After trimming, the tree measured 8 and 1/2 feet tall by 6 feet wide. It is beautiful and magic making and we will never forget the year that the tree was huge and took up a whole wall in our livingroom.

Dad had to get on the step stool and REACH to put the star on the top! We all waited with baited breath praying that he wouldn't fall into the tree.

Here is our tree in all of it's glory! Can you see the bungy cords attaching it to the wall they were a must for safety.

twinkly twinkly lovely tree

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-20T16:46:00.000-06:00

This year we were blessed once again to be able to make our annual trip to Millers Pines to select our Christmas tree. This will be the last year for getting a tree from Millers Pines. The Miller family has decided to stop selling christmas trees not only for health reasons but also because the trees on their farm are getting too old to sell. We will miss this tradition but I am sure that we will find something great to replace it for next year.

Because this would be our last year at Millers Pines the kids and I selected the tallest and biggest tree we could find that looked full and healthy. Boy did we have fun trying to cut it down!

Freezer Paper stencil Shirts

2009-12-06T19:33:00.000-06:00

Our first try at freezer paper stenciling is going great. The kids are very excited to be creating their own shirts.
There are many freezer paper stencil tutorial available on the Internet so I will just give you a quick overview.

To make our pictures I selected a picture from clip art and then enlarged it to the size I wanted. I then printed the picture onto the paper side of the freezer paper. I found that the freezer paper feeds better if you tape it to a piece of printer paper.
next you carefully cut out the picture.
When all pieces have been cut out center the freezer paper over your shirt and iron it on. Once the shirt and paper are cooled down you can begin to paint your shirt. I recommend placing a piece of cardboard between the front and back of the shirt to keep the paint from soaking through.

Let the paint dry overnight and then remove the freezer paper by slowly peeling it away from the paint.

Check your paint label some require you to set the paint with heat others do not.

good luck with your freezer paper stencils.

The lost post otherwise named Fiber Goodies

2009-12-04T20:11:00.002-06:00

I was looking back through my old posts when I found this poor draft lost in the post archives from the beginning of the year (think January). So let me catch you up. At our fiber gals meeting we created mixed batts to spin and enter in the fair. I chose brown llama, brown wool, blue wool, and blue snips of eyelash yarn.

I did send the yarn to the fair but the judge said it did not have enough color for the category I entered it in. I am currently using it to make a cowl.

This is a picture of some of the yarn I was thinking about entering in the fair. Five of the pictured skeins come home with ribbons!

And this is one of my Christmas gifts. Brad ordered me a ball winder and I have used it repeatedly throughout the year. I now have it attached to an old ruler that I can put under my leg for ease of winding on the run or when a table is not available.

Cows up close and personal

2009-12-03T14:09:00.000-06:00

My children are not farm kids but neither are they city kids they fall somewhere in the middle. After apple picking in Brunswick they had a chance to see a mother cow and her baby up close. We have seen cows many times driving down the street but we have never taken the time to stop and look at them this close.

There was even one cow that came close enough for them to touch. We did make sure that they cows were safe to touch. We were assured that they were quite friendly and used to being petted.

This is a childhood experience that I am sure they will remember for a very long time the were both very excited and chattered about the cows and apples all the way home.

Apple Picking

2009-12-02T13:43:00.000-06:00

Brad and Annabelle had their first experience with apple picking while we were in town for the Brunswich Pecan Festival.

They filled many baskets and a box before they were all done.

There are many childhood memories that I want my children to have and many that I would like for them to create with their own children. I hope that this will be one of their many fond childhood memories.

Brunswick MO Pecan Festival

2009-12-01T13:38:00.000-06:00

The following picture is not a trick. This is a broken window in down town Brunswick MO as seen during the Pecan Festival Parade. My mother noticed it first and I of course had to take a picture.

Brad and Annabelle had a good time and enjoyed looking at the animals, bouncing in the bouce house, and browsing and booths. I munched on pecans and had a great time catching up with Dixie my favorite Aunt. Aunt Dixie treated us to Dinner at the Red Rooster (I hope I got the name right) they have a killer catfish dinner. The restaurant is in the back of a liquor store and you have to go into the store to play. My chidlren had never been inside a liquor store, talk about a new experience you don't want your children to remember! Annabelle got to ride a horse for the first time which she enjoyed but I don't think that she will ever become a cowgirl.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T16:39:00.000-06:00

My Uncle Pee-Wee has always been good for a laugh! Annabelle had a very good time playing with him after the Thanksgiving dinner.

My Cousin Nicole is always beautiful but she hides from pictures. We lived close to each other most of my childhood, I wouldn't change those memories for anything.

My Mom and Dad

I thank God every day that I grew up in a loving supportive family.

Loving of the Yarn & February Lady Plans

2009-11-30T16:02:00.000-06:00

This my readers is my February Lady Sweater yarn all finished and washed and ready to knit into my first sweater.

Here is another picture of the yarn and swatch as well as the other skeins that I did not send in to the fair. I will most likely use every bit of this yarn so this could very likely be the last picture of this yarn in a swatch or skein.

Of course any time the mom is on the floor with a camera small hands must assist. I think that this was my favorite picture out of the bunch.

Family in the Park and the Cutest Nephew Ever

2009-11-27T15:59:00.000-06:00

My baby is getting much too old, it seems that as each day goes by he gets closer to being a preteen. Even though he still wants cuddles and our attention he wants more and more private time in his room alone. I am not looking forward to this time in our relationship, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Baby Nephew Christian is getting bigger and bigger, he seems to always be smiling and happy.

Annabelle loves nature and is almost always finding something new to bring home after wandering around outside.

DH Brad holding baby Christian. Brad has always had the touch with babies and can calm them and put them to sleep in no time.

The Chair

2009-11-26T07:27:00.000-06:00

Ares and Sam have picked their favorite spot in the house, Daddy's Chair! For years daddy has sat in that chair and typically kicked out anyone who dared to sit in it when he was at home but now the boys rule his chair and he doesn't even say a word. The boys will even beg to sit with you if you sit in their chair and then they will instantly fall asleep!

Ares says man I taste good!

Sam is still snoozing he is such a cuddler.

Missouri Bike Tour Chillicothe

2009-11-25T15:54:00.000-06:00

Brad enjoyed getting to Ride the Route after the professional bike riders started their trek out of town from Washington street to highway 190. the event was not very well planned. The planners made sure that the professional bikers had a safe route but they did not do the same for the elementary school aged children who participate in Ride the Route. The children biked down Washington street and then turned onto Locust in front of the YMCA this is the part that gets a little crazy the side streets were not blocked off for the hundreds of children riding their bikes on the route that they were told to take people who were trying to leave the bike route on Washington were pulling out in front of the young children riding their bikes instead of waiting and the "security" that was used during the event just walked right on by doing nothing to protect the children. Parents ended up standing in the side streets to block the traffic for the safety of other peoples children as well as their own. Chillicothe prides itself on being a family town but they really dropped the ball on keeping our children safe during a community activity luckily no children were hurt. I think that is the end of my rant thanks for hanging in there!

The professional riders were moving fast so fast that I could only take a few pictures before the entire group was gone.

Another rant but shorter this time. Annabelle got a birds eye view because inconsiderate adults kept moving in front of her and instead of doing what I wanted to do (use your imagination) Brad just put her up on his shoulders. I was amazed by how rude an adult could be to a 4 year old, I am wondering what our society has come to. Common courtesy is not so common any more.

This was my favorite team logo although it made me want to go out and get some Jelly Belly jelly beans.

Bethal World Sheep Festival

2009-11-24T15:43:00.003-06:00

I am not sure that the World Sheep Festival lives up to it's name but it was a fun day with friends and spinning and knitting.

Of course their were beautiful sheep vying for their chance to be on my blog!

And sheep in coats!

This sign made me laugh every time I walked by. While at the world wool festival I learned how to finger weave, ate a tomato stuffed with tuna salad YUM!, huddled under a tent during a pouring rain storm, and had plenty of time to talk to Jeffrey who won best in show on the yarn he entered! Did I take pictures of those things no of course not I was too busy finger weaving. Did I mention that I almost brought home an angora bunny, I didn't this time but I am still considering getting one or two after we live in the country.

Chautauqua in the Park

2009-11-23T15:26:00.001-06:00

Elaine and Louise are spinning away at the Chautaqua in the park. They both spin on Lendrum Double Treadles.

This is the swatch from my white ribbon winning yarn and some corridale locks that I purchased at the Chautaqua. I ended up not using them on my sweater so I am not sure what I will be doing with the yarn after it is spun.

Jeffrey is a long time friend of the family. Jeffrey worked with my mother for years before we moved and she found a job closer to home. Jeffrey spins and weaves. Jeffrey makes the most amazing shawls, table cloths, and runners.

Jeanessa is new to spinning but her ability is amazing, she spins superfine and is very consistent. Jeanessa also dyes yarn and has written a crochet pattern. Her productivity amazes me and she manages to do all of this while running a daycare and raising her daughter.

This is the latest of my knitted babes. I have not given her a name yet but I can tell you that she is looking for a new home.

Kitchen Kleaning Krew Needed!

2009-11-22T08:40:00.001-06:00

Today I am going to tackle my messy kitchen, and not just what you can see but also what you can't see. I am going to get my kitchen ready for all of the holiday baking that will be happening in the next month! I will be showing before and after pictures as well as pictures of my holiday baking in the coming month. I just wish I had a dish fairy to take care of all my dirty dishes.

I am hoping that posting these pictures will give me the motivation I need to get and keep my kitchen clean!

Finally updated! I did get the kitchen cleaned from top to bottom including cabinets and it only took me 1 and a half days how embarrassing.

Hunting Season is Open

2009-11-21T07:45:00.002-06:00

Annabelle and I enjoyed our day at home while the boys hunted the elusive whitetail deer. My favorite thing to do lately is bake bread in my bread machine so that is exactly what I did. I almost always use the recipe that came with my bread machine for classic white bread.

The boys spent the day laying around and being lazy with Annabelle and I. They are getting more and more lovey and trusting every week.

Annabelle layed down for her nap with a puppy on each side but Sam went out to potty before I could get a picture of all three. This is the first time that they willingly layed with one of the kids.

Annabelle wanted a lunchable for lunch but I didn't want to get out so we improvised. I used a small cookie cutter to cut hearts out of cheese and bologna. She also had a small pack of teddy grahams and crackers. She ate the homemade variety better than she has ever eaten the store bought kind

And best of all the boys came home with a deer. Hubby shot and 8 pointer now if only little man could get his first deer.

Update From Pugs Weekly

2009-11-21T07:23:00.000-06:00

Samual Zeus (pictured above) and Ares are both doing better they are getting more trusting and less shy almost every day. Both puppies run from us when we are standing but if we sit the will climb all over us! Potty training is not going as well as I had hoped but I know it will take them a while as they were used to using the bathroom in their cages.

I got them several toys at the after Halloween clearance sale after a few days they began to play with them and fight over them. I got two toys but they always want the one that the other has (the toy is always more fun if someone else is playing with it).

Ares who tends to be the leader of the pack was the victor this time. He is small but mighty!

And Ares figured out how to keep his toy hold on tight and lay on top of it! Can you tell is eyes are looking to the left, that is because one of the kids was walking by and he wouldn't lift his head to see what he was doing. Ares spend about 20 minutes playing shifty eyes before he decided he was done monopolizing the green toy.

The Missouri State Fair Blue Ribbons

2009-11-20T15:19:00.000-06:00

Drum Roll Please This post is all of my blue ribbon yarn from the Missouri State Fair 2009 (yes my head is getting bigger as you read this).

My very favorite yarn and the one that I hoped would take first place was this lovely superwash merino. I separated out the fiber with the hope of creating blended color transitions of roughly the same amount to create a lovely visual effect of shaded transition. I entered this one into the gauge and swatch category. I used a simple feather and fan pattern, gently blocked the swatch and send my love off into the world. Boy was I proud to see it win a blue ribbon as I thought it was my very best spinning of a dyed roving.

The pink yarn is a merino with many extras thrown in, there are bits of tinsel, commercial yarn, and it is plied with sewing thread. This one won first in the boucle group which completely knocked my socks off after I saw what some of the other ladies had entered in the same competition. I thought that their yarn was by far much better than mine.

and last but not least the most amazing win of all. This was the first real spinning I ever did, it was all spun and plied on a drop spindle. I entered it in the intermediate category because I didn't feel right entering it in the beginner category (at the time of entry I had been spinning for over a year) even though I had only been spinning a few months when I finished this yarn. I was expecting a white or possibly a red but definitely a blue! My first experience with the fair has been very positive and I am already looking forward to next year.

Missouri State Fair and the First Day of School

2009-11-19T15:14:00.000-06:00

This year for the first time I entered handspun yarn in the Missouri State Fair. I was not expecting to get much so I was very surprised when I got several ribbons.

2 White ribbons earned at the fair. The green is yarn that I purchased as white fiber, I dyed it, spun it, and it is going to be used in a february lady sweater.

3 Red Ribbons the burgandy yarn was made from merino fiber I purchased at the renaisance festival a few years ago. The brown yarn is 100% llama fiber purchased from Zelma.

my third red ribbon was for a dyed mohair that I won at the All Missouri Spin In held in Chillicothe in 2008. I spun it as a single with curly locks hanging loose.

This is all of my yarn with ribbons or without laying on Zelma's pool table. Tomorrow I will post about the blue ribbon winners.

Brad and Annabelle are all dressed and ready for their first day of school. Brad is in 4th this year and Annabelle is on her last year of preschool.

Kids do the craziest things!

2009-11-18T15:08:00.000-06:00

Before scrolling down just take a guess at what I found in my Fridge this afternoon. The blog post says it all Kids do the craziest things!

littlest pet shop animals were chilling in my fridge, crazy I know. When I asked Belle why they were in the fridge her response was "They are visiting the arctic on an adventure. You didn't take them out did you?" To which I responded "no". I am still laughing about that one.

Good Old CHS it will be Missed

2009-11-17T19:20:00.000-06:00

The following pictures show what was left of my Highschool just a few months ago, now you can hardly tell there was a three story school.

the grafiti seemed to appear as soon as the wall was visible so I wonder if it has been there since the building was built or if vandals did their work at night when the construction crew was gone.

On the way home we drove through Simpson Park. The first thing I thought when I saw the fallen tree was "Oh My" and then "I love the trees in our park" they make a visit even on a hot sunny day enjoyable. I hope that this one was just old and weak I would hate to think that the trees in our park have a disease that would be terrible.

Swimming at Locust Creek

2009-11-16T19:13:00.000-06:00

Warning: this is what happens when you let daddy con you into getting onto his big hole in the sand!

Family time at the creek was a lot of fun this summer and I can't wait until we are able to go back. After every rain the kids found something new on the beach. The kids didn't get the excitement of the ocean but they did get to play in the sand and water.

Locust Creek Covered Bridge

2009-11-10T19:09:00.000-06:00

These are the adorable bats I was telling you about. They live in the middle of the covered bridge we only noticed that they were there because a few woke up and started to squeek.

I can almost close my eyes and picture how this bridge really looked when it was over water and people used it for travel. Now it has been moved from it's original location so that people can enjoy it for many generations.

Picnic and the Locust Creek Covered Bridge

2009-11-09T19:04:00.000-06:00

Locust Creek is a somewhat local covered bridge that we visit every few years. The kids enjoy walking down the path, checking for bats, and visiting the creek at the end of the trail. A picnic basket, blanket, and knitting finish off the day in comfort.

Our most amazing find while on the trail to the creek an arrowhead! We will be doing some more investigating to figure out who may have left this behind years and years ago.

How to spend an unusually cold Fall day?

2009-11-08T14:12:00.000-06:00

I was spending the day grumbling about it being so cold outside and the wind howling at the windows when I looked around and realized that I should be thankful for this break in our usually hectic lives. Typically I spend my Saturdays running here there and yonder until I am completely exhausted. This particular Saturday was a different story, Thomas stayed in all day and kept me company with lots of purring, daddy built a roaring fire,

I knit and knit and knit until my sweater was completed,

and I made home cooked broccoli cheese soup and home made bread. The day was much better when I started counting my blessings.

By now you may have noticed that the kids are nowhere to be found (I promise that I didn't lock them in the closet for the day) they were across the street at their Grandfathers house visiting. My favorite blessing for the day silence even if it was just for a little while.

Fall Tour Leaf Play

2009-11-05T14:20:00.000-06:00

Our families favorite part of Fall, the falling leaves! My personal favorite are those first few trees that turn red or orange early in the fall. I enjoy every season for it's beauty and change in routine but I believe that Fall is quickly becoming my favorite time of year. I Would love to hear what you think what is your favorite season and why?

Poosey Fall Leaf Tour

2009-11-04T14:14:00.001-06:00

Darling Daughter and Darling Son had a wonderful day enjoying the drive through fall foliage tour. We stopped many times along the way to take pictures they were such great sports!

This is the Panther's Den according to the information packet this is a locally well known landmark. When Poosey was an active community over a century ago, this place was used for weddings, family and community gatherings, picnics and "Sparking" or courting. The Panther's Den's legend has it that a child of an early pioneer was attacked and killed by a panther. The animal was tracked to this small cave and killed, hence the name.

The cave as they call it was just an indentation in the rock face.

This lovely picture was the beginning of our tour.

Hand in hand we stroll along

Brother and sister by chance

Friends by choice

~mom

How could I resist?

2009-11-02T14:38:00.005-06:00

Welcome puppy Ares (who could resist that adorable little face) How do I begin to describe the path that led me to this beautiful face? In May a tragedy struck our home like non we had ever weathered before, Sammy our loyal and loving pug left our world to be in doggy heaven where he would always have love and he wouldn't feel any more pain. I still cry and get weepy when I think about how much I miss him. At that time I said that I would never have another pug because I just could not replace the best dog I had ever had the privilege to own. Boy was I wrong every where I looked this Summer and Fall there were pugs, pugs in commercials, pugs in e-mails, pugs in calendars, pugs at the park, pugs in books, (you get the idea) and every time I saw one my heart said "I want to love that baby, take it home and give it all the love I used to give to Sammy" how could my heart be wrong. We began our search by looking at rescue shelters for a pug puppy that was in need of love and care but were unsuccessful. As a last effort I decided to check the classified adds in the Kansas City Star newspaper. In the very last add there was a listing for two pug puppies who were 7 months old that desperately needed new homes because their current owner could no longer care for them. After speaking with the owner we schedule a meeting to pick a puppy, long story a little shorter we decided to adopt both of the puppies. The story gets better so hold on! Darling son is in Pug Heaven with two babies to love~

The ride home with the puppies was uneventful as they both quickly fell asleep. When we got home the realization of the puppies deprivation was becoming much more aparent. These adorable puppies had not been socialized or handled well, they cower and run at the slightest movement from anyone, do not recognize their names or respond to calls or whistles. The person we rescued them from told us that they were well loved and played with daily by herself and her daughter unfortunately I do not think that was the case. We are working extra hard to build a trusting relationship with the newest members of our family, I will let you know how it goes.

Oh yeah I told you that the story got better, DH's sister came over and told us that at Boo Fest up town a person was selling pug puppes out of a box at Citizens Bank. We were at Boo Fest and went right by the place she said they were sitting at, had we been presented with the opportunity we would most likely have purchased a pug puppy. I believe that fate has played a hand in making sure that Ares and Samuel Zeus came to our home instead of us getting one of those puppies just the day before. I am praying that with lots of love and attention that both puppies will become well socialized members of our family.

Halloween and a Tutu tutorial

2009-11-02T14:23:00.005-06:00

Every year for Halloween I try to choose costumes that fit my children's personalities but they don't always agree with what I have chosen. This year, I think that they chose very well (with a little help from mom)Darling son dressed as a ventriloquist He received many compliments about his unique choice.

Darling daughter finally decided to be a ballerina! Every time we took her picture she would strike a dance pose. I made her tutu out of a piece of elastic and a few yards of tule fabric. The Tutu was very easy here are the steps.

1. measure your child's waist then cut the elastic a few inches larger (the extra inches make room for growth)

2. overlap the elastic until it is 1/2 inch less than your childs waist measurement sew several times back and forth to reinforce your seam.

3. cut your tule into strips that are approximately 2-3 inches wide and double the finished length you would like plus 2 inches (example if you want the tutu to be 12 inches long cut your tule into 26 inch long strips)

4. Tie the tule onto the elastic keeping the ends as even as possible.

5. a new tule tutu will lay much more flat but a few time of wearing it will help it poof out!

6. when the elastic gets too tight just carefully rip out your seam and let out the elastic as needed

ps. I used a yard of each color tule.

The preschool parents did a great job and the kids loved the party!

My BABY is 5 (cries crocodile tears)

2009-10-02T16:04:00.001-06:00

Miss Annabelle turned five this month and I just can't believe that my baby can be 5 years old.

She Blew out 5 candles, invited her whole preschool class, swam until she was tuckered out, and best of all she became a new "mommy". Pictures to follow of my new "grandbaby", Annabelle named her Isabella Mae.

My babies are 5 and 9 boy the time does fly.

Last Camping Trip of 2009

2009-10-02T15:04:00.001-06:00

Check out that lovely family picture! It was taken by a picnic table and a brick no less. I think that the picnic table did a great job but the brick was kind of distracting. I always like to get family photographs but their never seems to be anyone to take the picture that knows how to run a camera.

Brad and Annabelle always enjoy camping and they usually get along really well until Annabelle gets tired and cranky. This trip will always be remembered as the trip when we had to make a run to the emergency room in Cameron. Although I have not heard many good things about them I thought that they had great customer service and they were quick we were in and out in less than 2 hours if we had gone to Chillicothe it would have been at least 4 hours just to see the Dr. and then another hour to get glued and released.

This trip will also be remembered as the first hummingbird trip. The camp was being set up when we had out first encounter with the flying jewels, they were flitting about and chirping in the trees. On our first run for supplies we purchased a simple feeder and some premixed nectar. It only took a few hours before the hummers were eating right in front of us. We were able to sit in our lawn chairs just a few feet from the feeder and watch the hummers sometimes 6 at a time come to feed. Rubythroated hummers are the only variety that visit our part of Missouri.

Summer Flowers

2009-08-01T19:27:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my summer garden tour. Sit back with a glass of iced tea and enjoy the blooms.

The Prize of my garden is of course my baby Diasy isn't she beautiful!

A New bathtub and shower stall

2009-07-31T19:01:00.001-06:00

I am not sure that I can take much more of this. My Bathroom is a wreck and I'm not sure when I will get it back into working order. As you can see the bathroom counter has become the place to lay everything during the remodel of the bathtub and shower stall. I think that I need a break already.

Tearing out the walls was pretty easy and getting the new shiny white tub in wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

DS helped a little with the demolition but he was mostly our clean up and go get it guy! Stay tuned for more pictures soon.

A Fish Fry and Knitting Who Knew!

2009-07-31T18:57:00.003-06:00

I am playing catch up! This is very sad but I have to admit that I completely forgot about these socks and I have no idea where I have put them. I am knitting these from the pattern twilight in the book 2-at-a-time socks by Melissa Morgan-Oaks. The pattern is easy to remember and they move along quickly now if I could just find them so that they can be finished I would love a pair of hand knit socks before winter sets in around here!

Darling daughter had a blast at a family fish fry they have a floating gazibo which the kids thought was awsome.

The kids spent most of their time on the floating gazibo playing and making plans about what they would do if they had one in their back yard.

This little puppy is thinking GREEN

2009-07-31T18:45:00.002-06:00

I think that by the time the kids were done the puppy had eaten a few too many green beans. They were having her do tricks to earn the ends of the green beans.

And everyone should have a green bean mustache.

Favorite Summer Memory

2009-07-13T08:31:00.000-06:00

My new favorite summer picture father and daughter holding hands on the board walk.

Camping Critters

2009-07-13T08:26:00.000-06:00

hard to tell but that is a mole that visited our camp site.

mister frog that wasn't afraid

my favorite picture of Daisy. She was sticking her head under the hand railing to get a drink.

The flooding at Pershing has left behind lots of debris from people who litter it is just terrible. This used to be a flowing creek.

Everyones favorite camp treat, s'mores with an extra layer of peanut butter.

Camping Relaxing Loving

2009-07-12T08:20:00.000-06:00

Brad, Annabelle, BJ, and Daisy walking the board walk at Pershing Park.

racoon tracks next to the board walk

daddy roasting weanies (our typical relaxing camp dinner)

Brad's favorite camping seat.

Annabelles nature made chair and table for dinner. I wish I had a set like this for the preschool play area outside at school.

A pool birthday and a surprise at home

2009-07-11T08:13:00.000-06:00

Please forgive the blurry picture but do you see what i see? That is a fox in town in the middle of town and guess what it has two friends. We have been watching them for a few days and they come out at about 5:30 and prowl the parking lot across the street looking for rabbits and birds.
We have even seen evidence that they may have been in our yard (we wondered why the cat wasn't going outside to play).

Darling nephew Alex enjoying the water at the pool. He kept trying to eat it.

Alex and his brother Conner.

Swim swim little fishy.

New Life Abounds

2009-07-10T08:08:00.000-06:00

Filling the feeder this morning I found this and then promptly cleaned it out. We have had so much rain that the seeds are growing inside the feeder.

Then from above I heard a bird chirping a mother cardinal issuing her warning.

and father cardinal tried to lure us away with his beauty.

Close by in out lilac bush we saw a baby cardinal just learning to fly with mom and dad close at hand.

The babies little feather tuft is sticking up he is so cute.

I am thankful for "The days of summer"

2009-07-09T07:55:00.000-06:00

First Morning Glory of the year.

An egg that Annabelle and I found on the sidewalk at the school I teach at. Can you help me identify it? I was thinking maybe Killdeer.

The last harvest of strawberries from the garden. The slugs got most of them this year.

Brad getting ready for a ball game by pitching to Daddy.

Clematis in Bloom

2009-07-08T17:44:00.000-06:00

no words required

Spinning in the Sunshine

2009-07-07T17:37:00.000-06:00

Love the colors of this roving. I dyed this myself using easter egg dye. I am spinning it in the hopes that I can make a february lady sweater.

Baby Alex came over to visit with his mommy Tessa. Alex was enthralled with the fiber and wanted to eat it. Look at his little toes, so sweet.

Happy Fourth of July Cont.

2009-07-06T18:54:00.000-06:00

This is where Daisy spent her fourth. She didn't like the fireworks at all.

After all of the day fireworks were gone Annabelle enjoyed playing in a puddle. She was making whishes on the wishing stones.

Dandy Park

2009-07-06T17:33:00.000-06:00

Every time we head to Danner Park Annabelle asks if we are going to play at Dandy Park (makes me laugh every time).

Brad is a wiz in the monkey bars.

Tennis has become our new game. Robert got us several rackets at garage sales and we have been having a blast! We still can't keep the ball in our court but we are having fun and getting some exercise!

Annabelle is more of a ball chaser/tennis watcher than player but she has a great time!

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-05T18:48:00.000-06:00

We spent a relaxing fourth at home and enjoyed fire works and the Good old hometown fire works show.

My New Dish Washer

2009-07-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

I love summer and a daughter who thinks that doing the dishes is a treat!

The end of summer ball

2009-07-02T08:03:00.001-06:00

Baseball is done for the summer and although I am glad that it is over I am missing it at the same time.

Brad the Pitcher.

Waiting for the Cameron team to show (they didn't) the kids relaxed against the coaches car!

Introducing Daisy May

2009-07-02T07:43:00.001-06:00

This is our beloved new baby Daisy May. Daisy was adopted from Tessa! She has already made a place in our hearts.

Daisy loves cuddles and kisses.

See her tail in the back I love that is curles into a question mark?.

Oh yeah I forgot the most important part. She is potty trained after just 2 days! Must be the smartest dog ever.

Knitted Jewelry

2009-07-01T16:31:00.000-06:00

For a lovely Graduation gift I knitted earrings and a bracelet for the aide in my classroom. Sindy loved the jewlery! The pattern for the earrings is available at www.knitty.com .

Chevron Scarf and a new hat design

2009-06-15T08:05:00.000-06:00

My chevron scarf started long ago has been languishing in my pile of works in progress. I dont' know why my attention has wandered but I hope to pick it back up and make some progress at the swimming pool.
The weather here in Missouri has been so gloomy and rainy that we have not turned our Air on yet which is a record for us I am sure.

I have also knit a hat of my own creation

the hat is knit with lion brand wool in brown and white, in the round, but you will have to wait for a later post for my info.

Spring Around the Yard

2009-06-05T16:34:00.000-06:00

Strawberries in bloom

Peonies swelling for bloom

Rose buds

The last picture of Sammy, he is still sorely missed!

Blackeyed Susan Vine

At Tan-Tar-A Best Friends Unite

2009-05-25T16:23:00.000-06:00

Buddy Blue and Elsie Had a wonderful trip to Tan-Tar-A for the Conference on the Young Years. Buddy Blue is the adopted monkey of my best friend Tamy, and Elsie is my monkey (every preschool teacher needs a sock monkey).

A Lazy Weekend Day

2009-05-23T16:20:00.001-06:00

Sammy: The best dog to every join our family, he will be greatly missed. I hope that you have a mommy in Doggy Heaven to love you the way that I did. Hugs and Kisses Love Mommy

Annabelle is the bath queen! She would spend hours "swimming" in the tub if I let her.

Welcome Christian Dean

2009-05-19T16:17:00.000-06:00

Christian Dean is the newest member of our extended family. My Brother-In-Law did a great job and both baby and mother are doing well.

The proud daddy with baby Christian just a few hours old!

Brothers and Sisters can get along

2009-05-17T17:27:00.001-06:00

Thank goodness the arguing that was present last week has given way to sibling love and togetherness!

The Clematis on the fence is lovely this year.

Spring Inspiration

2009-05-17T16:46:00.002-06:00

planting morning glories along the fence.

irises ready to bloom

loving Sammy

Sewing projects in my mind

Baseball pants in progress

That is what spring is made of

Spring Yard Tour

2009-05-17T16:37:00.002-06:00

Our Yard is budding with new life!

The Birds are building a nest in our favorite bird house.

The Iris buds are swelling in preparation for a warm spring day so that they may bloom.

My Hostas that started as very small starts from a local garden center several years ago have become large full-grown beauties.

Volunteer Columbine is blooming in the front bed.

The garden planting has started, there are tomatos, basil, lettuce, chives, and radishes.

Easter (Again)

2009-05-17T16:26:00.002-06:00

Easter at the Sackrey's was fun for the kids. Grandpa Jim set up an easter egg hunt for the kids with the help of Tessa.

A Day at Preschool

2009-05-17T16:24:00.001-06:00

I visited Annabelle's classroom for the morning and boy did we have fun! Annabelle loves to write with markers and share with her friends at school.

Annabelle and a friend partner up for a song during circle time.

This is Annabelle sitting with her favorite teacher Miss. Pam. The kids are looking in awe at their plants growing in the windows.

Easter 2009

2009-05-17T16:14:00.002-06:00

The easter bunny brought huge lolly pops for both of the kids!

Annabelle loves hunting for eggs with grandpa! She brought home a lot of prizes!

And their favorite part of Easter is the dyeing of easter eggs! There are many holiday traditions in our home but this one is the family favorite, everyone enjoys dyeing eggs.

Family Reunion

2009-05-17T16:01:00.004-06:00

Visits with granny always include loves and hugs and most importantly the opportunity to dig into granny's button collection.

From left to right are my mothers sisters (my aunts) Bonnie, Dixie, Debra and my mother Marvina.

And of course my little sister Ashley.

Hurry!

2009-03-02T15:01:00.002-06:00

Check out the giveaway at thirty days. But hurry your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes ends tonight.

Pay it forward knit and sew style

2009-02-28T09:35:00.003-06:00

I joined this little game by way of Sarah from Hand knitter

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!
My choice.
For you.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:-
I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. -
What I create will be just for you.-
It'll be done in the next 12 months. -
You have no clue what it's going to be.-
I reserve the right to do something unusual.
The catch? You have to put this in your blog as well.
Pass on the love!
Please leave an e-mail address or a blog site for me to contact you in the comment.

Inspiration in Winter

2009-02-01T20:09:00.000-06:00

During February I have many things to look forward too and yet I still seem to get the winter blues every year at this time so this year I am going to try to focus on one thing every day that I think is beautiful or inspires me. Today my inspiration is my daughters art work. Annabelle made this picture early in her preschool year and I love it to bits. We have gotten many compliments on this picture. I hope to frame it this summer.

Sammy even though he looks sad right now always greets me at the gate with much anticipation and happiness. I know that no matter how bad my day has been he is always happy to see me and give me lots of love at the end of the day.

Winter Sewing

2009-01-25T20:07:00.002-06:00

For Christmas this year my husband and I tried to give our children homemade toys. The kids have had a lot of fun playing with the blocks we made but they did not have a container to call their own. Over Christmas break I whipped up this simple lined fabric basket and now the blocks have plenty of room for additions later in the year. I do not have a pattern for this bucket I just made it up as I went along.

My other winter sewing project was a jacket for your pug baby Sammy. Sammy hates going out when it is very cold so now he can go out in style and stay warmer! His jacket also reversible with a red cowboy print on the other side.

New Years Eve

2009-01-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

This is the first picture of the night. I did not expect my little party animals to make it until midnight but they got close.

Brad and Thomas

Annabelle

and last of all Sammy.

This is my current work in progress. There are monkey socks by Cookie A. (after clicking the link use the search feature to look for Monkey socks) that I am working on for a friend for Christmas. They are a little late! I love working with Happy feet, the colors are striking and the yarn is very soft. I knit these as written except that I made the leg a bit shorter to save time on the knitting I was hoping that would allow me to get them done before Christmas but as you already read that plan didn't work.

Kiddio Giveaway

2008-11-27T08:49:00.002-06:00

Blog readers with superhero envy head on over to kiddio for a chance to win a super hero costume hand stitched by babypop. Hurry over today. There is also a change to win a message bag that is absolutley adorable just go back a post or two.