So, I craft. I card, I scrapbook, I make jewelry, I crochet and tat. But the one thing I DON'T do is knit. I have tried over the years, but haven't been able to get the hang of it. I got my Grandma Keller's needles, at least some of them. But I guess I have just been keeping them for sentimental reasons.
I don't know why, but recently I decided to give it another go. I wasn't going to let two needles and some yarn lick me. I bought a book for preteens and started slow. I think I finally got the idea. I can do a garter stitch. I knit, I purl, I can even increase a knit, both the back and front method and the invisible method. If I can't do something, I search for instructions on how I can. Over the years I have collected a few how-to books, and I am searching them from cover to cover. I think I have eight different ones, plus pages printed off of various websites. Little by little, I am getting it.
My friend has this headband that is so cute. I saw it right after I started knitting. I thought, I can do that! She offered to let me borrow it, but I said, nah, I can do it. I could have, if it was crochet. I did crochet one, but it didn't lay right. So I practiced knitting and I tried it, but I couldn't get it to look right. I researched a lot, but I wasn't finding what I needed. What I needed was a stitch that was half knit, half crochet.
So I checked around. I found something called tunisian crochet, or the afghan stitch. It is also called the half crochet. One of the stitches looked like it would do the trick. So I printed up all the instructions that I could find and began learning something new. After days and days, and tendonitis, I found out that it wasn't going to work out. Completely wrong for what I wanted.
I thought about it and realized the answer WAS knitting, but I just needed to tweak what I have already learned. I am really trying hard... I don't think I will hit too many snags, I hope. I have tried to work on it, but the tendonitis isn't necessarily allowing it yet.
For weeks, I have been spending every waking minute working on this project. The really funny thing is that I tried Courtney's headband on and the style looks awful on me. I mean, really awful. I am not quite sure why I am going to all the trouble. Just to say I can, I guess. I don't know that I could call it a magnificent obsession, but it is sure an obsession. And I am what I am, no matter what.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Whining and Fighting and Tears, OH MY!
I am currently hiding in my room while all four kids are taking a much needed (and I might add, earned) nap. I am not foolish enough to think they are really napping, but they are in their rooms, and that is good enough for me.
Annye is having major issues lately. Crying over everything. If she doesn't get her way, she cries. And cries. Pretty soon, she is crying and holding her head. I think she cries so much it gives her a headache. I know it gives me one. Still, she is not the main problem.
The girls are SO contentious all the time. I have heard that they are nice to each other at school, but I don't really believe it. Because one can be happy alone, but as soon as the other one comes out of the classroom, the whining and fighting begin. "You never let me get in the van first." "Your bag is in my way." I don't want to hold your left hand, I want to hold your right." That last one is a joke, because neither one of them seems to be able to grasp left and right. But I digress. They fight over who gets which chair during homework time, who gets to read to me first, who placed their shoes closer to where they are supposed to go. You name it, I have heard them argue about it. And whenever then can, they get Ethan involved.
Today we had to go to the store after school, to buy little things like meat and cheese for lunches. I didn't want to, but they whine if they aren't allowed to eat. So we went. As soon as the baby got strapped into the van, she started screaming. She fell asleep when we were almost there. That meant I had to carry her at the store. Which meant that the bigger kids had to hold hands across the parking lot and then help me in the store. Emma was supposed to push the cart, Ethan was supposed to pull, Ame was going to grab what I needed and put it in the cart. I thought it would work just fine. But the boy threw a fit because he wanted to push, Emma pushed him away, they kept running in to me, Ethan decided he would push towards Emma. This whole huge struggle. And I was becoming that mom, I could feel it building up. You know, the one who flips out in the middle of the store and just starts yelling at her kids. Then, after about 15 minutes of just trying to get to the isles I needed to go to without someone dying, Ame started to complain that she hadn't been able to help me get anything. "When can I get something? Why aren't you having me get anything?" That was the straw. We left the store without anything. So I hope we have enough meat and cheese for lunches tomorrow.
I was so frazzled, I went to another store. But this time I went in alone. I figured this was a sort of a Darwin experiment. I half expected that when I got back out to the van, I would have less children because they would kill each other. I figured if they did, at least I wouldn't be there to hear it. GOING CRAZY! I spent a little extra time in the store, enjoying the fact that no one was picking fights there. I was only there for 5-10 minutes, but when I left, I had a spring in my step. Things were looking up.
I got in the van and everyone was sitting in their respective seats. Annye was still asleep. The kids were laughing, quietly. I asked if everyone was nice, they said yes. I got in, happy that I had left them for a moment so they could regroup. By the time I put on my seat belt, they were at it again.
Annye is having major issues lately. Crying over everything. If she doesn't get her way, she cries. And cries. Pretty soon, she is crying and holding her head. I think she cries so much it gives her a headache. I know it gives me one. Still, she is not the main problem.
The girls are SO contentious all the time. I have heard that they are nice to each other at school, but I don't really believe it. Because one can be happy alone, but as soon as the other one comes out of the classroom, the whining and fighting begin. "You never let me get in the van first." "Your bag is in my way." I don't want to hold your left hand, I want to hold your right." That last one is a joke, because neither one of them seems to be able to grasp left and right. But I digress. They fight over who gets which chair during homework time, who gets to read to me first, who placed their shoes closer to where they are supposed to go. You name it, I have heard them argue about it. And whenever then can, they get Ethan involved.
Today we had to go to the store after school, to buy little things like meat and cheese for lunches. I didn't want to, but they whine if they aren't allowed to eat. So we went. As soon as the baby got strapped into the van, she started screaming. She fell asleep when we were almost there. That meant I had to carry her at the store. Which meant that the bigger kids had to hold hands across the parking lot and then help me in the store. Emma was supposed to push the cart, Ethan was supposed to pull, Ame was going to grab what I needed and put it in the cart. I thought it would work just fine. But the boy threw a fit because he wanted to push, Emma pushed him away, they kept running in to me, Ethan decided he would push towards Emma. This whole huge struggle. And I was becoming that mom, I could feel it building up. You know, the one who flips out in the middle of the store and just starts yelling at her kids. Then, after about 15 minutes of just trying to get to the isles I needed to go to without someone dying, Ame started to complain that she hadn't been able to help me get anything. "When can I get something? Why aren't you having me get anything?" That was the straw. We left the store without anything. So I hope we have enough meat and cheese for lunches tomorrow.
I was so frazzled, I went to another store. But this time I went in alone. I figured this was a sort of a Darwin experiment. I half expected that when I got back out to the van, I would have less children because they would kill each other. I figured if they did, at least I wouldn't be there to hear it. GOING CRAZY! I spent a little extra time in the store, enjoying the fact that no one was picking fights there. I was only there for 5-10 minutes, but when I left, I had a spring in my step. Things were looking up.
I got in the van and everyone was sitting in their respective seats. Annye was still asleep. The kids were laughing, quietly. I asked if everyone was nice, they said yes. I got in, happy that I had left them for a moment so they could regroup. By the time I put on my seat belt, they were at it again.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
out of the mouth of babes... or the girl of a million words
Annye is at such a wonderful age... if you don't count the tantrums over a myriad of things. I had forgotten, with the boy, how amazing it is when they learn a new word every time you turn around. Or maybe it is because I have dealt with a kid with a speech problem most recently that I am so amazed. Either way...
At church, we were walking the halls (long story) and she saw a picture of kids at a picnic. She pointed at it and said "eating." Not eat, eating. It was cute.
She now says Mama, Daddy, Emma, Ame, Ethan (Eths), Annye, sandwich, bear, car, ... I don't want to bore you. Because I am sure that no one would care as much as I do. And that's okay. I especially love when she hurts me and says, "Torry." Yesterday she kept saying "Hupie" and I was at a loss. Over and over, and I couldn't figure it out. Finally, Ethan went over and helped her get the toys she wanted. Then she said "tan too" and stopped saying "hupie." I don't know if Ethan understood she was saying help please, or if he just got lucky. It still takes me a minute when I hear it... It's like "me-ah." That means come here. It is pretty cute.
I love how good the kids are with her. They are the reason she has such an extensive vocab. Emma and Ame began labelling everything when we were teaching Ethan to speak. And they have kept it up. It drives me a bit batty sometimes, but I'm that proud of them, too. At lunch, Annye picks up a chip, or grape, or piece of cheese. "Mama, mama, mama," and holds it out to me. I won't play, but Ethan does. So she picks up another piece...
They are very good kids, all. They play together pretty well. This morning Emma got Annye out of bed so Ethan could sleep in. Then she brought her into our room to wake us up. I told her I wish she hadn't done that. She said, "You needed to get up, didn't you?" Dang smart kid.
We have started reading the actual scriptures, with me pointing out the corresponding pictures in the Book of Mormon Reader for Ethan and Annye. The girls read so well. Must have gotten it from Grandpa Keller. I hope Ethan will do as well, although he is getting a late start. Back to the scriptures, though. I am having a hard time keeping the boy and baby engaged. Tonight Annye kept saying "bear, bear, bear," until I took the bear away. Then she screamed the rest of the time. She quieted down for prayers, even saying 4 words of her own prayer. When she got the bear back, she was happy again and went right to bed.
I had a friend over to scrapbook. I was so excited to work on my family scrapbook. But when she got here, I just couldn't get into it. I needed to journal, and maybe I just couldn't do that without talking out loud to myself. I don't know. So I decided to card. But I couldn't come up with the creativity. In over two hours, I made one fairly plain card. I played a bit with the embossing powder I bought this past weekend, but that is all. I need to get that book done. I am still at Ethan's birth story. Then Mark making Red5, the move to Utah County, Annye's birth story, and the move to California. If I would just work on it... I think I will do a bit each day. I have written the rest of the boy's, I will type it up tomorrow. And if I can get Red5 done at the same time, I can print them up on the same paper. Maybe even the move. I am going to do it. So excited.
At church, we were walking the halls (long story) and she saw a picture of kids at a picnic. She pointed at it and said "eating." Not eat, eating. It was cute.
She now says Mama, Daddy, Emma, Ame, Ethan (Eths), Annye, sandwich, bear, car, ... I don't want to bore you. Because I am sure that no one would care as much as I do. And that's okay. I especially love when she hurts me and says, "Torry." Yesterday she kept saying "Hupie" and I was at a loss. Over and over, and I couldn't figure it out. Finally, Ethan went over and helped her get the toys she wanted. Then she said "tan too" and stopped saying "hupie." I don't know if Ethan understood she was saying help please, or if he just got lucky. It still takes me a minute when I hear it... It's like "me-ah." That means come here. It is pretty cute.
I love how good the kids are with her. They are the reason she has such an extensive vocab. Emma and Ame began labelling everything when we were teaching Ethan to speak. And they have kept it up. It drives me a bit batty sometimes, but I'm that proud of them, too. At lunch, Annye picks up a chip, or grape, or piece of cheese. "Mama, mama, mama," and holds it out to me. I won't play, but Ethan does. So she picks up another piece...
They are very good kids, all. They play together pretty well. This morning Emma got Annye out of bed so Ethan could sleep in. Then she brought her into our room to wake us up. I told her I wish she hadn't done that. She said, "You needed to get up, didn't you?" Dang smart kid.
We have started reading the actual scriptures, with me pointing out the corresponding pictures in the Book of Mormon Reader for Ethan and Annye. The girls read so well. Must have gotten it from Grandpa Keller. I hope Ethan will do as well, although he is getting a late start. Back to the scriptures, though. I am having a hard time keeping the boy and baby engaged. Tonight Annye kept saying "bear, bear, bear," until I took the bear away. Then she screamed the rest of the time. She quieted down for prayers, even saying 4 words of her own prayer. When she got the bear back, she was happy again and went right to bed.
I had a friend over to scrapbook. I was so excited to work on my family scrapbook. But when she got here, I just couldn't get into it. I needed to journal, and maybe I just couldn't do that without talking out loud to myself. I don't know. So I decided to card. But I couldn't come up with the creativity. In over two hours, I made one fairly plain card. I played a bit with the embossing powder I bought this past weekend, but that is all. I need to get that book done. I am still at Ethan's birth story. Then Mark making Red5, the move to Utah County, Annye's birth story, and the move to California. If I would just work on it... I think I will do a bit each day. I have written the rest of the boy's, I will type it up tomorrow. And if I can get Red5 done at the same time, I can print them up on the same paper. Maybe even the move. I am going to do it. So excited.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
My very first post
Life in California
I have been here for five months now. Right in the middle of winter and I am complaining about the weather. I think you have to, this time of year, no matter where you are. It was 46 this morning. Utah friends are saying shut up right now, I know. It rained so much last week that I don't think the grass will ever dry out. We walked to the school today for the first time in what feels like forever. But we had to walk home fast to beat the rain.
I really think that I am getting used to life here. I went out with the Utah BlooSky wives last weekend. There was a craft show in Anaheim. What does it say when I feel happier with life after a few hours around craft supplies? But, honestly, I had such a fun time. It is nice to be around people who are in the same situation as I am. Far from home. I am jealous that they live so close together. Mark and I talk often about moving closer to them all when our lease is up.
A friend from our ward is supposed to come over to scrapbook tomorrow. I hope we have fun. It will be nice to have some time in my office. I need to play in there more often. It is hard to, with a million kids. I think I would have a better outlook on life if I worked on my stuff. I have been knitting until my hands are about to fall off, so it would be nice to work on something different for a change.
Speaking of knitting: I think I am getting the hang of it. I can't imagine ever enjoying it as much as I do crochet, but I am going to lick it. I don't know why I don't just work on tatting, but I feel like I have to get it this time. I wish Grandma Keller was here to help me. She could explain it to me. Too little, too late.
I have been here for five months now. Right in the middle of winter and I am complaining about the weather. I think you have to, this time of year, no matter where you are. It was 46 this morning. Utah friends are saying shut up right now, I know. It rained so much last week that I don't think the grass will ever dry out. We walked to the school today for the first time in what feels like forever. But we had to walk home fast to beat the rain.
I really think that I am getting used to life here. I went out with the Utah BlooSky wives last weekend. There was a craft show in Anaheim. What does it say when I feel happier with life after a few hours around craft supplies? But, honestly, I had such a fun time. It is nice to be around people who are in the same situation as I am. Far from home. I am jealous that they live so close together. Mark and I talk often about moving closer to them all when our lease is up.
A friend from our ward is supposed to come over to scrapbook tomorrow. I hope we have fun. It will be nice to have some time in my office. I need to play in there more often. It is hard to, with a million kids. I think I would have a better outlook on life if I worked on my stuff. I have been knitting until my hands are about to fall off, so it would be nice to work on something different for a change.
Speaking of knitting: I think I am getting the hang of it. I can't imagine ever enjoying it as much as I do crochet, but I am going to lick it. I don't know why I don't just work on tatting, but I feel like I have to get it this time. I wish Grandma Keller was here to help me. She could explain it to me. Too little, too late.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)