My first...

You'll always remember your first. First kiss, first love, first marriage (only planning on the one, but ya know, had to add in something!). First online shop, first sale, first craft fair. Now I have had one of each of these firsts. This past weekend I did my first fair. It was a small to do with the registration fee going towards a good cause. A small charter school that celebrates the arts, learning and children.

Found it was a good way to get my feet wet. Met a few people, sold a few things and had a bit of fun. I'm not the most extroverted person, so I did try to rely on my setup and crafts to speak for themselves. It worked for the most part, sold several puppets. One to an adorable little girl who came up to me with all the money she had. After having told her the cost of the puppets ($17 each) she came back with some money. I asked her, "So whatcha got?" She counted carefully and replied "I've got $10" This was after she had come over to check out the puppets several times. So I told her she could have one, lil minky (she's the purpley one on the left hand side), the smallest of the group, perfect for her hands for her $10. She was quite happy. That's part of the joy of this whole handmade craft thing. It's nice to make a bit of money, but it's nicer still to see the smiles that go along with such a gift.

I came home with a few less puppets, one less strawberry wristlet and a mini wallet sold. As well as lots of ideas on how to put together a table for the next one. Not sure when that will be. But it was an interesting experience. I was surprised at the one thing I thought people would really enjoy and buy and there was not a sale. My ornaments all made it back with me. Which means, I've got lots of pictures to take to get them all in my Etsy shop. There's a few listed already. With more to come!

Cart Snafu

As it is the time for shopping, the holidays are among us afterall. I thought I'd share my hubby's latest "cart" experience. You see he rides around on an electric cart for work. They go around base getting what they need and come back. Since it is electric it only goes about 10 mph. However, when you are the passenger and you look over your right shoulder, and the driver is making a sharp left, you may just fall out! Blood loss, no concussion, 5 staples and countless jokes later, this is how you'd look.

He was getting teased about needing a 5-point harness, a helmet (complete with a Raiders emblem... ewwwwww) as well as a few others. Those 2 are my favorites however. This happened a few weeks ago now and he almost completely healed. Which is an awesome thing since that means his system is getting back to normal after chemo.

Although you may not be taking electric carts to go shopping this year, please do remember to be careful in those crazy stores! Or better yet, buy online :) Check Etsy, and search Homefront Team for great selections.

My man

He's been my "babyman" for 2 years now. Last night, became my "littleman". He was a SoCal surfer looking babyman. Now, he looks like his daddy. He likes the change. All be it a bit strange to feel all that fuzziness and no long locks. Funny how much it changed the shape of his face!

Took quite some time to get all that hair cut. And lots of moving around. Daddy started him and he just wouldn't sit still. So I took him over and let him look in the mirror. Then he was ok with me finishing. No "wow, CUTE" came out, but he did say "I like it!" I'll take that.

Knitting, knitting, and more knitting

I've been working on some new ornaments. Signed up for my first fair. And found a game that I just had to buy because the character was a knit sackboy! I know that sounds kinda strange, but it really is fun and I'm not much of a gamer.

The ornaments, so far as just little sweaters, snowflakes and wreaths. Working on some stockings and mittens as well. Got lots of new things done and working on, but wanting to do more. With the fair coming up, not sure how much to list and how much to wait till after the fair to list. It's all just new to me. I'm excited and now realizing that I have to figure out the best way to showcase my work as well as making sure I have enough to sell! Wish me luck! I leave you with a pic of some ornaments. Christmas is coming!

The Art of Trick or Treating

It's a little late to share, but wanted to show off the kids' Halloween costumes. It was my sons first year trick or treating. Last year, he had just turned 1. He was a great walker, not much of a talker and really not in need of extra sugary treats. This is a pic of the end of the night, when they came home to say "Trick or Treat!"

However, last year his sister did go trick or treating. It was her first year. She was almost 3, and a huge talker. She enjoyed the experience. So when it came to this Halloween, he got to go as well. He's now a 2 year old with lots of energy and personality who thinks he's just as big as his big sister. The last comment is almost true, of his size at least. When we were back home, everyone who picked him said "What do they feed you? (insert heavy strange thing to feed a child... rocks... lead... etc.)"

Back on to Halloween. My daughter wanted to be a werewolf. For all of the summer. Figured it'd be a good costume for my son to wear next year. Could make wolf arms and a head, something to go over her shoes and put clothes on the rest of her. He could do the same thing next year. Then a month before Halloween, it changed to a fairy. A very pink fairy. She helped me pick out the fabrics, trim and a new pair of shoes. Everything pink (of course).

While my son was a scarecrow. This was an easy costume. He had a pair of old overalls, ones he'd not be able to wear again so I bought some felt in yellow and tan and cut it into strips. Then sewed the strips onto the bottoms of the overalls. Cut a few squares of other colors of felt and sewed those on with some straw strips poking through. Picked him up a shirt that was a bit large and did the same. The hardest part of his, was a hat. Which sort of hat should a scarecrow wear? His looks a bit like Pappa Bear from the Berenstein Bears, minus the flower. He really enjoyed his costume (put it on and he said "Wow, cute cute!") and figured out trick or treating by the first house. It was an enjoyable night and now there's a piece of candy every other day or so to remember their Halloween together.

Homefront Winter Challenge

It's Challenge time on the Homefront. This one was all about winter. There's snowflakes, sugar cookies, moose, snowmen, scarves, hats, all the things that make us think of winter.

My entry for the challenge is a snowflake. Being a Colorado girl living in California, I don't see many of them anymore, but can enjoy the beauty of winter in a different way now.

I remember my first winter here, a friend of mine sent me some shots of her snow covered house! Of course it was on my request. Just wanted to see what I was missing of winter. That white stuff that gives us a chill sure can be majestic. So here's to the snow, winter scenes of blistery days and magical nights.

Anyhow, here's my entry and a link to vote. All you have to do is look through the entries, and leave a note in the comments with your favorites name. Voting ends October 31st, so don't forget to vote!

Treatment No. 12

Has come and gone. He's done! Chemo is done! It hit my hubby yesterday. He came home from work with some sparkling cider to celebrate. He realized that he had all his weekends free again. We can do anything without having to worry about the next weekend being stuck to not do anything. The look of elation and liberation was in his eyes. He's thinking poker this weekend, and a bit of shopping.

The kids and I spent the time he was at the hospital for his last treatment at the store. Getting all the bits we'd need for Halloween costumes. Or so I thought! We need to pick up a few more things and then I can start on them. It is a joy making the costumes, yet since they are only worn once (my daughter wants to be a fairy this year, and I highly doubt we will reuse the costume for my son!) but they love them so. Only my second year making them, but I'm getting more familiar with the sewing machine. One fairy and scarecrow coming up before the end of the month!

A month where our weekends are ours and my hubby is on the road to remission. So crazy to think it's through.

I did want to leave you with a picture. Just one of the projects I've finished lately, I truley adore it! It's for a Homefront Challenge, but more on that another time. For now, just a tease :)

Wishing all health, happiness and big dreams for the coming season.

Toy/Gift Bag

So here is a pic from my son's birthday party with his toy/gift bag we made him. Hubby and I like the idea of making them for Christmas as well. Since our kids have a little bag for each sort of toy. However, we will have to make the appliques seperate and sew them on later so you're not looking at a picture of what is in every present. I thought it turned out well and my son loves all his superheros! They were the perfect present for my little man who likes to save his sister on a daily basis.

They are really simple bags to make. We used fleece for the bag and felt for the applique. The applique design, I took from a pic online and then freehanded it onto the felt. My hubby (my little semster) sewed it onto one side of the fleece before sewing the bag together.

Simply cut your squares the size needed for the front and back of the bag. This one is about 14". Sew on any applique you'd like. Otherwise you can hand stitch them on after the bag is made. Then sew around 3 sides, making sure to backstitch on the ends. Fold over your drawstring casing, about an 1" and then turn the bag inside out and sew it around. You can then take some scissors and cut 2 holes in the casing for the drawstring to go through. We used a crochet chain as the pull and then knotted it back on itself so that it can't be pulled out.

My question for you all, is how do you present gifts?

Treatment No. 11

Has come and gone. It went well and was preceded by a trip home the kids and I took to see some other sickies. My mom is still in the hospital, but is getting there. It was really nice to be able to go home and see her. The kids did really well going to the hospital everyday to see Grandmother, but they have spent some time at the hospital before when my hubby was there for his surgery.

The trip went well, and we made it home the night before treatment no. 11. So that Friday, we spent at the hospital as well. Went to the mini NEX at the hospital to pick up some toilet paper and tissue for the house. Then walked around. Stopped off to make an appointment for my son's 2 year check. And waited for hubby to be done. Time went by pretty quick actually and the kids did well just walking around. It is thankfully a rather large hospital to walk around with different things to see and do.

At home the weekend went well. The nurse brought us some grapes to say sorry for being so late on the last treatment. Which was really nice of her to do. And the weekend passed without much to tell about. Although both hubby and I have said several times now "only 1 left". It's a really great feeling to have.

Our son turns 2 tomorrow and we celebrated his birthday yesterday. So we spent last week getting some toys (superhero stuff, it is really cute!) putting the house in order and making a toy/gift bag for his new superheroes. It turned out really well. I did the felt applique, hubby sewed everything together. We had homemade wheat pizza, pasta salad and chocolate cake. Just a small little party. It was cute listening to my son sing along to "Happy Birthday". He'd done it just a few days earlier to Grandmother on the phone.

My hubby has been home for the past week since he has limited orders and doesn't have to check in for a few more days. It's been nice having him here, but I have been away from the computer so much.

Anyhow, will try to get a pic posted of the toy bag. I don't think we took one before he got it and it is currently in his room with him. Always nice when toys get put away. And this Friday marks the last treatment. A big sigh coming now. Then it's just checks for the next few years. But we have made life adjustments and are still working on more to make ourselves healthier. Healthy wishes to all.

Treatment No. 10

Was this past weekend. It went fairly well. Saturday was not the best day. Hubby felt a little under the weather, having trouble drinking. But did manage to get a little down and was eating fine. Sunday was much better. It was his birthday, the big 2-8!

The kids picked out a little Legos package for him, and I picked up some Geek Soap from Swan Mountain Soaps on Etsy. Figured it was fitting since my hubby really is a geek with his computer games and love of Star Wars. He thought both were funny. Put together his Lego train quick (he now has a Lego helicopter, a car and a train) and then opened up his present from his mom. More Legos, and Star Wars all in one! It is an AT-AP that he then put together. It's sitting on his computer desk.

Then it was time to watch football. Chargers were playing the Broncos so it was a game we got to watch! It's hard being a Broncos fan in SD some of the time :) Man that game had ups and downs and the ending... 2 pointer for the win! Later in the evening we had some pizza and then cheesecake with fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries oh my! My daughter asked for more when she finished hers. Had to tell her it was just desert, so no more cheesecake was needed.

The worst part of the weekend was homecare being late on Sunday to take out the needle. But all in all, it's one more treatment done. Only 2 left now. In a month he will be done. Possibly 2 months he can have cold drinks again. No trips back home for the winter, that is for sure!

Hug

It's amazing what one little hug can do. This has been a stressful year for me and my family so far. Along with my husband's cancer, my mom has been in and out of the hospital with her own medical issues. I think I've touched on them a little bit. She went back in last night for more surgery. They removed another section of her small intestine, it had an infected hole in it. At the beginning of August was her last surgery, removing some of her small intestine as it was twisted upon itself and had caused a blockage. In January was the start of her surgery, they removed 90% of her large intestine.

With all these surgeries, she never has gotten back to normal. She was home for a few months inbetween and has been staying with relatives or in the hospital for the rest of the past 9 months. I don't even know what to do with all of this. Here I am not even 30 yet and this is the hand that's been dealt to me. If you're reading this, please say a prayer and send some positivity her way.

I've gotten lots of hugs from my kiddos this morning in between phone calls updating my brothers. My son came to find me and ran at me with open arms. They give me comfort and strength. Children are such an amazing blessing. Their hearts are so large and overflowing with love and positivity.

Creative Challenge

So I have orders I'm working on, projects for fun, new things for the store as well, and yet I had to get in on the EtsyHookers Creative Challenge. Hope I made the deadline right! :) Items had to be posted and in by 12pm EST tonight and I finished mine at a few minutes till. But I read about the challenge just last night and had an idea I wanted to get out.

My daughter loves my entry and wants to keep it. Guess I may have to make her her own. We will see. It's a rather warm hat for Sunny California! Anyhow, be sure to check out the Challenge and don't forget to vote!

Treatment No. 9 and then some

So we've surpased 3/4 of the treatments! Hubby's sis came out for a visit and was here while he did his ninth treatment. Still going well and making it through. We had a good visit and even managed a date night to see the new Batman, The Dark Knight. Kinda funny since it has been so long since I have been in an actual movie theater and there weren't many people, it was really loud. Makes me feel old :) The movie was enjoyable and it was nice going out just the two of us.

Hubby was very excited with the idea that there are only 3 treatments left to undergo. It's what he said most of the weekend, "9 down, 3 to go..." with a look of joy and excitement for the weeks to come. It's amazing how fast time can fly by.

Been busy around here. Have a few custom orders I've been working on as well as some new toy bags for the kids. My son has lots of big legos and the bag they came in, the zipper pulled out and is broken. So made him a new tall green fleece bag for his "blocks". We picked up a big toy bin from some neighbors who no longer needed it and so made several little bags for her to keep sets of toys in making it easier to find what she wants to play with. Finished 2 of them completely (little pictures on them noting what is inside) only about 6 more to go. The bags are at least all done. Some however need drawstrings put in so that's something to work on in between orders and life.

One of the orders called for organic yarns. Since I use acrylic for the novelty things, had to pick up some new yarns. Bought some bamboo cotton as well as some banana silk. They're both really easy to work with and I'm excited to see how the banana silk scarf I've started turns out. It's a beautiful yarn that looks like a bunch of berries, ripe for the picking.

Reading and the art of tackling

Today was a day spent working on some chores. Hubby came home early and so we spent the afternoon looking at houses online. With the way the market is, there may be a way we could afford to buy something on his one income. That would be a nice treat to own our house. Talked to our daughter about it and she liked the idea of being able to paint her room, "blue and yellow and purple!" We'll see when we do own our place if that would be the case.

Then it was off to the library. Got a book recommendation from a friend, Water for Elephants so put it on the list to receive a copy when available. I love the internet age in that you can just go online and request a book. Saves a bit of the searching in the library, which is hard to do with my two in tow. We picked a few books for them, and my reserved copy. Now we will see if I can finish a book in 3 weeks!

Overall it was just a nice family day. Tackling ensued after dinner. Kids, daddy, Oli and myself all partook. Everyone tackled daddy, then me then hubby and I divided and conquered the kids. It's funny how my daughter suddenly just makes the oddest sounds instead of words when tickled. Then she'll stop long enough to say "Pleeeeese stop tickling me..." Whereas my son will come up to you "Tickle... tickle... tickle..." big dimpled grin asking for more.

Flip ruffed up Oli a bit as well. They're getting along so well these days it's fun to watch. Flip is still a bit cautious because of the size difference between the two, but Oli jumps on his back like he's the "big" cat in the house. Guess we'll see how they do when they're closer in size.

I leave you with a pic of Oli while I head off to work on a custom order, and read some of my book. When was your last family day?

Buh-bye Berries

My latest berries to leave the nest are a strawberry and blueberry. They are on their way to their new home. They turned out rather well if I do say so myself. It's my fourth strawberry I've made and sold. Made an extra so that I could have one in the shop as well. Will be working up another blueberry after finishing an order for some apples.

That's the fun of taking the orders, there's always something to work on. However the new ideas can get pushed back a little. I've got a few rolling around I'd like to work on in the next few weeks.

We'll see how time pans out. Life always seems busy and full of projects, craftwise or not. It's still an enjoyable way to me to spend my time and hey, I'm just happy people like my crochet and knitting and that I can have a little fun along the way!

Treatment No. 8

Today he gets disconnected. Another one down, 4 to go. We've got the next 2 scheduled and the end is in sight.

This weekend has gone pretty well. Hubby was awake most of Friday. Came home to play a new video game the kids and I picked up while he was at the hospital. We went shopping for some new clothes, looking for Super Hero pjs for my daughter. They didn't have any but she found somet hat are aqua and brown with dots that she liked instead. Bought my son Batman pjs awhile ago and so she wanted some as well. They had some Super Girl pjs online that should have been at the store, but oh well, now she's just an "adorable girl".

After playing video games most of the afternoon, it was time for a nap. Hubby's schedule is a little off now, so we'll see how tomorrow goes going back to work. He's at TPU again probably going to work for an Admiral for the rest of the year. I say probably since his squadron still wants him back so they are going to see if they can get him orders there instead. It's the game of hurry up and wait, not sure what the future will hold. Always a fun one, and just how it goes :) I'm thinking he'll do better back at the squadron, but with the Admiral he still should be working some to keep him busy.

Treatment No. 8 means he's 3/4 of the way done. When he finishes, our son will be 2. We were talking the other night about how pretty much his entire 2nd year of life, daddy was sick since this started in January. I doubt he'll remember daddy being sick, and lets hope this is the end of it.

Mailing Day

So I've got a few packages to go out today. A blanket for a new baby.

A shawl for my mom.

And some fruits for a few little girls.

Tagged

I've been tagged! Remember playing tag as a child..."You're It." Well this past week I was "tagged"; maybe you will want to play too.

I was tagged by Robin of Through His Eyes.

Here are the rules:

1) Link to the person who tagged you

2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)

3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)

4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)

5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog

6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up

Random items about me...

1) I have 3 brothers and 1 half brother, being the only girl has it's perks!

2) I live next door to my brother who is closest in age to me.

3) I talk to my mom every Saturday on the phone.

4) I email with my 11 year old neice all the time.

5) I stay home with my 2 children, and craft with them and around them.

6) Family is everything to me, as if you couldn't tell.

People I’m tagging:

1) Amanda of Unique Fabric Needs

2) Kristin of Moose Threads

3) Rebecca of Tulip Tree Baby

4) Kristina of Maddie & Mommy

5) Jennifer of Cutesie Clips

6) Laura of Laura's Left Hook

You're It!

Muffins

So I bake like I crochet and knit. A bit of a recipe, a lot of changes. Never sure what sort of flavors sound good to me. Muffins are my fun play around food. Today we made Banana Kiwi muffins and Pear Carrot Raisin Kiwi muffins. Used my new favorite basic muffin recipe, made a double batch and added in the rest. Here's the basic recipe along with the bits for these muffins. However, I don't measure everything so the spice is approximate.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Cups Whole Wheat Flour


• .5 Cup All-Purpose Flour


• 2 tsp Baking Soda


• 1 tsp Baking Powder


• .25 tsp Salt


• .5 Cup White Sugar


• .25 Cup Brown Sugar


• 1 Cup Canola Oil


• 3 Eggs, beaten

I added

1 Pear chopped

2 Kiwis smashed up

.5 Cup Raisins

.25 Cup Carrot Juice

1 tsp Chai Spice Blend (Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg)

Put pears, kiwi, and raisins in a bowl with carrot juice mixed up in the fridge for at least 3o minutes. Helps plump the raisins and give a little flavor to the rest.

And added to the second batch.

2 Bananas smashed up

2 Kiwis smashed up

1 tsp Chai Spice Blend (Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin tins or use muffin cups.

In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center add eggs and oil. Mix just till evenly moist. Fold in fruits.

Bake 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and enjoy.

Crazy Life

It's been a crazy few weeks. Had 3 visitors, 1 new member of the family, a computer crash, a few more orders, 1 family member hospitalized, and just not much spare time.

The 3 visitors were nice, well actually 4 since one was a couple. My hubby's mom came to visit for a few days. We had fun. Hung out a bit, knitted, shopped, and played with the kids. As well as talked with the adults. She also brought me my birthday present, a set of circular interchangable knitting needles, which I so love.

Then my hubby's cousin and his very preggo wife came for a visit. It was nice listening to their excitement at the new little girls pending arrival. And the last visitor was another of my hubby's cousins who is a new military spouse. Her husband is a Marine stationed out here and so she came out to start scouting housing since he is currently deployed. Played a little guitar hero with her and hung out with the kids.

Our newest family member is named Oli. He's a cute, curious little tabby kitten. We've been talking about getting a new kitten for our cat to play with. We have a 4.5 year old black siamese mix who is just a lover and more dog than cat. He's not been too sure of little Oli who gets into everything and just isn't going away. They're slowly becoming friends however which is interesting to see. We hope they do become great friends. Our Flip has been more playful since Oli came along, and it'd be nice if they could burn off that energy together.

The computer crash was mine, of course. Using the laptop as a temporary fix. It probably just needs a hard drive. But with the car still in pieces in the garage, the pc gets to wait. The laptop is a nice little machine, however it isn't my norm so not used to the keyboard and mouse.

The orders were for more berry purses, a strawberry and blueberry along with some little wallets/coin purses that a few dollars can be slipped in with initials. One strawberry is crocheted, the rest still to be done. When I finally can stock the shop again with berry's I'm sure they won't last! I've got an order for a baby blanket that I've just about finished as well.

And the hospital, my mom has been having issues with her gut. She went in in January for emergency surgery. 90% of her colon gone, the issues were supposed to be gone as well. It was a long recovery process and she still wasn't all the way back to par. Then this past Monday she went back into the hospital for more surgery. Seems she didn't heal quite right and the small intestines had decided they wanted to twist up on her. Some adhesions removed and the twists untwisted, she's once again working on the recovery. Started a comfort shawl for her with my new circular needles. Hoping to have it done this week. We will see though, with the new kitten, it's been difficult to pull out my yarn.

It was treatment no. 7 this weekend and that seemed to go pretty well. Will have to blog about that another time. Oli is coming to play!

Little Thiefs

I knitted a new hat this weekend. Hadn't knit much in awhile so my hands were a bit sore Saturday night when I started it. But finishing it Sunday morning went quickly. Thought it turned out really neat... as did my son. The little thief made off with my new hat!

It's sized for an adults head. My hubby just says he'll grow into it. It makes a great hat to play peek-boo with, one of his favorite games. "Peek-boo" was one of his first phrases and he loves to say it. Cute lil drawl to it.

Anyhow, made sure to keep notes on how I knit the hat so that I can make another. It has sideways chevrons knit into it. You can sorta see them in the pics.

Oh well, my little thief now has 3 hats of his own. One more than his sister, who has purses as well as sweaters.

Yay! Happy Dance!

So awhile ago I got my first order for wholesale. Which means I'll know be selling at a boutique in TN. Funnily enough since I live in CA. But I know a wonderful lady who helped me with the connection. (Thanks Kristina!) It's exciting to think that my purses will be out there in an actual B&M! Berry purse world domination is possible! Baby steps :)

Here's what she's getting, 4 berries, 1 pumpkin, 1 apple, 1 pear, 1 mum. I loved the "winter berry" as my hubby and I called it and will have to make more. It was fun to fill the order since I got to work on a few new ideas. Kinda funny when you think in crochet! Anyhow, I did make some extra berries and will work up the others once I get more yarn (yay my stash is depleting enough that I have a reason to buy more).

If you'd like a purse, just let me know! There's usually stock in my etsy shop, and I do enjoy the challenge of new custom orders.

Which are your favorite fruits and veggies?

Treatment No. 6

It's the beginning of the halfway treatment. My hubby was put on nights this week so his schedule has been a little wonky. I think that's why he started to feel the nausea this time. They called me this afternoon asking for me to come pick him up. He wasn't able to drive. So went next door and asked if I could bring the kids over and pick him up. My SIL said that was fine, but asked what car I was gonna use! They are a one car household and with my car in the shop (garage if you prefer) hadn't even thought about that. Was so busy just trying to think how to make it work to get there quickly and get him home. Luckily one of my brothers friends was over picking up his kid. He gave me a ride to get my hubby.

After getting that cleared up, I just wanted to cry for a minute. Guess it was a bit of a slap in the face. Been thinking all week how this treatment is the middle of the road. We're halfway done. (Yes I say "we" because he is the one getting the poison put into his system to kill the bad cells, but we are the ones who are affected just the same.) When I got to the hospital, he was really just sleeping, in his scrubs since well, he needed some clothes to wear. It was not a fun morning for him. He slept the whole way home (and I didn't even grind a gear or stall, it wasn't the smoothest ride though) got hooked up when the nurse came and is still sleeping now on the couch.

Here's hoping the sleep will help. That the uneasy stomach was more to do with the fatigue from a new schedule (one more week on nights then back to days) and not the sliding down of how chemo can be.

On the positive, after Sunday it is half done. One trimester left to go, I know way too many preggos now so had to throw that out there! Told my hubby that the other day and he just gave me the funniest look. Oh well, I found it amusing! Although he doesn't get a happy pink baby in the end, he gets a new lease on life and more time to just be.

Time for hats

So I pulled out what I've made and took some new pics yesterday. Gonna start listing out the hats I have. Was fun to look back through them. Makes me want to pick up my knitting needles and figure out some more fun hats! Here's a sneak peak of what's to come.

Yes that is a hat with hearts on my sons head, but he really wanted his pic taken and I'd already done the blue toned hat!

Oh and one hat is crocheted, but whatcha gonna do when you enjoy both forms? Share them both!

My beautiful car!

So I've mentioned my car isn't working. It needs a new alternator. Hubby has decided that he'll fix it. Which since we have a working car, is fine by me. He took the time to take apart most of the front end of my car this weekend. Still need to take out the second radiator and the alternator so he can order the part.

It'll still be another few weeks before it'll get done since it is treatment weekend. But it was a good start. And as long as it doesn't take two years like his car took, I'll be fine. It was really neat watching him take it apart though. Even took a pic of how it looks now. He wanted to have a record of the steps, sort of. So crazy to think my beautiful car looks like this! And that my hubby did it. Although he is a structural mechanic, so it does make sense.

Hopefully it won't be too long before I can show a pic of the alternator out and the new one in.

Another hat!

So while I have been working on my first wholesale order (so exciting and it feels great to have it done) I crocheted a few hats along the way. The one for my neice, well 2 but then chose the one I thought would fit her. She does love her hat and loves that the star can "move where-ever I want it to Dad" that's what my bro told me.

Anyhow, I also crocheted a hat for my son. Hadn't made him a brimmed hat yet really and wanted to give him one that maybe he'd like to wear as much as his sisters pink hat with the pink flower. He does seem to enjoy it.

Here's a few pics of him in it. Had to include the second one since it shows what it likes to have an older sibling! What would we do without them? And notice his shirt? It says Monkey See Monkey Do Monkey Get In Trouble Too. Quite fitting for him, although he tends to find the trouble first!

Work, work, work

My hubby went back to his squadron this week. It was interesting seeing him come home Monday night. The smile he had on his face, and the energy in his was a nice surprise. With this past treatment being a little harder on him, it may have been just because where he was at mentally. They'd taken him out of work for a week and a half and switched him into a holding pattern you could say. But he wanted to go back to work, and was able to make that happen.

We will see what the outcome is of his next treatment, but for now, he is on cloud nine. Although I'm getting used to the hours again! He worked so late Monday night because he could work and wanted to work and there it was needing to be done. He's still not able to stand out on the flight line when the birds are whirling, but he is able to help keep them going.

Speaking of work, I need to get back to mine. Finished my pumpkin, now it's on to a pear. I'll take pics of all I've made before I send them out.

Project Done

Spent one day last week working on a few hat choices for my neice. She turns 13 this year and loves to hang out with the boys. Wants to bull ride, but is settling for doing barrel racing this year. She's an opinionated and strong willed little spit fire. Oh and she loves the color lime green.

Here's the hat I crocheted for her. Here's hoping she likes it! Crocheted the star and then sewed it to a pin back so it can be removed. My hubby is thinking she won't like the star. I'm thinking she will. So we will see.

The other hat I did, I think I'll list at a later time in my shop. I really like the way it turned out but think it's a little feminine for my niece. Off to work on some orders! The berry world domination is slowly coming true. Have several that I need to get done.

Treatment No. 5

Started on Thursday. They were closed Friday because of the holiday. Which means it finished yesterday so today is just another weekend day. The next one means he's halfway done. We're getting there.

He's been feeling a bit icky today and yesterday, but I think that's lack of fluids. Nothing sounds good to drink and his "pill" side-effect is really bugging him this time. In a bit I'll go see if there is anything that sounds good to drink that I can go pick up for him.

Had french toast for breakfast, so that was a good something to eat. He had 4 slices. Turned out very well if I do say so myself. Of course when you use cinnamon raisin bread, there's not all too much you have to do to it! I did add some Chai Spice instead of cinnamon. I'm in love with the mix of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg that is in it.

Anyhow, thought I'd add this pic, it's a birthday card for me that came in yesterday. To great NOT to share! Oh how I love the Hoff. Not so much, but that is the beauty of it :) I do however remember the good ol' 80's and Knight Rider. Classic tv (that is if you were born in the late 70's right?)

Not sure what the fraction done would be, but do know it's almost halfway done. And really no bad side effects. They are usually more annoyances than anything. All I know is when he is done, we may have to celebrate with some shakes. Although not sure how long the cold will be a problem for. He's been very upset with the Sonic commercials for their shakes since he can't do cold right now. At least the summer hasn't been all too warm.

Hippo Birdie

Two ME! Another year done, and still one more to go till 30. I no longer feel like a twenty something, but I will be for another year. It was an interesting birthday. Asked my son if he could tell me "Happy Birthday", his response was "No." with a smile. But my daughter did tell me "Happy Birthday Mommy!" with a big smile and then was excited for a party we wouldn't be having.

It is treatment weekend, so we stayed home. Played with the kids, fielded phone calls (love getting calls on my birthday) and picked up some food. A very relaxed day. Now the fireworks are finishing up, could hear them but not see them with the thick marine layer. Next year we should be able to go see them. Hubby will be on shore duty and here's hoping, things will be normal as if there is such a thing.

All in all, if I want to reflect on the last year... it was more life lived. More lessons learned and more "I'd love to be a kid again and live in that blissful ignorance" My son turned 1, daughter turned 3, we made some new friends, I started my Etsy shop, the Rockies went to the World Series (and forgot they were there), the Patriots will always be that team that didn't win them all and my hubby's health well, he's with us and getting better all the time. The doctors will fix daddy after all. And thanks to my car dying (guess it was jealous of the Jetta getting attention) I'm getting more comfortable driving a stick. My daddy would be proud.

Reflection time done. Time to relax with a movie and my hubby.

Fireworks!

Just wanted to say, Happy 4th of July! Not sure yet if we will do much of anything, treatment weekend, but we are here together.

So enjoy those fireworks and remember to be thankful for our red, white and blue.

Mail Time!

I love getting mail :) I have a very crafty friend who is currently pregnant with her second child. We were talking one day and decided we'd swap some stuff. I wanted an apron, she a baby blanket and sweater. Decided on a few extra things for the kids as well. An apron for my daughter (that matches mine) and an art smock for each of the kids. She made an apron for her daughter and will be making a smock. And well, I'm still working on the blanket.

The sweater I'll start after the little babe comes and we see if it really is a boy. I'd love to just start it for a boy, since that is what everyone thinks she is having, but then if it's not... how do you change it for a girl?

Anyhow, my package came today and the aprons and smocks are hits! I've got mine hung up in the kitchen for the next time I need it, and my daughter has hers hung up by her kitchen. Although they were worn for quite some time before being hung up. My son was a little upset that he didn't get an apron and tried to wear mine for awhile. We'll see how attached he is to having one later on.

She did also send me a really cute quilt that I'm going to bring in with some blankets (one is on the side) that I'm working on for Kids Konnected. Thought it was really nice that she took the time to work one up. She's due in the next few weeks, and so had a huge push to finish as many crafts as she can before the babe decides to show!