Food For Thought

LIFE IS A JOURNEY

2012-01-30T14:33:00.001-05:00

Went to check out the new sketch over at Creative Scrappers and the new word over at Bird is the Word....Journey. So I combined the sketch and the word. Here is the sketch from Creative Scrappers...

Here is my version...

Life is a Journey - When Heather had her sonagram it was a shock that their were two babies. Bella and Luke was born July 10 and have grown on their journey through life so far. They are 18 months old now and still learning lots.

PROJECT 366 REWIND - WK. #4

2012-01-30T11:22:00.002-05:00

It's week 4 already! Wow the month went fast. There is a prize drawing going on this week. The prize is a gorgeous camera strap from Gina over at Stylish Beach Bum. Go check them out, their beautiful!

Remember to post an additional photo for your the best of the month- or let us know which photo you are submitting for this month’s contest. As a reminder- the prize this month is a new camera strap from Gina’s store Stylish Beach Bum.

My favorite photo...

On to this week's pictures...
22/366
Bella tearing up paper. It's like have a shredder around.

23/366
Cold and snowy, luckily it only lasted a little while and it didn't stay long.

24/366
Some weeds in the garden with fluffy stuff seed heads.

25/366
A look into our freezer. Lots of yummy's.

26/366
The barn cat watching me take pictures. Haven't gotten close enough to know if this is a he or she cat.

27/366
Bella and Grandpa. He teaches her funny faces.

28/366
Me and Luke. Luke was trying to grab the camera when I took this picture. What a surprise that it turned out as good as it did.

That's it for now. Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom or Gina's place, Chic Homeschool Mama to see all the pictures of everyone's Project 366 Rewind.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

2012-01-29T10:15:00.002-05:00

Scavenger Hunt Sunday is hosted over at Ashley's place, Ramblings and Photos. Hope over to see what everyone is sharing.

The rules are simple:
1. Anyone can participate.
2. You're encouraged to take five new photos this week for the challenge. Creativity is also encouraged!
3. If you get stumped, you may use one photo from your archive (although I'm not too strict about it - I do my best to take fresh shots).
4. Link up here on Sunday (or Tuesday at the latest) - you can use the button above.
5. Leave comments for at least five entries around yours (we have so many new participants each week, this is the only way I know to be inclusive).
Have fun!

Without further discussion...here are my interpretations this week:

Smile

Bella being her smiley self. She's a happy baby most of the time.

Stand Alone

Everyone has one these days. It's your computer, it is known to computer techs as a stand alone. Why, because......

It refers to a device that is self-contained, one that does not require any other devices to function. For example, a fax machine is a stand-alone device because it does not require a computer, printer, modem, or other device. A printer, on the other hand, is not a stand-alone device because it requires a computer to feed it data.

Rusty

This is a rusty beat up ash tray my son uses outside in the shed. He brought it in for a cleaning, all though that didn't really help it any.

Artificial

These are some flowers I use on my scrapbook pages.

Repeating Pattern

An afghan I made last year. It's called a Ripple pattern.

And here is the list of things to look for next week. Sponsored by Andrea of The Art of Life:

1. Strike a Pose
2. Footwear
3. Hobby
4. Shiny
5. Color Me Green

2012-01-28T10:06:00.001-05:00

I am joining Urban Muser for In The Picture a selfie portrait linky party. If you want to read more details, go here.

*This is a self-portrait project, which means all photos must contain some part of you. Show as much or as little of yourself as you want, but give us something, even if it's only your feet.
*It should go without saying, but all photos must be taken by you and only you! Arms length, reflections, tripods, self-timers, remote controls...heck, even prop your camera up on a pile of books. I've tried it all.
*This project is free! I only ask that you share some of your selfies here on my blog on the last Friday of each month when I provide a link-up, and add them to our flickr pool.
*I'll start in January 2012 and run the project over the course of the entire year, but you can take as many or as few self-portraits as you want. You can join at any time, and come and go as you please.
*What's your number? That one is up to you. In 2011 I did 52 selfies in 52 weeks and I think I'll try that again this year. If you're turning 30 this year, maybe that's the number for you. If it's your 10th anniversary, 10 could be your calling. Or perhaps you'll want to aim for once a month. If you've never taken a selfie before and your goal this year is to take just one, I'd love to have you join us here too.

I don't really like being in front of the camera. I like being behind the camera, so doing selfies is a hard one for me. But I'm going to do this, one of my goals this year is to do more selfies. I am going to shoot for 12 selfies, one a month. We'll see what happens. My picture this month......

me and Luke. I was playing around with the camera. Luke was trying to grab the camera and I would pull it back and snap a picture. I was totally surprised when I uploaded them to the computer. I didn't think they would be any good.

[this moment]

2012-01-27T09:44:00.000-05:00

{this moment} is over at Amanda's place, SouleMama. Hope over and check it out.

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

THINGS IN MY GARDEN

2012-01-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

Thought I would show you some "things" in my garden. There aren't any flowers of course. It's the middle of winter here. But there's other interesting stuff there to look at. Like..................

The Lantern...

This Rock....

Some berries...

Birdhouses all lined up...

Some fluffy weeds...

And of course this came a few days after I took these pictures....

Want to see some more great pictures? Head over to Deb's place, Deb Duty Photography to check them out. Deb hosts This or That Thursday. So hop over and see all the pictures everyone is sharing.

PROJECT 52 - WEEK #4

2012-01-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

Amarie over at Tickle My Whimsy is the host for Project 52. One picture a week is all you need. Want to join, just head over to Amarie's place to check it out.

Something cold, I think this covers that. This is our barn. It needs some paint and a few other things. It is mostly used for storage. One of these days I'm going out there and take some pictures of what is inside. It'll have to warm up a lot before I make it out there.

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2012-01-24T10:35:00.000-05:00

Carole over at Gingerbread Girl is the host for One A Day Project. Got a crochet or knitting project your working on? Hop over and check out everyone's projects.

I've been working on my Hexagon Blanket a lot the last few weeks. It's almost done! I measured it and I think one more row will do it. This is me measuring, yea I know, it's not very scientific, but it works.

I have been working on putting these rows together. I was watching t.v. on my computer. Body of Evidence, anyone watch this, really great show. It's over at ABC.com if you want to check it out.

This is the length, I've already gotten that part.

This is the width, one more row to do.

Then I have to do the trim, which I've been thinking about what color to use. Any suggestions? Off to check everyone's progress.

THE GRAY DAYS OF WINTER

2012-01-24T10:11:00.001-05:00

Sketches in Thyme has a challenge every Thursday called Thursday Takes. They give you a sketch to work with.

The Gray Days of Winter - I used some pictures I had of winter from last year. I made the snowflakes from a stencil I have.

To see a close up of the picture, just click on it.

REMEMBER WHEN......

2012-01-24T10:01:00.002-05:00

Over at Bird is the Word, the new word is Remember. They also give you a sketch if you want to use it, but it's not required.

Remember When - this is my mom and dad. They were so young and happy in this picture. I spattered some paint, crumpled and tore the paper and made the flower out of some lace and a button from my mom's button tin.

To see the picture close up, just click on it.

PROJECT 366 REWIND - WK. #3

2012-01-23T09:33:00.000-05:00

15/366
My son made breakfast, Sausage patties, eggs, English muffins and orange juice.

16/366
Bella stole the chicken off her mom's plate and took off running.

17/366
Time to refill the ink cartridges on the printer. Thankfully I don't have to do it, my son does.

18/366
Me and the twins. They like to sit on my lap and watch the computer scree, yea right, they really want to play with the keyboard and mousse.

19/366
The remote control, we have to hide it from the twins, we put it in the crib. They can't reach it there.

20/366
The aftermath of Bella and Luke playing. We are working on picking up, but it's not going to well.

21/366
The blackbirds coming in to clean up the garbage.

Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom or Gina's place, Chic Homeschool Mama. There's lots more pictures to see.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

2012-01-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos is the host for Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Hop over and check it out. Some really great pictures to look at.

Sunset - We haven't seen the sun for a week and a half here. So had to use a shot I took the first of the month.

Black and White - This is a little table in our bathroom. It holds the band-aids and cotton balls. It's mostly black with a little red.

A Day in My Life - is dishes and more dishes. Between the dishes and laundry they both keep me busy. Thankfully I have a dishwasher. Awesome invention!!

Four - this is Bella. She likes to tear up paper. She's like a little shredder. Thankfully she puts it in the trash can.

Colorful - toys to play. All nice and neat, but give it a few minutes and it will all be scattered on the floor.

The items to find next week.....
1. Smile (Saun's suggestion)
2. Stand Alone (Saun's suggestion)
3. Rusty or Something Old (Saun's suggestion)
4. Artificial (Terrie's suggestion)
5. Repeating Pattern (Terrie's suggestion)

BOOK REVIEW

2012-01-21T11:42:00.000-05:00

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
Product Description(Amazon.com)
“We said there was no home like a raft. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery…but you feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft.” Sail down the Mississippi with Huck Finn and the runaway slave, Jim. Twain’s beloved tale, with its folksy language, creates an indelible image of antebellum America with its sleepy river towns, con men, family feuds, and a variety of colorful characters.
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Sterling; Abridged edition (March 28, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402724993
ISBN-13: 978-1402724992

MY THOUGHTS: There isn't too much to say about this book. It's a great adventure to re-live from my childhood. But at the time I read this, I didn't know it was a banned book. I don't really understand why they ban books. Just because someone doesn't like the language???? It's the way they talked in that time period. Anyway, if you haven't read this book, give it a try. You'll love Huck's adventure down the river. He gets into some really big messes.

MY RATING: 5

BOOKS

2012-01-20T09:33:00.001-05:00

Over at Creative Scrappers the challenge is up to use this sketch.....

This is my version.....

BOOKS - I love to read. I'll read anything, but mostly I like reading mysteries. This is a stack of several books that are all around the house. I usually read 2 or 3 books at a time.

I'm also linking up with Scrapbookers Anonymous for their A to Z challenge. The letter is "F". I've used flowers and fabric on this LO.

BOOKING THROUGH THURSDAY

2012-01-19T10:06:00.000-05:00

Over at Booking Through Thursday today the question asks.................

I saw this article the other day that asked, “Are you ashamed of skipping parts of books?” Which, naturally, made me want to ask all of YOU.

Do you skip ahead in a book? Do you feel badly about it when you do?

Well I guess I'm guilty of doing this. Not very often but sometimes. If the book doesn't keep me interested I do skip ahead to find something that does. But that doesn't always work. I did that with this book.................

In The Kitchen by Monica Ali

I skipped pages looking for something that would hold by interest. But it didn't work, I couldn't finish the book. Way too many characters and too much info, it kept me flipping pages trying to figure out who was who and what they were doing. Do I feel guilty about skipping pages? No, it gets me to where I want to be faster and I can enjoy the book much more.

PROJECT 51 - WEEK 2 & 3

2012-01-18T19:53:00.000-05:00

Amarie over at Tickle My Whimsy is the host for Project 52. Want to know more? Head over and check it out.

I took a picture week 2 but didn't get it posted. I've got one week 3, so thought I'd put them both up.

Week #2 - a seed pod, it's one of many from the Trumpet Vine.

Week #3 - me holding Bella and Luke.

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2012-01-17T08:20:00.001-05:00

Carole over at Gingerbread Girl is the host for One A Day Project. Working on a project and want to share? Head over to Carole's place and check it out.

Last week I couldn't show you how much progress I made. My camera was having issues. But it's all fixed for now and all 147 pictures got uploaded to my computer.

Before

4 more rows added on and more in the stack ready to be added on. I haven't measured yet, but I think it's about halfway done now. I'll have to check that out later.

PROJECT 366 REWIND - WK. #2

2012-01-16T08:55:00.000-05:00

We had a winter storm blow through last week. It brought about 4 inches of snow, 50 mile an hour winds and frigid temps. It was not a nice couple of day. We were under a winter storm warning for 2 days. Luckily we didn't get as much snow as they predicted.

8/366
The weather has been kind of strange here. We were having 50 and 60 degree days. Some of the spring flowers are coming up. I even found a dandelion blooming.

9/366
You ever watch your kids faces? They make some funny ones. This is Bella and Luke making some of their funny faces.
Bella

Luke

10/366
A seed pod on the Trumpet Vine.

11/366
Bella and Luke love chase each other. And they like it even better when mommy chases them.

12/366
The snow began and the winds were howling. This is the cold/chilly aftermath.

13/366
Car parking, for toy cars.

14/366
The bright blue sky after the storm. As for the tree, it was damaged in an ice storm we had about 10 years ago. It hasn't recovered very well.

Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah or Gina's places to check them out.

CREATIVE SCRAPPERS # 190

2012-01-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

Over at Creative Scrappers the give you a sketch to work with. This one really jumped out at me. Here is the sketch.....

Here is my version.....
Spring...is in the air - this little bunny came hopping out of my flower bed one day. He sat there a few minutes and then hopped off.

SKETCHES IN THYME # 66

2012-01-16T08:13:00.000-05:00

Thursday Takes is a scrapbook challenge over at Sketches in Thyme. They give you a sketch and you get to work with it. This is the #66 sketch.

My version.......
ART - some unusual buildings around my town. Glass, Metal and Brick.

SKETCHES IN THYME # 65

2012-01-16T08:08:00.000-05:00

Thursday Takes is a scrapbook challenge over at Sketches in Thyme. They give you a sketch and you get to work with it. This is the #65 sketch.

This is my version.....
DRIVE UP - one of my favorite places to eat.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

2012-01-15T08:24:00.001-05:00

Ashly over at Ramblings and Photos is the host for Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Hop over and check out all the folks sharing their scavenger shots.

Stacked Up - the dishes stack up pretty fast around here.

Winter Wonderland - we had a winter storm blow through with snow, 50 mph winds and frigid temps.

Sweet - Pecan Rolls and Mountain Dew, not my favorite, but Heather's.

Hole - lots of them in the cement.

Frozen - inside our freezer are lots of goodies to eat.

Next weeks list......

1. Sunset
2. Black and White
3. A Day in My Life
4. Four (suggested approach: a set of four photos that go together...four photos of your pet, around your house, scenery, whatever you like)
5. Colorful

HOME

2012-01-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

The challenge at The Round Robin Photo Challenge is HOME.

I've been thinking about this one for a couple weeks, trying to figure out what represents home to me. I've had several ideas, but this one is what is HOME to me.

All the things that go on around my home, laundry, cooking, the twins, and being outside, is home. But mostly it's my house that's home to me. If I've been away for a while it's a welcome sight when I drive into the driveway.

WE PROMISE......to love you forever

2012-01-13T07:08:00.000-05:00

I've done a scrapbook page for Bird is the Word and Scrapbookers Anonymous. The requirements for Bird is the Word is to use the word Promise. For Scarpbookers Anonymous you have to use ink, mist, or paint and masking!

I had several pictures of the twins when they were tiny. We all were holding them and thought this would work great for Bird is the Word's Promise challenge. As for masking, I used a stencil I had and used ink. This is my page.......

Head over to Bird is the Word and Scrapbookers Anonymous to check out everyone's pages. There are some awesome designers at each place and they share their take on both of these challenges.

TEN ON TEN

2012-01-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

I'm a little late getting these pictures posted. My camera was having issues and couldn't get them uploaded. But finally got the problem fixed. YEA!! These are my pictures from the 10th for 10 hours. Head over to Rebekah's place, A Bit of Sunshine to see all the pictures everyone is sharing. Want to know more about this? Here's some info:

If you have never participated all you do is take one photo an hour for ten hours to document a simple + beautiful day in your life. When you are ready come back here and leave the link to your post on the linky party below. I am looking forward to checking out how your days take shape later on, have a wonderful day today friends!

Clean kitchen for now.

Tommy coming in the back door.

Reading and Computer, my passions.

Some vines and berries in the garden.

Bubber taking a nap on the couch.

Laundry is never ending around here.

Bella and Luke having some broccoli, they love it.

Toys everywhere.

Bella trying to steal my pen.

All back in place for now.

GAME OF CHASE

2012-01-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

Bella and Luke love to chase each other. They get the giggles and run into each other most of the time. Or they like it when mommy joins in the fun.

I'm joining Kimberly over at A Fresh Perspective for Wild & Wonderful Wednesday. Want to join in? Head over and check out all the pictures everyone is sharing. Here's the rules:

1. Grab my button for your post and link up below (or at least use a text link) so others can find out about Wild & Wonderful Wednesday. (I reserve the right to delete links that don't follow this one simple rule. K? Thanks.).
2. Link up your post URL (or Flickr photo URL), not your blog URL.
3. Photos must be yours please.
4. Try to visit and comment on a few other linker uppers (mine too please! It is just rude to link up and not comment, don'tcha think?). We know how much everyone loves comments!
5. You have until Saturday at midnight to link up!

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2012-01-10T07:31:00.000-05:00

Carol over at Gingerbread Girl is the host for One A Day Project. Got a crochet or knit project you want to share? Head over to Carol's place and see all the projects everyone is sharing.

I'm still working on my Hexagon blanket. Haven't made a One A Day post since December 6. At that time my blanket only had 2 rows.

I've worked on it off and on the month of December. This picture shows 7 rows.

My camera is having issues. I can't upload my new picture. Hopefully that will be resolved today. My son is getting me a card reader so then I can upload my pictures. My new picture of the Hexagon Blanket is on the camera with about 100 other pictures. I've put a few more rows on the blanket. It's about halfway done I think. So I'll have to show it to you next time.

PROJECT 366 REWIND - WK. #1

2012-01-09T14:49:00.000-05:00

Sarah and Gina are co-hosts for Project 366 Rewind. Want to know more?

* Post your week in pictures on Mondays. They can be in the form of a collage or separate.
* Including the weekly prompts is optional.
* Our button must be present in your post.
* Please visit some other blogs, and leave some love and encouragement.
* Submit the URL of your blog post or Flickr entries, not your home page.

So here goes my week. With an extra.

Monday - I captured snow, what a surprise when I uploaded the picture. I didn't even know I got the snow flakes.

Tuesday - Tommy giving Bubber a big hug. We had to put down his sister in November, she had Cancer. So Bubber has been a little lonely.

Wednesday - Some vines and weeds living in my garden. I've been practicing taking close ups.

Thursday - Tommy and Luke, Luke is feeding noodles to his daddy and getting a big kick out of it.

Friday - Ooops, just a little tooo close. The design on my shirt.

Saturday - Bella and Luke eating Ramdam noodles. They learning how to use a spoon, but not doing too good. They usually wind up using their fingers.

Sunday - Some spring flowers coming up in January! The weather has been very warm, so the poor things are confused.

Fresh Start - Where were you on the stoke of midnight New Year's Eve? I was the only one awake and playing Spider Solitaire on the computer.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

2012-01-08T10:12:00.000-05:00

Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos is the host for Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Want to join in? Head over and check out all the pictures everyone is sharing.

One Color - kind of.

Laundry - Luke likes to play with the laundry baskets.

Empty - the coffee table for once doesn't have lots of toys on it.

One Dozen - well maybe a little more, but there are lots of chickens in my kitchen.

Soft - Bella's hair is soft, but fuzzy.

Next week's list of pictures to get.
1. Stacked Up (Honey Mommy's suggestion)
2. Winter Wonderland (Honey Mommy's suggestion)
3. Sweet (Honey Mommy and Sacha's suggestion)
4. Hole (Sacha's suggestion)
5. Frozen (Sacha's suggestion)

[this moment]

2012-01-06T08:10:00.000-05:00

Amanda over at SouleMama is the host for [this moment].

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

BOOKING THROUGH THURSDAY

2012-01-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

The question this week over at Booking Through Thursday is...........

If you could sit down and interview anyone, who would it be?
And, what would you ask them?

Wonderful question. There are so many authors I would love to interview. I could go on and on. But I guess I'll narrow it down to one.

Ken Follett author of Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. And his newest series Fall of Giants, which is on my reading list this year.
1. What do you determine you are going to write about?
2. Where do you get all your information?
3. Who do you choose to write about?
4. When do you write, mornings, afternoons or evenings?
5. Why are your books soooooo long?

PROJECT 52 - WEEK 1

2012-01-04T18:34:00.001-05:00

Amarie over at Tickle My Whimsy is hosting Project 52. It's one picture for the week, simple right. Want to know more:

Just a few simple rules before we get started:

* One photo per entry.
* Link to your 52 Weeks BLOG POST OR PHOTO, NOT THE URL OF YOUR BLOG.
* Add the button from the bottom of the this blog to your post to link back to me.
* Visit other participants and leave some comment love.
That’s it!

Beginnings
What were you doing at the stroke of midnight New Year's Eve? I was the only one awake and playing Spider Solitaire on my computer.

BOOK REPORT

2012-01-04T18:19:00.002-05:00

"Bride of A Wicked Scotsman" by Samantha James
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Lady Maura O'Donnell swore to her father on his deathbed that she'd recover the Circle of Light, an enchanted Celtic relic that had brought the family prosperity—until it was stolen a century earlier by a notorious pirate. Now the pirate's descendant, the Duke of Gleneden, holds this rare treasure, and Maura would give anything to get it back . . .
Alec McBride knows when he's been had. Lady Maura tricked him into marriage with the expertise of a born seductress, and now she'll pay for her treachery. He'll ravish her, tempt her, tame her—until she sorely wishes she'd never heard of the Duke of Gleneden. Caught up in their game of revenge, Alec and Maura never notice what is happening in their hearts—until it's too late.
Their marriage may have been a farce, but there is nothing truer than their desire . . .
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060899409
ISBN-13: 978-0060899400

MY THOUGHTS: This is one of 3 new books I picked up at the library. I really enjoyed reading about Lady Maura and the Duke of Gleneden. They were very likeable characters. Along with the romance there was a mystery to solve. Maura is out to find the Circle of Light. It was stolen by The Black Pirate from her home and her people and lands were cursed along with The Black Pirate. Maura's father forces a deathbed promise from her to find the Circle of Light and bring it back home. Maura sets out to entice Alec, the Duke of Gleneden. Alec is the decendent of The Black Pirate. Maura drugs Alec and professes the next day that he took her virginity. Which forces Alec to marry her. Once at Alec's estate Maura can search for the Circle of Light. Does she find the Circle of Light? Do Maura and Alec stay together? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

RICE KRISPIES

2012-01-03T13:15:00.001-05:00

Do you like Rice Krispies treats? Have you made them or bought them?

We made some for treats for the twins. Their first ever Rice Krispie treats. It was a hit, they gobbled them up.

Luke enjoying his Rice Krispie treat. I am linking up with Darcy over at Life With My 3 Boybarians for Sweet Shot Tuesday. Got a picture to share? Head over to Darcy's place to check out all the pictures everyone is sharing.

WHAT'S IN YOUR GARDEN???

2012-01-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

I am joining Lisa over at Lisa's Chaos for Macro Monday.

I've been practicing getting up close and personal with what I'm shooting. It's really hard to get that perfect picture. As you can see here.....

Opppp.....I was trying to shoot the little white balls on the weeds, but as you can see it's just a little to close. Moving on....
This one came out better. It's what's left of the green vine that grows along the rock wall of my garden with a few weeds thrown in for good measure.

Head over to Lisa's place to see all the Macro's everyone is sharing.

MEMORIES, DREAMS AND REFLECTIONS 2011

2012-01-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos is the host for this meme, Memories, Dreams and Reflections 2011. What to do, here's some info:

The beauty of "Memories, Dreams and Reflections" is that you don't really have to photograph anything new, but share photos you've taken all year long. Want to join us? Here's how:
1. Grab the button above and feel free to share it on your blog.
2. Feel free to write as much or as little about each prompt as you'd like.
3. Feel free to post more than one picture for each prompt if you think it's necessary. If you don't have a picture to represent the prompt, skip it...participate as much or as little as you'd like.
4. If you use any photos that are not your own, please provide a source.
5. Link up your blog or Flickr photostream below.
6. Have fun!

1. Me! - picture of yourself. What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2011? - loving and helping take care of my grandbabies, Bella and Luke.

2. I Love You - Bella and Luke

3. Still Laughing... - a moment you're still laughing about now...tell us a story.
Luke gets in the drawer in the kitchen. This paticular time he got stuck, but he still gets in there.

4,Winter Wonderland - a picture that reflects Winter. Our first snow of the season.

5. Birthday - share a birthday picture. Bella and Luke's 1 year birthday.

6. Friends - a picture with friends. Amaila watching Bella and Luke finger paint.

7. I Was Inspired... by Lucy over at Attic 24 and her Hexagon Blanket. This is mine so far.

8. Spring Fever - a picture that reflects Spring. When I see these little purple flowers pop up spring is on it's way.

9. Travel or Vacation - a picture taken on vacation or on a recent travel experience...even if it was only a few miles away. During the summer hubby and I took a little trip, about 5 miles, to a little town to see a tractor show.

10. Summer Days - a picture that reflects Summer. What better way to spend a summer day than at the park.

11. A Day In My Life - a picture of a typical day in your life. Cooking, Dishes and Laundry are my typical day.

12. All Smiles - a picture that makes you smile or of smiling faces. Bella and Luke playing together instead of fussing.

13. Autumn Harvest - a picture that reflects Autumn/Fall. When my hubby starts hauling in the wood it means it's fall and winter isn't far behind.

14. Family or Home - a picture of your family or a picture that represents family/home for you. This is home to me. Our house, we've lived here 34 years.

15. Celebrate! - a picture that reflects a celebration. The day Luke first pulled himself up. He was so happy.

16. Let's Do It Again... - a picture of something you'd like to do again soon. While we were at the tractor show we didn't get to go to the James Dean Museum, it was closed. Would like to go back for a visit.

17. I Miss You - a picture of someone or something you really miss. My sister only gets here about once a year. I miss her so much.

18. Beautiful - a picture of someone or something you find beautiful. My Bleeding Hearts were beautiful this year.

19. Dress Up - this might be a picture from Halloween or not...but someone who is all dressed up! Bella and Luke are usually just wearing their diapher. But when it turned chilly they got all dressed up and they didn't like it.

20. Macro - share your favorite macro or close-up image. The Tulips were extra pretty this year.

21. Holidays - a picture from the Holiday of your choice. Thanksgiving dinner before everyone started eating.

22. My Favorite - share your favorite picture or memory from 2011. Bella and Luke's first introduction to grass. Love the expression on their faces.

23. Don't Ever Change - something you love about yourself, someone, or something that you never want to change. My hubby and I have been married 43 years and in all the years he's still the same.

24. Just Because...So There! - share any picture(s) that you really want to share, but doesn't fit in any other category. Our New Year's dinner, Cabbage Rolls, Fried Potatoes and Corn Bread.

25. Hopes and Dreams - share what you hope to come or dream for 2012. Feel free to share an image of your choice. Watching Bella and Luke learn about the big world they live in.

NEW YEAR, NEW PICTURES

2012-01-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

Jan over at Murrieta 365 has a meme called First of The Month. Here is some info:

The goal is to capture one thing repeatedly on the first of each month. It can be a landscape, a person, an animal, a project; whatever your focus is, is fine. It can even be a record of where you are each First of the Month. I'll open the linky each month on the 1st, and leave it open for a week or so, to give everyone a chance to post. (Please link back to this blog, thanks.)

I started this one last year and failed miserably. So I'm hoping I do better this year. I'm using the twins as my first of the month. As they live with us, I see them everyday. This way I can show their growth progress and the crazy things they do. Hope you all enjoy them as much as I do. I'll try for a shot of them both but if not, I'll have two pictures, one of each.

This is Bella and Luke playing with the truck. Bella is riding and Luke is pushing or pulling.

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 52

2011-12-31T12:16:00.000-05:00

It's the end of the year and the end of Project 365, but don't boo hoo there is a new one for 2012. It's Project 366, yea you read right, 366 because it's a leap year. The new project has some added bonus's and challenges. Here's all the info or you can go here to sign up:

I was so sad to see Project 365 end, that I have teamed up with Gina from Chic Homeschool Mama to bring you a whole new project this year. It will be called Project 366 Rewind, to combine my Project 365 name and Gina’s Monday Rewind. Yes it is Project 366 this year because of leap year. That mean Dustyn will be 1, he he. Since he was born on leap day almost 4 years ago.
Each Monday we will post our photos from the previous week, only there will be a twist. We will be adding the fun of a prompt or two each week to give you all a little added motivation and inspiration to get out there to take some pictures every day. Not all 7 photos have to follow the prompt, but we encourage you to try to include the prompt in at least 1. You also don’t have to post 7 pictures each week, but as many as you can is always a good thing. It is a great way to practice & get to know your camera.
We also have a Flickr Group set up for those of you that want to contribute that way. Additionally, on the last Monday post of the month you can post your favorite photo from that month (in addition to your week of photos) for a chance to win a prize. To kick it off right, the first prize of the year will be a Camera Strap from my personal line Stylish Beach Bum. Those of you that are super creative and have your own merchandise in your own shops, please contact either Gina or myself if you would like to sponsor a prize package. I have also added the new button to my buttons page, so you can grab it as needed when setting up your post for next week.
Here are the prompts for January…

Week 1 ~ Fresh Start
Week 2 ~ Chilly
Week 3 ~ Start of the day
Week 4 ~ Close

The Details

* Post your week in pics on Mondays. They can be in the form of a collage or separate.
* Including the weekly prompts is optional
* Our button must be present in your post
* Please visit some other blogs, and leave some love and encouragement.
* Submit the URL of your blog post or Flickr entries, not your home page.

Ok, on to the last week of 2011. Where the heck did the year go? It seems to go lots faster as I get older. lol We got some rain and warm temps this week along with some snow. The snow was 3 days late for Christmas.

357/365
Bella and Luke sharing their applesauce with Bubber. He loved it!

358/365
The 2 inches of rain we got is slowing drying up. Love those shadows.

359/365
My working space for scrapbooking. I like to burn a candle, it smells good.

360/365
See that little jar of sand, it came from Florida. A friend gave it to me and yes I know there is dust and cobwebs. Those little critters make them faster than I can knock them down.

361/365
Snow, it's pretty when it's snowing. I got a surprise when I uploaded this picture. I captured the snowflakes, wow what a surprise. I wasn't trying to get them, just my son walking to the shed.

362/365
I took a picture of my flower bed. Put a 3D frame around it. I like the little pop of color at the bottom.

363/365
My new blanket I'm working on. It's hexagons, love the vivid colors.

Want to see more? Hop over to Sarah's place Nap Time Mom to check out other people's pictures.

BY THE WAYSIDE

2011-12-30T23:09:00.000-05:00

You may remember be showing my doily here. I'd been working on it for awhile. I got to about the 15th rnd and hit a snag. In the drawer it went. Then I got side tracked making granny squares for my blanket. Well I got that done!

Then I started working on Hexagons for another blanket. It's coming along, got some more rows done on it, plus some extra hexagons I've got to add on later.

But haven't gotten any more done on the doily. But I think I'll work on it this weekend as I'm getting a little burned out on hexagons. It'll be a nice change. This is the doily I've been working on.

So hopefully next time you see it, it will be bigger.

MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2011

2011-12-29T15:05:00.000-05:00

Booking Through Thursday asks************************

What were your favorite books of 2011?

My books in no particular order and I linked them to Amazon.com

Tourist Season - Carl Hiaasen
Elvis & Olive: Super Detectives - Stephanie Watson
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
Quilts - Marie D. Webster
Th1rteen R3asons Why - Jay Asher
Two Old Women - Velma Wallis
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
Keeper - Kathi Appelt
What The Night Knows - Dean Koontz
Threads West - Reid Lance Rosenthal
Un Lun Dun - China Mieville
Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur
The Trouble With Lacy Brown - Debra Clopton
The Danger Box - Blue Balliett
Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
Maisie Dobbs - Jacqueline Winspear

NEW SCRAPBOOK BLOG

2011-12-28T09:05:00.001-05:00

I was reading my email the other day and got an interesting one. So I opened it. Tiffany over at Child's Play Challenge is starting a new Scrapbook Challenge blog. She asked me if I wanted to participate. What do I need to do?

1-Create a new layout just for this call based on the toy below.
2-Post about the DT(Design Teem) call on your blog, along with your take on the challenge.
3-Leave a comment here telling us that you would like to be considered for the DT, along with a link to your blog post, and be sure to include your email address!
4-Become a new follower and spread the word about this playful new challenge blog!

This the toy we have to base our Lay Out on.

I took the colors and shape from the toy and created my Lay Out from that. It is called...

First Venture - Luke's first venture on the slide. He climbed up but didn't go down. Daddy had to help him slide down.

CHRISTMAS PICTURES

2011-12-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

You knew they were coming, right. Everyone has them I'm sure. Lots and lots of them. If you do, head over to Darcy's place, Life With My 3 Boybarians for Sweet Shot Tuesday. What is Sweet Shot Tuesday?

Sweet Shot Tuesday is a photo linky blog hop that encourages photographers to link up their best shot of the week.

THE ADVENTURES OF POTATO PEELING

2011-12-26T08:51:00.000-05:00

Over at Sketches in Thyme the Thursday Takes sketch is posted. There are 3 of this month. This is the 3rd one. It's a double pager.

Time for our final Thursday Takes for December here at Sketches in Thyme! For our 3rd challenge we have a double-pager!! I know you might be used to the ease of the single-page layout, but let's step out of our comfort zone for a bit and give it a go! All 3 challenges will run for the entire month, so you'll have plenty of time to put our sketches to good use! You can use this sketch as a starting point to create, rotate, flip, whatever works to get you inspired!

Here's my version - The Adventures of Potato Peeling, Bella and Luke like to help grandpa peel potatoes. They usually still one and start chewing on it.

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 51

2011-12-24T10:36:00.001-05:00

The shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped. Are you ready for the big day? I've got all my stuff for dinner and will start cooking some tonight. It was a pretty quite week here. Did some reading, crocheting and got a couple scrapbook pages done. This is my week.

350/365
We got a dusting of snow, but it didn't last long. It was gone in a couple days.

351/365
Bella kept us entertained with her antics. She was playing with on of grandpa's socks.

352/365
Some of my yarn stash, with my current project, Hexagons.

353/365
Hubby and Bubber taking a nap on the couch.

354/365
Bubber with his new pre-Christmas present. It makes noise which drives him crazy.

355/365
A scrapbook page I got done. It's all about the rains we had in March. The river came out of it's banks into our park.

356/365
This is an Ash tree. When we moved here 30+ years ago it was a sapling, but now it's growing into the sky.

Want to see more pictures, head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to check out all the other people sharing their project 365.

Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.

the WONDER of mother nature

2011-12-23T09:59:00.000-05:00

Bird is the Word has a challenge posted. You have to use the word "Wonder" in your lay out. They have also gave you a sketch to use, but you don't have to use it. I choose to use the sketch.

This is my version of the sketch. "The WONDER of Mother Nature" This past March it rained almost everyday. The river came out of its banks. The picture was taken at our park.

BOOK REVIEW

2011-12-22T09:33:00.002-05:00

"The Great Geese Migration" by B.V. Clingan
Illustrations by Mark Anthony Pino
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Frozen Feathers is a story about four intrepid geese as they migrate for the first time. The geese encounter many obstacles and set backs along the way. They work together as a team to complete their journey and find a place of warmer winters. They are guided by their wise grizzly bear mentor to make several necessary evolutionary strides throughout their journey. It is a children's science book about evolution in a story format that reinforces many scientific disciplines.
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse Publishing (August 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1463434162
ISBN-13: 978-1463434168

MY THOUGHTS: This book is for the older child. It explains how birds learned how to migrate south. The explanation is pretty good, but the older child would understand better. The illustrations are very good and colorful. If you have an older child that wants to find out about migration this would be a great book for them.

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review book and my own opinion.]

HEXAGON BLANKET

2011-12-21T18:02:00.001-05:00

I've been working on a Hexagon Blanket. I got this great pattern over at Lucy's place, Attic 24. Lucy has some awesome crochet at her place. She also has tutorial's that she shares. If you are a crocheter you should really check Lucy's place out. The tutorial for the hexagon blanket is here.

On to my Hexagon Blanket. I am using lots of left over scraps of yarn for my hexagon's so can't really tell you what kind of yarn it is. It is 4 ply yarn and I'm pretty sure most of it is Red Heart yarn. The lavendar yarn is Caron 1 pound yarn that I got at JoAnn Fabrics last year. Anyway here is where I'm at on my blanket.

Plus I've gotten a little pile of more hexagon's to add to the length of the blanket. Not sure how many more rows I need, I'll just lay down on the couch and see if it covers me. That's how I got the width. I know it's not a very scientific way of doing it, but it works for me.

Well, that's it from me today.

FEBRUARY COLD

2011-12-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

Sketches in Thyme has a challenge for the whole month of December. They give you a sketch to work with and you make it your own version. Here is the sketch.....

Here is my version......
February Cold

I think it needs some more color added somewhere. Maybe I need to add more blue snowflakes and take the white ones off. What do you think?

SUNDAY RUMBLINGS

2011-12-18T09:46:00.000-05:00

Scavenger Hunt Sunday is hosted by Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos. SOOC(Straight out of the Camera) is hosted by Jan over at Murrieta 365. Hop over and check them out for a view of some great pictures.

What is it?
This little black thing hangs on our fridge. Can you guess what it is? The shape may tell you...but I'll tell you anyway. It's a flashlight. It's really bright for being so small.

Children/fur babies sleeping
My hubby and Bubber napping on the couch. Bubber is a great foot warmer. This is also my SOOC picture.

Joy
This is my joy. Reading, and yes I've read every book you see here. I can sit in my comfy chair and travel all over the world and never leave home.

Window
I could have used a different window with more to look at. But this is the view I have when I'm working on my scrapbooks.

Half
Is the glass half full or half empty? I say it's half full...of root beer. Yum. The only thing missing is a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but didn't have any so I just drank it straight.

There won't be a Scavenger Hunt next week so there's not a list of pictures.

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 50

2011-12-17T11:02:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it! Two more weeks left of this year. Where did it all go! It seems the older I get the faster time slips by. It was kind of boring around here last week. The twins were playing lots and I was doing some cleaning. Still have lots of cleaning to do. Just have to get motivated to do it. Here is my week.

343/365
We had a "sticky" snow, it stuck to everything, even the trees. It's really pretty.

344/365
Bella sitting in my chair. She climbed up there and was waiting for me to read her the ABC book to her. It's one of her favorite books.

345/365
I think I've mentioned that Luke likes to get into things. Here he is sitting in the kitchen cabinet drawer. While he was there he decided to get the pans out and play with those. It's one of his favorite things to do, play with the pans. At least we know where he is when he's playing with the pans. They are kind of noisy.

346/365
A close up of my shadow box. It has lots of "stuff" there that I put up so the twins wouldn't get it. I like this picture because of the reflection of the clock in the mirror.

347/365
This is my hubby, Thomas. He's feeding ice cream to Luke. And taking a few bites of the ice cream his self.

348/365
I cleaned all the dust bunnies and did some vacuuming in our bedroom. It was on my to do list. So thought I'd take a picture of the clean room. Everything in this picture came from a rummage sale except for the lamps. And they were on sale, half price.
Bed - 5.00 plus stain.
Side Tables - 2.00 each
Cedar Chest - 10.00 plus varnish.
Lamps - 20.00 each
Picture - 2.00
Candle Sconces - 1.00 each
Quilt - Christmas gift from my sister.

349/365
Luke and Bella playing with the car. Grandpa bought this for them back in the spring but they were a little too young to play with it. Now they push each other around on it in the front room.

Well, that's my week in review. Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to see what everyone's week looks like.

[this moment]

2011-12-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

Amanda over at SouleMama is the host for [this moment]. What is this?

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

JANUARY BEAUTY

2011-12-15T09:31:00.001-05:00

I have been taking a picture a day since January. It's a challenge I'm doing over at one of my other blogs. I have a theme list of pictures that are required and then I post them. Anyway, I'm doing a scrapbook of these pictures. Since I can't put all 365 pictures in the album, I'm taking my 2 favorites for the month and making a calendar album.

I'm also doing this for Sketches in Thyme. They have several scrapbook challenges going on this month. They give you a sketch to work with.

This is my version. The snow is pretty but I don't like the cold that comes with it. January 2011 was a bitter cold month here. Below zero most of the month. My hubby went to a flea market and he brought home these cute little dogs for me. I collect dogs.
JANUARY BEAUTY

CHICKENS AND SNOW

2011-12-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

I was taking pictures of the snow out my kitchen window. It's pretty, but not to drive in. This one didn't last very long, a few days is all. I love the this kind of snow, that sticks to everything. It's so pretty!

I'm linking up with Lisa over at Lisa's Chaos for Macro Monday. Have a macro(close up) to share? Head over to Lisa's place and check out all the pictures everyone is sharing.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

2011-12-11T09:15:00.001-05:00

Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos is the host for Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Hop over and see what everyone is sharing.

Less is More
My grandbabies, Bella and Luke, I'm so glad we have two, they are such a blessing to have around.

This is also my SOOC (Straight out of the Camera)picture. You can head over to Jan's place, Murrieta 365, for more pictures.

Holiday Lights
This isn't a very good picture. But it's the best I could do. You may have to click on it to enlarge it.

Ornaments
All kinds of ornaments adorn our Christmas tree.

(My)Cup of Cheer
A fountain coke from our local convenience store. And they are even open on Christmas Day.

Nativity
This isn't a traditional Nativity scene. But I looked the word up and the meaning is a birth. This is a picture of my grandbabies in the womb. This is when we found out we were having twins.

Next Weeks Hunt
1. What is it?
2. Children/Fur Babies Sleeping (Michelle's suggestion: 25 Days of Christmas)
3. Joy (Michelle's suggestion: 25 Days of Christmas)
4. Window (Kamana's suggestion)
5. Half (Kamana's suggestion)

TEN ON TEN

2011-12-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

Rebekah over at A Bit of Sunshine is the host for Ten on Ten. What the heck it this you may ask. Here's some info:

Once a month on the tenth take a photo an hour for ten consecutive hours. Finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day!

Here is my day on the tenth.
9am

10am

11am

12pm

1pm

2pm

3pm

4pm

5pm

6pm

I'm ready for bed after this day.

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 49

2011-12-10T07:42:00.000-05:00

Well, we are getting down to the last few weeks of the year. I have enjoyed gathering pictures of everything this year. Will I continue this next year? I sure hope so. I've got a whole album of pictures to process into scrapbooks. As for this week, just your normal stuff around here. Cooking, laundry and keeping Bella and Luke out of everything. That's a full time job!

336/365
Luke took his daddy's hat and ran to mommy with it.

337/365
My chicken cookie jar. It sits on the hutch in the kitchen.

338/365
Bella and Luke waiting(impatiently) for the tub to fill with water for their bath.

339/365
My newest crochet project, Hexagon Blanket. I've got 2 rows done.

340/365
Luke sitting in a basket. Keep in mind this is a small basket. We use it to put their blocks in. He likes getting into things. Why? I don't know.

341/365
This poor little bird was sitting in the Trumpet Vine shivering in the cold. And then it started snowing.

342/365
I found some granny squares while decluttering a closet. So decided to take them apart and recycle the yarn into my Hexagon Blanket. I was putting the little balls of yarn in a bucket under my desk. I thought they would be safe from you know who, yea Bella and Luke. But no, they found them!

Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to see everyone's Project 365 pictures.

[this moment]

2011-12-09T10:27:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Hop over to SouleMama for more moments.

SANTA TIME

2011-12-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

I've decided to move all my scrapbook stuff over here from my scrapbook blog, My Journal. I well be closing My Journal the end of December. So you will be seeing some scrapbook pages. There are lots of scrapbook challenges out there. A couple of my favorites is Scrapbooker's Anonymous and Bird is the Word. The challenge for Scrapbooker's Anonymous is to use a holiday picture, have a tag and use glitter. Bird is the Word challenge is to use the word "Time" on your page. This is what I came up with.

Santa Time

This is my son and Santa. He is about 4 years old in this picture. "Time" is in my title. The tree is my tag and I used glitter on the tips of the flower and I glittered HO! in the upper right corner. Do you scrapbook? Head over and check these places out. Lots of talented folks over there.

BOOK REVIEW

2011-12-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
Product Description(Amazon.com)
On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.
The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.
Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Random House; 1st edition (November 16, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400064163
ISBN-13: 978-1400064168

MY THOUGHTS: This has got to be the best book I've read this year. It is a wonderful book, if you get a chance to read this, DO. It will make you laugh and cry. It's all about Louie Zamperini, a World War II vet and his struggle to survive before, during and after the war. Louie's B-24 Bomber plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Then he was caught and held in a POW camp. Then he had to survive so he could get back home to his family. This book is full of pictures and information about the horrors that the POW's went through while interned. I was really surprised by all the information and horrified. The things that were done to the POW's in the name of war was horrendous. How they survived is beyond me. You have got to read this book!!

MY RATING: 8-12

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2011-12-06T09:27:00.003-05:00

I love Tuesday's, because I get to show off what I'm working on, crocheting that is. Carol over at Gingerbread Girl is the host for One A Day Project - Tuesday's Tallies. You get to show off what your working on. Hop over and check out what everyone is working on.

I started making Hexagon's for a blanket. Don't know how many I'll need or the size, just making hexagons and putting them together. I've measured the width and it's the right size. Don't know that either. I just laid down on the couch and put the hexagon's over me to see if it was wide enough. I know, not the most scientific way of doing it, but it works for me. Anyway, I've gotten the first 2 rows of hexagon's done. Want to see??

Isn't it pretty! I think so anyway. Want to see it close up??

I was cleaning out a closet and found some granny squares left over from a project I worked on a couple years ago. I didn't need them for anything so decided to rip them apart and recycle the yarn into my hexagon blanket. Now I have a box full of little balls of yarn. I still have a few granny squares to take apart.

I've been putting the balls in a bucket under my computer desk. I thought the balls of yarn would be safe there. Why safe and from what? The twins, Bella and Luke of course. They are into everything. Well, the little balls of yarn weren't safe, Bella and Luke found them. And I caught them red handed. So now the little balls of yarn are in a box up high so Bella and Luke can't get to them. They seem to think they are balls and throw them.

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to make some more hexagon's and watch t.v. Don't forget to go by Carol's place.

AROUND THE ROOM

2011-12-05T08:46:00.000-05:00

The weather is not nice today. Cold and cloudy with a chance of rain or snow. So my Macros are inside. I've taken a few shots of the laundry/computer room.

Lamp

Mousse

Stove

Toys

Got some macros you want to show off? Head over to Lisa's place, Lisa's Chaos, for some more Macro Monday pictures.

SUNDAY RUMBLINGS

2011-12-04T09:28:00.001-05:00

Ashley over at Rumblings and Photos is the host for Scavenger Hunt.

Jan over at Murrieta 365 is the host for SOOC(Straight Out of the Camera). Want to see some great pictures? Hop over and visit.

Full of Light - the kitchen window all lit up with sunshine after a few days of cloudy, gloomy weather.

Motion - Bella running to me from her brother.

Nostalgic - when I found these ABC block at a local store I just couldn't resist buying them for the twins. They bring back so many fond memories of my own childhood.

Portrait - We had our first snow of the winter. It's pretty, but I hate the cold and ice that comes with it. If only it could snow and be 80 degrees. lol

Time - I was trying to capture my hubby's reflection in the mirror but kept getting the flash of the camera. But this one caught the clock on the wall reflected back at me. This is my SOOC shot.

Next weeks Scavenger Hut list.
1. Less is More
2. Holiday Lights (Exploring with a Camera Prompt - click HERE for details)
3. Ornaments (Michelle's suggestion: 25 Days of Christmas)
4. Cup of Cheer (Michelle's suggestion: 25 Days of Christmas)
5. Nativity (Michelle's suggestion: 25 Days of Christmas)

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 48

2011-12-03T07:50:00.000-05:00

It's been a kind of lazy week around here. The weather is colder and cloudy and we had our first snow of the season.

329/365
The neighbor boys built a fort. I liked how the Trumpet Vine made a frame around this picture.

330/365
These are my wedding rings. I've had them on for 43 years. I don't take them off to cook or clean. So they are a little beat up and they are getting thin.

331/365
We had our first snow of the season. We got about 3 to 4 inches all total. It's pretty but I hate driving and walking in the white stuff.

332/365
Do you remember playing with ABC blocks? I do, ooops I'm telling my age. I found these at a local store and couldn't resist buying them for the twins.

333/365
This is Bella jamm'in to the music. She sways side to side. The little "radio" she has plays nursery rhymes.

334/365
Bella and Luke, into everything, making messes and turning the house upside down, but I love them so much. Who could resist those smiles.

335/365
My hubby making his version of Oyster Soup. Oysters, Milk and Butter.

Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to see lots more pictures.

[this moment]

2011-12-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

Amanda over at SouleMama is the host for [this moment]. Hop over and check out who's sharing their moment.

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE

2011-12-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

As far as weather goes, it's been a funky week. Temps in the 60's, then rain and falling temps. So which would you rather have?

This........

or that..........

I personally don't like either but I can't do anything about it. So have to suffer through it. I'm linking up with Deb over at Deb Duty Photography for This or That and Audrey over at The Daily Wyatt for Texture Thursday. Hop over and take a look at all the great pictures everyone is sharing.

OUR FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON

2011-11-30T09:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we got our first snow. It's pretty and I like looking at, but hate driving or walking in it.

I'm linking up with Susan over at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday. Hop over and see all the great pictures everyone is sharing.

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2011-11-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

Carole over at Gingerbread Girl is the host for One A Day Project. You really need to head over there and check this out. Lots of awesome projects going on.

I've started my new project. I'm working on hexagons now. I've not had much chance to work on them this week. It's been a little hectic around here. But I did get my 7 done for the week. Just finished the last one this morning. My first stack of 7 hexagons.

I was playing around with them and I think I'm going to have to change some colors on a couple of them. The dark centers aren't showing up as well as the light colors. What do you think?

MACRO MONDAY

2011-11-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

I'm joining Lisa over at Lisa's Chaos for Macro Monday. Hop over and check out all the pictures everyone is sharing.

Macro Monday is easy to play, snap a macro (or any close-up) photo, post it on your blog and come back here and sign MckLinky.

These jars sit in the bathroom awaiting anyone who has a boo boo.

Some knick knacks sitting on my shadow box in the living room.

SUNDAY RUMBLINGS

2011-11-27T08:16:00.001-05:00

I am joining Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos for Scavenger Hunt Sunday and Jan over at Murrieta 365 for SOOC(Straight Out of the Camera). Hop over and check these out. There's lots of pictures to see.

Waiting - the twins had a doctor appointment. They are all stripped down and waiting to get their weigh in and shots. This is actually the calm before the storm. They are not happy later. This is also my SOOC picture.

Foliage - the flower that hangs in the kitchen window. Its a Philodendron. It's kind of puny looking. I keep forgetting to water it.

Candid - with twins you have to give equal time to each. They love to see the camera come out. Their little faces light up.
Bella

Luke

Knife, Fork or Spoon - what's left of lunch.

Rule of Thirds - this is a really hard one for me. I always want to center everything. I have to make myself use this. I took this picture on a cloudy gloomy day. That's why it's kind of dark. That's the tree stump in our yard.

Next week's Scavenger Hunt:
1 Portrait
2 Nostaglic (Ida's suggestion)
3 Time (Ida's suggestion)
4 Full of Light (Mikayla's suggestion)
5 Motion (Mikayla's suggestion)

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 47

2011-11-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

Well, Thanksgiving is over, most of the food is gone. Did anyone go out shopping for Black Friday? No way was I going anywhere, I stayed home and finished the book I was reading.

322/365
Took this picture of the sunrise. It's just peeking over the horizon.

323/365
The dryer vent had to be worked on. It has a little flap that is suppose to close when the dryer isn't on, to keep the cold air out. Hubby had to fix that as cold air was sipping in.

224/365
The twins went to the doctor and got their Measles, Rubella and Mumps shot. They are striped down and waiting.

225/365
When I finish a book it goes in this notebook. The book I just finished is Ghellow Road by T. H. Waters. This will make 180 books I've read since January. They all go into this notebook.

226/365
Thanksgiving, food, family and memories to make. I started cooking at 7:00am and finished at 3:00pm. I wanted a picture before everyone dug in.

227/365
When we put the new window in the kitchen a few years ago we decided to leave the window sill unpainted. We love the natural look of wood. With the grain and knots showing.

228/365
My keyboard, it needs a good cleaning. On my to-do list.

Want to see more? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to see all the pictures everyone is sharing.

[this moment]

2011-11-25T08:24:00.000-05:00

Amanda over at SouleMama is the host for [this moment]. Hop over and check it out.

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

THE COOKING HAS BEGUN

2011-11-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

I got up at 7:00am this morning. My Thanksgiving cooking has started. The bird is in the oven.

The potatoes for Potato Salad is cooking.

And the eggs are cooling so I can make Deviled Eggs.

I'm joining Deb over at Deb Duty Photography for This or That. Hop over and check out everyone's pictures.

For everyone that is celebrating, Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy food, family, and fun.

BOOK REPORT

2011-11-23T08:54:00.000-05:00

I haven't done a Book Report in awhile. Thought I'd share this one with you.

"The Jungle Adventure of Chimpoo" by A. Lawati
Product Description(Amazon.com)
"But how will we get him out of the cage?" This is it, he thought. No turning back. Mommy got worried and told Chimpoo to look after his brother. Just thinking about it gave him the shivers.
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (July 14, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1463429215
ISBN-13: 978-1463429218

MY THOUGHTS: This is an ARC I received. I really like the story and the pictures are great. Chimpoo is going to get his father, who has been captured by humans. Along the way he meets Thinking Eyes, a wise old owl. Together they try to get Chimpoo's father out of the cage. I read this to my grandchildren this past week. Although they are only 16 months old, they didn't really understand the story line but they really enjoyed looking at the pictures. The graphics are really good. And does Chimpoo get his father out of the cage? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review book and my own opinion.]

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2011-11-22T09:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I've had a very productive week. I got 56 squares made and crocheted together for 7 rows. And guess what!! It's done, my Granny Square Blanket. Here it is on the couch. Doesn't it look pretty there? On to the Hexagon Blanket.

The picture isn't very good as it's a gloomy cloudy day. So everything looks like it's dark. Now bare with me. This is going to be kind of long. Remember I was going to start this afghan?

Well, I worked one up to see what it looked like. Either I'm reading the pattern wrong or something is wrong with the pattern. This is what I got.

As you can see this is NOT a Hexagon. It's round! I was so frustrated. I ripped it out and redone it 5 times and I kept coming up with round. So I went looking for another Hexagon pattern. I Googgled Hexagon Afghans and I found this awesome blog called Attic 24. Lucy is the blogger of Attic 24. Some of you may already know about Lucy's Attic 24, but this is a totally new blog for me. She has some awesome hooky stuff over there. If you haven't been there hop over and check it out. I've gotten off track as usual!
Lucy has a tutorial on her Hexagon's. So I got busy and worked one up. This is what I came up with.

As you can see this is a HEXAGON. This is going to be my next One A Day Project. I'm not sure how many I'll need. I'll be winging it and making Hexagons until I think it's the right size. I'm going to be using my odds and ends yarns but the last 2 rows will be a pretty lavender color yarn. It comes from JoAnn Fabrics and is Caron yarn. It's so soft when worked up. Now I need to get all the links into this post so you all can go and see all the pretties. I'll be busy making Hexagons for awhile. What are all of you working on?

Head over to Carole's place, Gingerbread Girl to find out what everyone is working on for their One A Day Project.

READY FOR THANKSGIVING

2011-11-21T09:10:00.001-05:00

Is everyone ready for the big day? Thanksgiving plans are moving along around here.
1. The turkey is in the fridge defrosting.

2. The Thanksgiving meal is planned out and the grocery list is waiting on the fridge for the excursion to the grocery store.

3. I thought I would share my Pumpkin Pie from last year. It's really yummy.

PUMPKIN PIE

4 Eggs
1 – 29 oz. can Pumpkin
1 ½ C. Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Ginger
½ teaspoon Cloves
2 – 13 oz. cans Evaporated Milk
4 – 9 inch Pie Shells

In a large bowl, mix all the above ingredients. Pour into unbaked pie shells. Sprinkle tops with Cinnamon. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 and bake another 45 minutes.

When knife is inserted in center and comes out clean, remove pies and cool.

4. And on the funny side. Bella and Luke love to help empty the dryer of clothes. While your trying your best to fold them up before they hit the floor.

5. Speaking of which, the dreaded day has arrived. Bella and Luke have a doctor's appointment today. Shots, oh hate this! They cry and get fussy. On top of that they will miss their regular nap time and this will make them even more fussy.

6. And now I'm off to work on my Granny Square Afghan. It's almost done. I've got seven more rows to add to it.

Want to see more? Head over to Carissa's place, Lowercase Letters to check out Miscellany Monday.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY AND SOOC

2011-11-20T08:34:00.001-05:00

I'm joining Ashly and Jan today. Ashly hosts Scavenger Hunt Sunday at her place, Ramblings and Photos. Jan hosts SOOC(Straight out of the Camera) at her place, Murrieta 365. Hop over and check out what everyone's sharing.

Mainly One Color - My cast iron pans.

Around the House - you see toys. The twins have them everywhere.

Reflection - You can see the lamp reflected in the picture on the wall. You may have to enlarge this to see it better. Just click on the picture.

Writing - Thanksgiving Dinner and the grocery list, which keeps growing. This is my SOOC shot.

Water - running in the kitchen sink.

What your looking for next week for Scavenger Hunt Sunday.
Waiting
Foliage (Kamana's suggestion)
Candid (Kamana's suggestion)
Knife, Fork or Spoon (Kamana's suggestion)
Rules of Thirds (Mikayla's suggestion)

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 46

2011-11-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

It has been really cold this week. Temps sinking down in the 20's of a night and just barely making it out of the 30's during the day. We even had a few snowflakes. And thunderstorms blew in one day. There was some tornado touch downs in our state. Weird weather for November. I don't go out much when the cold sits in. My knees hurt so just stay inside and play with the twins, read or crochet. This is my week.

315/365
This is my "office", kind of. I crochet, read and watch t.v. on my computer.

316/365
Daddy tickling Luke. Baby laughter is one of life's little pleasures.

317/365
The storms blew in and made lots of noise. But no damage here. It was about 5:00 pm when I took this picture but it looks like it's dark out.

318/365
On all four walls in our front room are my memories or remembrances of days gone by. This is the east wall.

319/365
My hubby bought a big box of stuff at the auction. He found a little bag of stuff and brought it to me. It was full of sewing and crafting stuff.

320/365
Worked a little bit on my Bee Quilt. My hubby bought me this chair from the auction. It fits nicely under the quilt frame. Now I don't have to drag a chair across the room to quilt.

321/365
The twins are budding artists. They are attempting to make turkeys with their hand prints but it didn't quite work out. But beautiful all the same.

Bella's is on left and Luke's is on the right. They kind of look like turkeys.

Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to see what everyone is sharing.

QUILTS AND CROCHET

2011-11-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

The Granny Square blanket is getting bigger. Plus I've got 5 more rows to put on it. So it's almost done.

And I've already picked out my next project. I found this over at Crochet Pattern Central. I could spend hours there. I found this Blooming Hexagons Throw over at Redheart. Haven't worked one up yet or decided on what colors to use. But can't wait to get started on it. Isn't it pretty!

I've also been working on my Bee Quilt. A few stitches here and there. Hoping to get this done by the end of next year. I'm hand quilting it as you can see. Plus my hubby bought this cute little chair at an auction a couple of weeks ago. Now I don't have to drag a chair across the room.

Want to see more? Head over to Beth's place, Visions of Sugar Plums to see what everyone is working on.

THIS OR THAT

2011-11-17T08:42:00.001-05:00

This is Bella running. She's running away from her brother Luke to me. I am suppose to save her so Luke doesn't get the toy in her hand.

This is Katie, our miniature dachshund. She is trying to take a nap.

And that is Bubba, Katie's brother, who is sleeping.

Want to see more of This or That? Head over to Deb's place, Deb Duty Photography and see what everyone is sharing.

CHATS ON THE FARMHOUSE PORCH

2011-11-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

Patrice over at Everyday Ruralty is the host for Chats on the Farmhouse Porch. Want to have a chat? Head over to the porch and see what they are chatting about.

1. Where would you take the blogger group for a chat, if they came to your house?
2. How do you handle "toxic people"? They're the ones that are very difficult to be around and generally don't bring out the best in us.
3. In high school, were you the athlete, the cheerleader (actual or just your personality), the geek, the social butterfly, or lost?
4. What's your favorite thing made from apples?
5. Do you do most of your shopping in stores or online?

1. I would invite everyone to my deck. It's comfy there with lots of places to sit and nature to look at.

2. I try to avoid them. They usually make me so mad I could spit nails.

3. I was the geek I guess. I didn't fit into the social crowd and wasn't into sports.

4. Apple Pie, Applesauce, Apple Juice, Apple Cider.......just about anything Apple is good.

5. My shopping is done in stores. Once in awhile I buy something on line.

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2011-11-15T10:37:00.000-05:00

I've been working hard getting all these granny squares done. I've put on 5 more rows and measured. I think about 5 more rows will make it just the right size. As for what I'm doing next. I've been browsing over at Crochet Pattern Central, if you've never been there, you should hop over and check it out. I could be there all day looking at all the patterns. Anyway, I've found a pattern I want to do. It's called Blooming Hexagons. It's over at Red Heart and it looks so pretty.

Isn't that so pretty! Haven't chosen my yarn yet, still thinking about that one. I will probably use scraps for the centers. I haven't worked any up yet, but I'm just dying to get started on this. But want to finish the granny squares first.

Want to see more projects? Head over to Carole's place, Gingerbread Girl to check out what everyone is working on.

PARTS OF MY COMPUTER

2011-11-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

My son is a computer engineer. He's always messing around with computer parts. Building and taking apart. This is one of those things he is always working on. It's the server to our computers. Don't ask what it is or how it works, because I don't know. It sits on the top shelf of my desk and does it's thing.

The fan helps keep it cool and there is an extra hard drive to store information.

This funky looking box on the left is my internet connection from our local cable company. This is all linked to the internet.

This is the whole thing in one picture.

Want to see more macros? Head over to Lisa's place, Lisa's Chaos for Macro Monday.

LEAVES AND SHADOWS

2011-11-13T08:49:00.000-05:00

This is our side yard. It's full of leaves. The leaves are almost gone now, so my hubby will be mowing them soon. Instead of bagging them we mow them. It's good fertilizer for the lawn. There are also some nice shadows here under the trees.

Head over to Jan's place for SOOC(Straight Out of the Camera and Hey Harriet's for Shadow Shot Sunday to see more shadows.

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 45

2011-11-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

I had company last week, my sister and family. Did lots of cooking. My sister wanted Spaghetti and Meatballs. My son make Chicken and Dumplings too. It was cold and we had some snow flurries. But it didn't stick. This is my week.

308/365
All that's left of the food.

309/365
Did some laundry and the twins wanted to help. They pulled all the clothes out all except one washrag clear in the back. Bella climbed in to get it and Luke got mad because he couldn't get in too.

310/365
We have a barn cat that comes up and sits with the cat statue in my garden.

311/365
This camel sits on my desk. He came all the way from Jerusalem, Israel. I did a postcard and souvenir swap a few years ago.

312/365
Even though it was a little hectic around here, I did manage to get some more granny squares done for my blanket.

313/365
Bella messing around while grandma is trying to take a picture.

314/365
Looks pretty out doesn't it? Looks can be deceptive. It's currently 37 degrees and a good wind blowing.

Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to see everyone's week in pictures.

CIRCLES AND SQUARES

2011-11-11T07:34:00.001-05:00

I've been working on my Granny Square blanket. Taking little circles.............

and making them into squares......................

for this. I've got 5 more rows done so have to get busy and get them all hooked together.

Want to see more? Head over to Beth's place, Visions of Sugar Plums for Fibers on Friday. Lots to see there.

RAINY OR SUNNY

2011-11-10T09:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was this.......

rainy, windy and cold.

Today is that.............

sunshine and no wind. The temp is currently 37 degrees. Yesterday it sure felt like it was going to snow.

Want to see more of This or That? Head over to Deb's place, Deb Duty Photography and check out what everyone is sharing.

I'm also linking up with Audrey over at The Daily Wyatt for Texture Thursday.

RAINY DAY

2011-11-09T08:45:00.002-05:00

It's a rainy day outside today. Wind blowing and getting cold.

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2011-11-08T08:16:00.000-05:00

Do you have a crochet, knitting or sewing project? Head over to Carole's place, Gingerbread Girl to check out all the projects going on.

I had a house full of company this week. My sister and her family came to visit. She lives about 60 miles north of me. She gets down about once or twice a year. And of course everyone came over to visit. Didn't get too much done on my Granny Squares. I've got about 16 squares done with the second color. They just need the cream color around them. I've still got a lot of little circles waiting to be made into squares. Hopefully I'll get some done this week.

MACRO MONDAY

2011-11-07T09:07:00.000-05:00

Have a close up of something you want to share? Head over to Lisa's place, Lisa's Chaos to check out all the Macro shots.

I got this little guy from a blogging buddy. He came all the way from Jerusalem Israel. He sits on my desk.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY AND SOCC

2011-11-06T08:55:00.002-05:00

Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos is the host for Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

Food - All that's left of Spaghetti and Meatballs and Chicken & Dumplings. I've had a house full of family visiting this week.

Purple - Some ribbon I use for scrapbooking.

In Disguise - This is Luke all dressed. You usually see him in just his diaper. But it turned chilly and we had to put clothes on the twins and they didn't like it. What he usually looks like, see the last picture.

Shapes - This is the floor in our laundry room.

Photographer's Choice - Bella and Luke sitting in the sun playing. This is also my SOCC picture. Visit Jan's place, Murrieta 365 to see more SOCC pictures.

PROJECT 365 - WEEK 44

2011-11-05T12:00:00.002-04:00

The weather has been pretty but chilly this week. A couple days it rained, but sure felt like it could snow. My sister came in from up north to visit a few days. And my niece came over to visit. She has a set of twins too. Hunter and Hayden, they will be a year old next week. They were born 4 months and one day after our twins.

301/365
Luke playing with the pans. We always know where he is because of the noise he makes.

302/365
The leaves are falling all over the place.......

303/365
as you can see, it's about time for the hubby to mow the leaves. Instead of bagging them all he just chops them all up with the mower. It's good for the lawn.

304/365
Bella and Luke sitting on the blanket playing nice. Which is unusual for them. They usually bother each other.

305/365
The twins had to put clothes on because it was chilly and they didn't like that. But after awhile they settled down and forgot about it.

306/365
My sister, nieces and my great nephews, Hunter and Hayden.

307/365
Our son, Tommy. He borrowed his boss's scooter and had to use the backpack to carry home a bunch of computer stuff. Brought back lots of memories of him in school.

Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to see what everyone is sharing.

[this moment]

2011-11-04T09:23:00.000-04:00

[this moment] is hosted over at SouleMama's place. Want to join in? Here's all the info on how.

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

BOOKING THROUGH THURSDAY

2011-11-03T13:26:00.001-04:00

The question today at Booking Through Thursday.........

All other things being equal, would you rather read a book that’s hard/challenging/rewarding or light/enjoyable/easy?

I want a book with some challenge, but not so challenging I don't enjoy it. Usually if the first 5 chapters don't get me hooked I won't make it through the book. For instance. This was a book my book club picked a couple months ago. I just couldn't get into this book. It was all over the place with people and happenings going on. I couldn't keep track of who was who and what was what. I got about half way through the book and couldn't finish it.

In The Kitchen by Monica Ali

Gabriel Lightfoot, an enterprising man from a northern English mill town, is making good in London. As executive chef at the once-splendid Imperial Hotel, he aims to run a tight kitchen. Though he’s under constant challenge from the competing demands of an exuberantly multinational staff, a gimlet-eyed hotel management, and business partners with whom he is secretly planning a move to a restaurant of his own, all Gabe’s hard work looks set to pay off.
Until, that is, a worker is found dead in the kitchen’s basement. It is a small death, a lonely death—but it is enough to disturb the tenuous balance of Gabe’s life.
Enter Lena, an eerily attractive young woman with mysterious ties to the dead man. Under her spell, Gabe makes a decision, the consequences of which strip him naked and change the course of the life he knows—and the future he thought he wanted.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

2011-11-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Joyce over at From This Side of The Pond is the host for Wednesday Hodgepodge. Head over and check it out.

1. Who taught you how to cook?

My mom of course. But I can never get mine to taste like hers. I can use the same recipe and spices and it still doesn't taste like hers.

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right?

Think too much, no. Perfectionist, somethings I am. Sensitive, somethings I am. Well, depends on who's saying it.

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it.

I had a china doll when I was little. She wasn't anything special, just a baby doll with china legs, arms and head. Her body was soft. I loved that doll. One day my brother threw her in a mud puddle and she kind of melted. What I thought was china was actually paper mache. So when she got wet it fell apart.

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in?

Marriage. People today just don't take marriage seriously. In my opinion a good marriage is based on love, respect, communication and trust. I've been married 43 years to my hubby and these 4 things is what I tell people when they ask how I done it for 43 years. The most important I think is communication. You have to communicate with each other or you'll never know what each of you need to make the relationship work.

5. Chrysanthemums, pansies, burning bush, ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden?

I like Chrysanthemums but they seem to die when I plant them. Pansies are the same. I had a burning bush buy my hubby wacked it down. Ornamental Cabbage is really pretty, but haven't planted any before. I'll have to try that one next year.

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses?

I would have to say spider man. They are always climbing up trees and swinging around.

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry?

Only during the holidays. I have to have cranberry sauce with my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. And no I don't make it, I buy it in a can.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I need to get off the computer and get some chores done. I also want to work on my Granny Square Blanket some more. I have lots of little circles waiting to be made into squares.

ONE A DAY PROJECT - TUESDAY'S TALLIES

2011-11-01T13:31:00.000-04:00

I've been busy this week.....not house or kids stuff, with crocheting. I've put 4 rows on my granny square blanket.

Here is a close up of some squares. This is going together so nicely.

Plus I have some little circles waiting to be turned into squares.

What have your been working on? Want to share it? Head over to Carole's place, Gingerbread Girl and check out all the projects.

WEATHER CHANGES

2011-10-31T10:11:00.000-04:00

Carissa over at lowercase letters is the host for Miscellany Monday. Have something to say? Head over and check this out.

1. It's getting chilly around here. We had our first frost the other day.

2. The leaves are falling off fast and covering everything.

3. Even the twins had to put on clothes and they didn't like it very well.

4. So does this mean I'm not going to be wearing these for much longer.

5. I hate giving up my flip flops.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

2011-10-30T09:40:00.001-04:00

Want to join in on the Scavenger Hunt Sunday? Head over to Ashley's place, Ramblings and Photos to see all the great pictures everyone is sharing.

MACRO
One of many stuffed animals the twins play with.

FOUND TEXTURE
The cement floor in the laundry room.

HOME
All the "stuff" you get when you have babies in the house.

COVER
The grass is covered with frost this morning.

TREE
Well, it should be Trees but the big one in the middle is the one I wanted for this.

I'm also linking up with Hey Harriet for Shadow Shot Sunday and Jan for SOCC.

Next weeks Scavenger Hunt List.
1.Food
2.Purple (Shades of Autumn prompt)
3.In Disquise (Paper Heart Camera prompt)
4.Shapes (Ginger's prompt)
5.Photographer's Choice

PROJECT 365 WEEK 43

2011-10-29T08:58:00.000-04:00

It's been chilly around here this week. I think the cold has set in. We also had our first frost the other day. Got all the tomatoes picked off the vines. Now all that needs done is cleaning the deck and getting everything put away for the winter. The next nice day we have that will happen. It's been raining the last couple of days. This is my week in pictures.

294/365
Blocks, they seems to multiply over night. You think you have them all picked up and then you find more.

295/365
The twins like to walk around the kitchen table. If something is too close to the edge it's fair game. Bella got a pork chop and proceeded to sit down and eat it.

296/365
Bella got a piece of bread stuck under her foot. She was trying to pick it out.

297/365
Luke helping grandpa with the potatoes, only he's eating the potatoes.

298/365
The shower head in our bathroom. It makes a great shadow.

299/365
I finally got my green stripe ripple afghan done.

300/365
A miniature orange slinky. A friend sent a Halloween bag to the kids. Sorted out the things to small for little hands and mouths.

Want to see more pictures? Head over to Sarah's place, Nap Time Mom to check out all the peopel sharing their Project 365.

IT'S FINISHED!!

2011-10-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

I worked my fingers to the bones to finish this afghan. Well, maybe not to the bone. But I did finally get my green striped ripple afghan done. Now I just have to give it a bath and it will be ready for snuggling.

If you want to see more projects head over to Beth's place for Fibers on Friday or you could head over to Tami's place for FO Fridays.

This is also a part of my Year of Projects over at Ravelry.

THIS OR THAT THURSDAY

2011-10-27T09:23:00.000-04:00

While surfing around blogs last week I found a new to me meme. So thought I'd try it out this week. Deb over at Deb Duty Photography is the host for This or That Thursday. Want to know more? Here is some info:

This or That Thursday is an opportunity to share your photos. There are no themes so you can share any kind of photo you want - portraits, macros, candids, still life, landscape or whatever you come up with each week. Your post can contain one photo or as many as you want. It's up to you!

What have I been taking pictures of this week? Well you probably already know that, my grandbabies of course, Bella and Luke. They are both walking now and into everything. They are always 2 steps ahead of me.

Bella likes to pull the bread off the table. She gets her a piece after she dumps it all out and takes off. I caught her this time before she could dump it.

I love the look on her face in this picture.

Bella and Luke also like to get in the dresser. They actually know how to open the bottom drawer. They pull all the blankets out like they are searching for the right one.

I love this picture of Bella with her toast. She looks so innocent.

And of course I couldn't forget the other critters that live with us. The dogs, Katie and Bubba. I got Bubba sleeping.

Head over to Deb's place and check out all the pictures everyone is sharing.