Hot Off The Hook: Bright Green Slouch Beanie

I just completed this slouchy beanie for a friend of mine. All she specified is that she wanted something in bright green. I happened to have had some yarn in just that color! Here's what I came up with and I'm really hoping she likes it.

Here I am trying the beanie on for size

Side profile. This beanie has a cherry wood button that was handmade in Michigan from fallen branches. Eco-friendly :)

In this picture you can see the back slouch a little more. If she doesn't like it, I might just keep it. LOVE THIS! If she does like it then I have one more to make for a friend and then I'll be making one for me :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I got a lot done on my projects and I'm hoping to reopen my Etsy store shortly!!

Hot Off The Hook: TEDDY BEARS

I have been working on a special project.

ISN'T HE ADORABLE??? I love him. He's going to a good home where a little girl was just born. She can grow up with him! Isn't that sweet? Soft wool make up his outer layer. It is felted for extra softness and duribility. He is filled with polyester surpreme fiberfill.

Teddy is made with safety eyes and nose so it is less likely that they will fall off and be a hazard for baby to choke on. This ribbon is not attached and recommended to take off prior to giving it too baby. In this case it matches the ribbon on the blanket that I'm also giving to the new little muffin. He is a smaller bear measuring 8.5 inches tall but little kiddos need a teddy they can really grip without tripping over themselves.

Because they are handmade with love and quality materials I'm going to have them in my store for $40 each. I should have the first one listed in a few days. They'll be made to order so you can expect a 2-3 week lead time after purchase.

The End!

Surprise!!!

There is little more in life (when it comes to physical things) that a woman will treasure more than her wedding ring. It is a symbol of finding the one man she believes is perfect for her. It symbolizes his love for her, and her alone. It shows the world that you are taken and belong to someone. I often thought about how mine would eventually go to a great grandaughter for her wedding day...

When I lost my wedding ring down the drain last Christmas Day I was beyond devistated. I cried for hours and hours. When it was certain I could never get it back, I cried some more. In the last year the mear mention of my wedding ring being lost would send me into a depression daze.

I've been wearing another ring Mike bought me for my birthday before Jacob was born. It's a beautiful Sapphire ring with three stones and two diamonds on each side. It's goregeous and I love it but it isn't the ring you'd really expect to see on the wedding finger. I decided I was lucky to have it and move on. Mike promised that some day he'd replaced the one I'd lost but we'd have to wait as there are bills to pay.

And bills there have been.

This weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with his family. His parents live close and his sister and brother in law and our nephew Caleb all came in. It was a great Thanksgiving and since we're all together we celebrated Christmas together on Friday. Lots of fun. More pictures of all of that later.

I thought it would be great to have the kids go to the mall in the nearby town and see Santa. Take a picture with all three grandkids for the grandparents and great grandma since it is so rare they all get together. After the picture I asked Mike if we could go get my ring cleaned at the store we purchased it at. He agreed and while they cleaned my ring we took a look at the wedding sets.

I sighed as the sales person asked what I liked and started to take rings from the cases. Nearly Chrismtas, not the time we could afford something like this. We talked about different settings, stones, cuts, colors, clarity, and so on. I tried on a few and to be honest I was so excited that rings out of the case were fitting my finger I was happy to be playing with them all. One particulary caught my eye and when it slipped on my finger perfectly I started to get dazzled. I could feel that emotion start to rise so I put it back on the counter and started to walk away. That's when Mike asked the guy how much it would be with tax...

My mind started to swoon.

Really? Why is he asking this?

He then told the guy that we would take it.

Really? Did he just say that.

Uh oh...

Then came the tears. I hate crying in public but it could not be helped.

Isn't it GOREGEOUS???? I am so in love. I have to look at my finger every 20 minutes at least. I can't wait to see it in the sun. I am on cloud flippin' 9.

Yeah, he shocked the heck out of me for sure. And I found out all along he was planning to do this today.

I will not be wearing it in the shower. I will not be putting it near ANY drain of ANY sort. This is going to be handed down from generation to generation.

Blogging Help Needed

How do I change the color of my "Mommy's Time Out" Title??? I don't want it to be white and blend into the background. HELP!

Little Blankies

Nothing is more special to my little guys then their blankies. Honestly, Nathan loved his blankie till he was 4 and even now when he finds it he cuddles it as if it is a long lost friend. Jacob has a blankie too...there is nothing that can make him feel better like his blankie can. In fact, he finds in tough to fall asleep at night without it.

This is why when I make blankets for little ones I'm really careful to make them special because I know how special they could be! I was really excited when a friend of mine asked me to do a blanket for her a few months ago...and while it has taken me to the wire to get it done it is finally complete.

This blanket is in Vanilla,Chocolate, and Pistachio. How awesome is that name combination? It is very cute for both a boy or girl but this is going to a special little girl that is due very very soon. It measures 33" wide and about 30" long.

I am excited to have been a part of this project and it might actually get out in the mail tomorrow!

Next on the list: 3 little girl hats for a friend of mine to give to her nieces at Christmas. All will be similar but different girly colors. Having 2 boys, it's nice to do some girly stuff! I also have another baby project to get done and should probably make myself a winter hat!

Time to get hookin'!

Etsy Treasury and 5K Update

I created an awesome new Etsy treasury called Ready to Run . It's an ode to all the awesome running stuff I want right now off Etsy. I'm actually really getting into this running thing...

That being said, I've had a really off week. I weighed in at weight watchers after working really really hard and gained a total of 3 pounds. GAINED?!? Yes. It was pretty mind blowing. Sure. I could explain it because muscle weighs more than fat...blah blah blah. It didn't matter to my head. I needed a mental break. The last 4 days I haven't tracked one calorie. I did manage to complete my run on Saturday which was good. I then didn't run for the next 3 days because I was feeling "off". I was sickish. Just feeling crappy.

I caught a break today. My friend has a membership at the local Y and I got to run indoors. Something is just so much easier about running on a treadmill than outside. I ran 13 minute miles (better than my previous 15 to 16 minute) and felt pretty darn good. One more week of couch to 5K which is good because my 5K is in just 10 days!

Already thinking about finding the next 5K to do. Even thinking about doing a 10K next year. I am crazy but it feels pretty awesome.

Halloween Review (Lots of Photos)

Catching up on some blogging. Been going full speed these days and it is time to catch up on what has gone on.

Halloween was awesome this year! We normally have grandma and grandpa at our house to hand out candy and then take the littles around our block. Since grandpa was working and grandma was nursing her sprained ancle we decided to join our daycare family for some trick or treating!

Before that got started, Nathan came to my work dressed in his costume to do some trick or treating! I was shocked he wanted to be a Mario Brother for Halloween. Seriously, how awesome is that? Also, how old is my kid already? We looked everywhere for Mario but Luigi had to do. Lucky for us another kid in his class was Mario so it worked for the both of them.

Nathan in my mess of an office

Nathan got some Vampire teeth and couldn't wait to try them out.

While Nathan was playing at Mommy's work, Jacob was having a great day at daycare with all the kids! He was dressed as a the skunk.

His little tail bobbed when he walked :)

Then we got together and went out trick or treating with our friends!

This is Nathan and his best friend Miles. They met at daycare and when they get together it is like they never spent time apart. I love watching and listening to these two together...even if Mile's is a Vikings fan :)

Jacob spent most of the time in the cart as we walked around but it was lots of fun. We had an awesome time and look forward to doing it agian next year. We also got more candy than we can even think to eat! In fact, we had to toss the leftovers from last year to make room for this year!

Hope everyone else had a great Halloween too! I can't beleive it's time to get ready for Thanksgiving already!

And I Thought I'd Have Time!

When I graduated last month I thought for sure I'd have more time to do all the things I felt like I was missing out on...like crocheting, dishes, spending time with my kiddos. However, I'm finding that I don't have anymore time then I had before. I'm not exactly sure how I did school work!

I got a rush of orders recently and that took away from a few projects I was doing for some friends. Glad to have the business though and I'm so thankful for the people who find my little shop without me doing much advertising right now. I really am blessed with those that come to my shop and chose to purchase from me as there are a zillion other shops on Etsy.

Now that those projects are over I'm working on a blanket for a friend of mine. I posted a picture of it last time I blogged but I've changed my mind 50 times since then...here is the pattern I ended up going with.

The colors are a little washed out with my phone camera but they really work well together and they match the color scheme the momma has all planned out for their little girl. My friend is purchasing this for her boyfriend's sister. I can't wait to get it all done and then put an adorable bow around it! In fact, I want to make another one like it for another friend of mine who is having a baby this month.

This is another new pattern I've been working on. I made hats for my boys for the fall and they turned out pretty cute. While getting Jacob to stay in one place is difficult, here are some more pictures of the hats on the boys.

My shop is closed right now while I'm taking care of some of the out of store orders I've been getting. I have a few hat orders from work people to get done before the end of this month too. I'm also working on some new inventory for the shop as well! Stay tuned for pictures of more projects and sneak peeks to store additions once I'm ready to reopen!

Happy November!

What I'm Working On

It has finally happened! I graduated the Masters' program and I'm free! I am so excited to have gotten through the program but I'm also excited for the FREE TIME!

Here's what I've started working on

My friend asked me to help her out by making a baby blanket for someone she knows. I'm so excited! I'm working on the middle green square and then there will be cream and brown with more green in the mix. Going to look super cute and match the colors she is doing the nursery with well. I'm just hoping I can dedicate a lot of time to getting this done!

Of course my shop is still open but the orders are few. I haven't done a lot of advertising and I plan to pick that up once I get some of these other projects (like winter hats of the family). I look forward to spending more time being with the family as well. Our oldest is in first grade and needs some help in reading. He is a WIZ in math but you ask him to read or write and he freezes up. I'm glad to have more time to work with him. :)

Hope all is well with everyone out in blogland! Hope to see more of everyone in the coming days, weeks, and more!

Vacation!!

Huzzah! I have been in the deep need for a vacation for quite some time. The last time I took an actual vacation from work was a year ago...no wait, maternity leave which was 15 months ago. Crap. I need me some fun!

We are flying into Vegas Tuesday morning. My sister is picking us up from the air port and then we're going to the Hash House A Go-Go and meeting my BESTEST FRIEND for some breakfast. She will be there celebrating her 30th birthday. I feel bad missing the party but at least I will be there the day after for some birthday updates.

Then we will drive the 1.5 hours to my parent's house in Laughlin. HURRAY! I cannot tell everyone how much I cannot wait to hug my parents. I'm sure they feel the same about hugging me and my family. :) They haven't seen the kids in nearly a year.

The next 3 days will be spent hanging out with them and MY NIECE! I haven't seen Beth since I got married 8 years ago. She and I grew up more like sisters rather than Aunt and Niece. I tear up just thinking about how long it has been. I cannot wait for her to meet my babies.

Party part party till Saturday. Saturday is my grandmother's memorial. We are seeing family that I haven't seen in about 5 years. Nathan was a year old when we saw this side of the family and most of them were not at that that event. Nathan will have lots of cousins to play with. :)

Then back to my parent's house for two more days of play time before we come home! During this time I'll be doing my LAST WEEK of class for my Masters. I plan to have some sort of celebration while I'm out there. OH and Mike and I are hoping to squeeze in a date night so we can celebrate our 8th Wedding Anniversary in the town we were married!

I CAN'T WAIT!

Wishin' I was Home Doing These

Here is a picture list of all the lovely things I wish I was crocheting. I just got some amazing patterns from Playin Hooky . I've been eyeing her designs for quite some time. Now I'm the proud owner of 6 of her patterns. 4 I purchased myself and 2 came with being her 600th order! Whoop! Time to get out the crochet hook! If only I didn't have 3 blankets and 2 teddy bears ahead of these fun hats!!!

I'd Rather Be Crocheting

Sounds like a bumper sticker. It probably is.

Sad to say but I have a ton of school before I can crochet :( At least there is only 3 more weeks of this.

I just wish I could get the other stuff I HAVE to do! Feeling a little stressed out at the moment.

Apple Picking in the Fall

My mother in law and I have been wanting to take the boys apple picking for quite some time now. We talked about ALL last year and didn't get to it. Then this year the conversation started last weekend. We knew we HAD to fit it in.

Today, we were discussing how we didn't have anything much going on and needed something to do. DUH IT'S APPLE SEASON! I asked her if she was coming to get me or if I was coming to get her. She said she would be here in 20 minutes while I got the kids ready. We were finally going!

We have a few orchards to pick from around here but we decided to go to Ecker's Apple Farm . It's only 15 minutes away. We arrived and were impressed by the amount of people. Apparently, this place is pretty popular. There was a sweet little cafe with apple goodies, a store where you can choose a variety of apples and fun gifts, and a seating area to eat your bounty. We decided to find out where to go picking first. A nice lady showed us to the bags we would use. We grabbed three bags and headed out to the orchard.

We started and quickly realized one bag could be filled easily off a tree all by itself but we wanted to do some more walking. So we decided to search for only the "big ones". This picture shows grandma showing Nathan what "big ones" look like and how to place them nicely in the bag.

I could tell Jacob wanted to get out of the stroller and run around but he was content as long as we gave him some apples to hold along the way. He had a good time :)

Jacob and grandma having a good time in the orchard

Nathan does a fantastic job filling up his bag of apples!

Jacob tries to pick apples from his stroller.

It was a really good time and the boys did very well. After we were done apple picking we decided to go in, pay for our apples, and grab a treat! We went with the Queen's Apple, which was actually developed, trademarked, and franchised by this farm! It's a nummy cored apple drizzled in an amazing caramel sauce then topped with peanuts, whipped cream, and a cherry! It was so very delish and we will be back for more.

Our time apple picking was a success! We had a great time and I ended up going home with 2 big bags of Honeycrip apples. NOM! Never spent so much on apples in my life but it was worth it. We will try and go again before the season is over!

And The Winner Is...

Christi!

Please email me at JLooman515@gmail.com or comment me with a way to contact you so I can get your address and send you your bath poof and wash cloths!

Thank you to everyone who participated. More giveaways to come!

Thanks,
Jessica

The Story of My Non-Active Lifestyle

I think my decision to hate all things sports came when I was around 10. I can almost remember the day I made that decision. How I do remember it, which might not really be exact nearly 20 years later, is I was racing against the boys on my block. There were about 7 or 8 of them and I was the only girl. To be "fair" they let me start about 10 paces ahead of them. I remember the race where I actually thought I was going to win and last second the tall lanky boy behind me passed me up and won. I beleive they started to call me "pie lady" that day. It didn't make sense and it was actually a PARENT that started calling me that because I was round. Apparently, it made them feel better for being a horrible person. It caught like wild fire. I decided that I wasn't good at the sport thing and I should stick to the reading thing.

I tried again in High School and nearly killed myself trying out for basketball. That's right. High School basketball. It took 2 weeks and I found myself in a 6th period Spanish class my freshman year. I couldn't breathe. My lungs and body were not up to the challange of being fit.

I blamed living in the mountains and the thin air. In fact, the doctor agreed and I was freed from all exercise! What a relief. So, except for bouts of exercise programs and indoor treadmills once every 6 months I've lived a rather stationary life. I do like to kayak but find it very hard to do any exercise besides dishes or laundry.

That was until my friend Chianne decided she wanted a running partner and at the same time I decided I wanted to learn what it was like to be a runner. Maybe it's partly because my husband is working part time in a outdoor retail store or perhaps it's my loathing for my overweight body but something finally changed in me that made me WANT to get back out there and try this again. Chianne has introduced me to a program called Couch to 5K. I will admit, I was leery but this is what I was waiting for right? A chance to run? I even had my husband buy me nice running shoes from an expensive outdoor brand. I had to put them to use.

Week one, Day one: I thought I was going to die. I brought the kids along and it was a disaster. Honestly, I was shocked Chianne wanted to try again. I decided I needed daycare to get this done.

Week One, Day Two: Chianne and I went to Hip Hop Hustle prior to running. It was way too much. I had to start and stop the run constantly. I felt pretty pathetic. Then it rained. I liked the rain at first, then it turned into hurricane conditions. Not fun. But, it felt good.

Week One, Day Three: Chianne and I didn't get our schedules right. I had to do it alone. I had a sitter so I went. I even had a nasty swollen eye, but something in me told me to go. First part of the run I was miserable. I wanted to quit. I wanted to stop. I told myself that the "pie lady" couldn't do it. Then something clicked. All of the sudden I realized I was half way through the run and I hadn't stopped. I was doing it. My whole attitude changed and I felt amazing. I picked up my pace and I ran my run! I DID IT! The whole thing! No stopping! I felt silly for being so happy. It is just a 90 second walk and a 60 second run done 8 times, but I did it.

Today my friend Amber asked me for the zillionth time to join Weight Watchers with her. I asked my husband what he thought about it. I have talked about going before but the weekly meetings were just ANOTHER thing to add to my plate. Again, not sure what made me do it but I did. I signed up. My first meeting is tomorrow. Hopefully having another friend help me out in this type of program will lead me down the right path. She has a wedding in July that we're both in. I hope we are STUNNING. :)

Today was also Week 2 Day One of our run program. Amber came too. We ROCKED it. It was rough but we did it. No slowing down. Super proud. Again, it seems so silly but it really is a huge feat. I'm starting to LOVE running! I'm excited about being healthy and fit...best of all for my husband who has loved me through my nearly 50 pound weight gain since our marriage 8 years ago. Sure, two kids were the result but I'm sure he'd love to see me get back to my weight from before. I know I would.

Here's to my NEW active lifestyle. Time to leave the "Pie Lady" behind and win the race :) I can read books on my down time.

Laaaaast Chance! GIVEAWAY!

Last chance to enter the giveaway!!! Tomorrow I'll announce the winner! Cream color crochet Bath Poof and set of washcloths FREE if you share this giveaway! Here's how to enter. Each participant can get up to three entries: Post this giveaway on your Facebook, Blog, or Tweet about it. Then comment on this page with a link to where it's posted. Each entry counts as one! Tonight I'll gather all the entries and draw a winner!!! HAVE FUN AND SPREAD THE WORD!! HOURS LEFT.

Mommy's Time Out Updates and Recent Projects

Hello Blog Land,

First off, a few days ago I posted that I was hosting a giveaway. No one has entered :( Which is good news for you because if you participate you could be the only one and then you'd WIN! Follow this link to join.

Second, my Mother In Law has created some very very cute headbands. You can find them on my Etsy site. They're precious and perfect as a handmade gift or for your own new little lady. Made with soft Caron yarn they will not irritate sensitive baby skin. If you are interested in other colors or larger sizes please let me know here or send me a conversation via Etsy. We will see what we can do!

In my free time on Sunday I started working on this new creation.

He's pretty cute if I do say so myself. :) I'm still working on the final kinks.

That's about all the update for now. PLEASE enter the giveaway so I don't feel so neglected. Thanks! Oh and remember that Christmas will be here soon so if you have some lovely handmade gifts in mind I'd be HAPPY to help you out.

Here's to a fun filled week!

BATH POOF AND WASHCLOTH GIVEAWAY!!!! ENTER TO WIN

Who is ready for a GIVEAWAY??? Cream color crochet Bath Poof and set of washcloths FREE if you share this giveaway! Here's how to enter. Each participant can get up to three entries: Post this giveaway on your Facebook, Blog, or Tweet about it. Then comment on this page with a link to where it's posted. Each entry counts as one! On September 9th I'll gather all the entries and draw a winner!!! HAVE FUN AND SPREAD THE WORD!!

Couch to 5K and Other Stories

My friend has been trying to get me to start running 5Ks with her for the last year...at least. I am not a big runner or a runner at all to be completely honest. I have been trying to hold her off until I suddenly had the idea that running would be a good thing. So, I had Mike purchase me a nice pair of Patagonia running shoes while he was at Outdoor Retail Store. Then I realized I was going to have to use them.

This is when my friend came to me again with a class called Hip Hop Hustle. Now that I felt like I could do. I signed up and went to class with her and another friend of ours. It was my first time in an actual work out class. It was very fun. I loved it. In fact, I'm going back next Saturday too.

Getting me to that class made me realize I was out of shape. When she asked me to start the Couch to 5K program I decided this was it...now or never. Tonight was our first night and I can tell you it kicked my butt. I'm so very out of shape. Even just the light jogging we did left me winded and sweating like a pig. We had the kids with so it was even a little stressful. I have to find a sitter for some of the nights in order to make this happen. I need to make it happen. It's a 9 week program and 6 of the weeks I'll be working on my final course for my Masters.

Tight fit!

Gonna make it work.

Jingle Bells?

That's right fellow Bloggers. It is nearing the end of August already. That means we have just about 4 months left until Christmas. While many of you might be begging me to stop the madness that is promoting Christmas prior to Thanksgiving, when you have a business making things handmade it is important to get as many people in early as possible.

To do this, I'm offering the coupon code BLOGGERFANS for FREE SHIPPING! Use the code to get free shipping on your order and start crossing people off your Christmas shopping list.

Great time to work with me to do a custom order. You can email me at JLooman515@gmail.com or convo me at my Etsy store. We can work on the perfect size, color, and item to wow even the hardest to buy for on your list. Best part, it is handmade with love :)

Just a few ideas:
Scarves
Hats
Fingerless Gloves
Beanies
Baby Booties
Diaper Covers
Elf Hats
Baby Blankets
Bath poofs
Dishcloths
Washcloths

Or contact me with your idea!

Obsession Confession: Purses

I once wrote a blog regarding my obsession with lip balms. I went through a phase where I purchased many many over a month and a half period or so. Other things I am obsessed with on a normal basis include shoes (which I have done very well at staying away from) and purses. Oh yes, purses. I could purchase a zillion purses and still desire more. One for every occasion...or day. I love them. My husband is always making fun of my purse choices. The length of the strap, the color, the size...he doesn't get why I would want so many. This is why I was SHOCKED when he came home with this!

It's a Sherpani Pinot S11. CUTE! I love how the company is big on sustainability.


Product Overview
Fun and flirty, small and light.

Product Details
•Earth Friendly - 67% Recycled Fabric
•Exterior zippered pockets
•Large opening for easy access
•Secure Top-Zippered Closure
•Smooth Webbing Handles
•Foam bottom for stability
•9.5in x 8in x 5.5in

LOVE!!!

It may look small but it holds everything my large purse was holding ;) You too can get one from the Sherpani website OR if you are in the Winona area stop by Sole Sport, the new outfitter store in town.

Good purchase Mr. Looman. You have a happy wife.

Back to the Grind

It has been really hard to get back into the swing of things this week. One week ago today we lost Grandpa and two weeks ago today I lost a dear Uncle. Mike is back from the grind of doing season shows and we're working on getting back into a schedule of picking up the kids from daycare, dinner, play time, sleep for kids, school, and so on. Day 2 and we're still out of wack but it's to be expected.

Only two more weeks of summer before Nathan starts 1st grade. I can't believe how old he has gotten and how fast it really does go. He did get the teacher I was rooting for so that is a blessing. She just seems like she wants to have fun with the kids. Nathan needs that in order to relate it to learning. He wont do what he doesn't have fun doing. I guess that's part of being six.

Hard to believe is that I only have 2 more weeks of class before starting my last class to end my Masters. That's 8 more weeks of school and then I'll be done :) ::insert happy dance here::

K - I am exhausted. Time for bed!

Oh Yeah!

I gots a new hair do! :)

Long Drives

The time it takes to get from Minnesota to Michigan is 8.5 hours. On the way there I completed 2 pairs of fingerless gloves. On the way home I completed another. I now have completed 5 pairs and have started my 6th. I'm a little obsessed with this pattern but more than that I plan on giving these away as Christmas presents to co-workers and friends this year.

While I faired well on the drive there and back chit chatting with my mother-in-law about life in general...my one year old was not as much of a fan of the long drive. About a few hours in on the way home he turned into the CRACK-ER MONSTER.

This was not a lot of fun. In fact, there was only a 20 minute break the entire trip where I was able to snag this precious picture.

Nice to be home. Jacob is already making up for the long drive by sleeping soundly in his bed and Nathan is watching Charlie Brown movies on the couch. Once he's in bed I'll get to school work and the happily crash in my own bed :) Not looking forward to going back to work but happy to start a normal routine again.

Etsy shop is back open! Once I get a good camera in hand, I'll have some gloves posted in the store ;)

Week in Michigan

While we have been here in Michigan, the days have been long and the emotions have run deep. Mike's grandfather passed away yesterday after a battle with dementia. We have spent the last 4 days praying and being by his side as he fought to take his last breaths. After yesterday we were emotionally spent. Today we spent the day gathering our hearts back together. I spent the day with my mother in law and playing with the boys.

We built a fort, played with loud toys, and ate out. Later on we decided to meet with my father and brother in law for dinner and some shopping to spoil the boys...and spoil we did!!! Nathan got some new t-shirts for school and Jacob got a few new outfits as well.

Pictures from our day include:

Nathan in his fort playing the drums.

My Jacob playing with some fabulously fun toys at Aunt Tanya and Uncle Goofy's house.

Caleb and Jacob playing in the ball pit.

Jacob eating at dinner. He loves his rolls and corn on the cob. Happy happy boy moment!

All of our boys together after a great day.

While it is emotionally draining it is beautiful to see the kids together and spend some time with family.

The Joys Of Being Six

Remember making forts from blankets and pillows? I sure do. There wasn't a better way than to spend the afternoon by completing a fort and then playing in it with toys. I can remember going to my best friends' house and using all her mom's couch pillows to build the most elaborate forts that could take up an entire living room. I also loved just getting a blanket, draping it over the table, and pretending it was a club house.

It's fun seeing my son enjoy the same thing and using his imagination. :) Makes me want to be a kid again.

Going to Michigan

Leaving for Michigan in 3.5 hours.

I can't sleep.

This isn't a good start to a 8.5 hour drive.

Boo.

Confession Thursday

I hate chosing a ring tone.

No really, I hate it a lot.

Either Or, Neither More

I’m not exactly sure what is worse…waiting for someone to die or having someone die so unexpectedly that you don’t feel like you got a chance to let them know how much you loved them.

I’m going through both this week.

Mike’s grandfather married us on our wedding day. He has always been so soft spoken, wise, and loving. His actions have never been anything but kind and caring (at least in the years I’ve known him). It’s almost hard to believe he was in the military where he had to be agressive. He started having issues with Dementia roughly 6 months ago. About a month ago he was found outside the house, lying in the street. He had broken bones and many bruises. It’s unknown what happened other than he left the house and cannot remember a darn thing.

Since then he has been progressing fast through the stages and is now in a hospice bed being given meds to keep him calm and pain free till he dies. He’s not even awake besides the occational mumble. Mike’s dad has been with his mom for the past week be we’ve opted to stay home till he passes away. It wont be long and honestly, what would we do besides stare at him and wish he could get better or end the misery? So sad to wish someone could pass on so that the pain for both himself and family could subside.

While all of this is going on my Uncle Ken passed away suddenly Tuesday. He was acting funny so they took him to the hospital on Sunday. Monday they diagnosed him with Leukemia. Tuesday morning he died. Just that quick it was over. No notice or time to think about it. Shock to the whole family. My aunt is in bed and wont move. She didn’t get a chance to tell him how she loved him. How she wished he wouldn’t go. She feel guilty.

I don’t know which is worse but as far as I’m concerned it’s a huge lesson in telling the ones you love how much you do before they’re gone (mentally or completely). Both are taxing on the family and friends. Both are hard to live through. Both take time to get over.

It’s been a rough week.

Poison Apple Red

Not sure why but this color red makes me think about snow white or little red riding hood. I finished one glove tonight and paln on doing the other tomorrow. I think I know what everyone is getting for Christmas! Well, at least most everyone...

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