Update

I'm sorry that I conveyed the impression that I was not feeling well yesterday and that it was a disaster.  Actually, it was one of those days when you feel like, "What else can possibly go wrong?"  It was almost laughable.  But thank you for your sympathy and well wishes.  I do appreciate them.  

My eyes are doing better today.  I really can't tell I have blepharitis except for all the pus that was in my eyes yesterday morning.  (I hope I didn't just gross you out.)  My eyes don't itch or water (except from the allergies) or hurt.  I hate wearing my glasses, though.  

We went to my parents' house after nap time yesterday, and we had a fun time visiting with my mom while Sarah Beth played on the slides and Daniel played in the dirt.  Meanwhile, her washing machine was doing what it does best with my load of clothes.  Of course, here at home, I have a mountain of laundry that need to be done.  As soon as my new washer gets here, it will have to show me how well it can wash clothes.  We bought one of the new front loading ones, and I am very upset that I have to buy special detergent for it.  It is so much more expensive.  And I have about five bottle of detergent I cannot use anymore.  Anyone want it?

Instead of cleaning bathrooms yesterday, I baked.  While Daniel was upstairs in his room during his morning quiet time, I baked strawberry bread and strawberry muffins.  I doubled both recipes so I have some stashed away in freezer.  Yummy!!  Today, I will clean bathrooms.

Daniel is such a sweet boy, but he can be a handful which I guess is true about most boys.  When he is awake, you'd better have him in your line of sight or he will get into something that he shouldn't.  It wears me out!  My mom suggested that I put him in his room for a little while everyday to give me some time to get a few things done.  I started last week, and it works great!  I baby proofed his room which wasn't hard since he only has a crib and dresser in it.  There are lots of toys in Daniel's room, and I open the blinds for him because he loves to look out the window.  Then I put up the baby gate and leave.  He cries, and it's so very sad, and I always rethink my decision.  But I set my will and keep walking.  He usually stops before I get to the stairs.  Then he plays happily until I go to get him, about thirty minutes later.  It's very nice.  I am amazed at how much I can accomplish in half an hour without having to chase Daniel around.  How do you get things done with little ones underfoot?  

Happy Monday!

Don't you just love Mondays?  Oh, yes, the start of a new week.  Isn't it wonderful?  How is my Monday going so far?  Thank you for asking.

I worked this past weekend, so I am tired today.  Because of that, I moved most of my normal cleaning chores from today to tomorrow.  In case you are wondering, I don't have any good stories from this weekend.  We weren't too busy Saturday because it stormed all day long, but we made up for it yesterday.  Ugh!  We left the pharmacy a mess, but we did not have time to clean things  up before we left.  (It's really not too bad, just some paperwork on the counter.)

I woke up with blepharitis this morning.  Basically, that is just an infection of the eyelids.  Daniel had it last week, and I guess he gave it to me.  Since I need to put drops in my eyes, I have to wear my glasses.  I cannot remember the last time I wore my glasses.  I never wear my glasses, so things look a little different through the different lenses.

My allergies are acting up which is where my blepharitis came from.  My eyes are watering which makes my nose run which makes my voice hoarse.  Need I say more?

The washing machine died last week, so I am without my most needed appliance.  (Actually, I think I would be more lost without the microwave.)  Thankfully, my parents live in town, so I plan to head over there this afternoon to do a load or two while the children play on the playground next door.

To top it all off, it's that time of the month.  I apologize to any male readers I have, but I think the only man who reads my blog is my husband.

And it's only 7:45 am.  At least, the children are still asleep.

How is your Monday?

Update:  I really need a new pair of glasses.  Nothing is in focus; I cannot see the floor when I am standing, and it is not in focus when I am sitting.  I was going to sweep today, but I'm not sure there is a point since I can't see the dirt on the floor.  

We have a new washer coming Wednesday.  John knew it was important so we went shopping for a new one Friday night.

WIP Wednesday

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of posting lately.  I just haven't had anything to say, so I have kept my mouth shut.  Everything has been fine, and we haven't been any busier than usual.  I guess I hit a "writer's block."  Fortunately, it is Wednesday, and I always have something to post on Wednesdays, thanks to Mrs. H..

I have almost finished this blanket.  I need to complete the last round of the edging, and it will be done.  Since this is my March blanket, I am glad that I will be (should be) done early.  It will give me a head start on my April blanket.

I have continued to work on this doily as time, and my blankets, allow.  It aggravates my "crochet pinkie," so I am not able to work on it as much as I would like.  Currently, it measures about 7 inches square.  That "tag" in the bottom right corner is just the beginning of the next round.  

To see more works in progress and to add your own, head over to the Place of H.

Collections

Are you hard to buy for?  Do your family members and especially your husband dread your birthday and Christmas?  I know that I am hard to buy for; there just isn't much that I want, a few books, some yarn, a new crochet hook, etc., and most of that I can buy for myself.  I have wanted to start some kind of collection, though, so that people (re:  John) will have something to give me.  (Doesn't that sound selfish?  I hope you know what I mean.)  But collections are messy things because they cause so much work in taking care of them.  And I do NOT need more knickknacks to dust!

I found a solution to my problem.  I have decided to start collecting Crochet with Heart magazine.  It is out of print now which is why I don't have a link for you, but you can find issues on ebay.  I got this pattern out of a summary book from that magazine which is what got me interested in the first place.  I have ordered a couple more and have enjoyed them.  One of the things I really like is how the editor's note at the beginning always has a Scripture verse at the end.

I haven't even told John yet about my decision, but I am sure he will be thrilled.  With my birthday coming up, I also have my eye on these DVD's which I expect he will get me, too.  I even have them bookmarked!  Meanwhile, I am trying not to spend too much time on ebay looking for my magazines!

WIP Wednesday

I finished this blanket last week.  Now I just need to find a friend who is having a baby boy sometime soon.  But since blankets don't eat, it will sit happily and quietly in a drawer until it is needed.  My February blanket is now done!

I took your advice, and I plan to make this blanket twice for the twins.  This one is pink, obviously, and the second one will be purple.  I really like this pattern; it works up quickly and, more importantly, it is fun to work on.  Initially, I did not even want to look at the pattern because I thought it was a bunch of little squares sewn together.  Nope!  I think I will enjoy making two blankets from this pattern.

For more works in progress, or to add your own, head over to the Place of H.

Don't forget, there is still time to join the fun with Handmade for You.

The Sock Fairy and Other Assorted Items

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Are you wearing green?  We are!  I thought today might be a good day to discuss a creature even more elusive than the leprechaun.  What is it?  The Sock Fairy!  Does one live in your home?  (And no, I am not talking about the gremlin who steals your socks right out of your dryer.)

John discovered the Sock Fairy a few years ago.  I don't know if he actually saw her, or if he just used his deductive reasoning to figure out that she exists.  You see, the Sock Fairy makes sure there are always clean socks in your drawer when you need them.  She is especially attentive to the man of the house, although she does take care of the rest of the household as well.  As far as I know (and there is very, very little information out there about the Sock Fairy), there are actually many Sock Fairies, enough to populate most houses.  Does your family (especially your husband) always have clean socks when needed?  If so, you probably have a Sock Fairy living in your home!

I would also like to inform you about Marva's giveaway.  Although she won't tell exactly what she is going to giveaway, the hints sound good.  If you decide to head over there to enter (and please do!), be sure to mention me so I will get another entry.  Oh, yes, that is a shameless plug for me to get more entries!

Handmade for You

Amanda tagged me for this in facebook, but I thought I would post it on my blog.  It will show up in facebook in a little while since I have them linked.

I love making stuff, so the first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me.

This offer does have some restrictions, so please read carefully:

• I made no guarantees that you will like what I make.
• what I create will be just for YOU.
• it will be done this year (2009).
• it will be something made in the real world and not something over the internet.
• it might be a CD, baked goods, an original photograph, a poem, a calligraphy (no, it won't),  cross-stitch, something painted by me...who knows!  There are other things it might be, too, but I promise whatever it is, it will be made for YOU and with YOU in mind!

In return, all you need to do is post this on your blog or facebook, and make five things for five other people.

Void where prohibited, use only as directed, for a limited time only, store in a cool, dry place.  Let's keep it going!

P.S.  Anyone may participate!  Not only those who are tagged.  I only tagged a few people I thought might be interested in doing this, but it is by no means a requirement to be tagged or not to participate.  (I didn't actually tag anyone, so it is open to anybody!)

**In your comments, please give me three areas of interest to you (e.g.  crocheting, reading, baking, politics, journaling, crocheting (did I mention that one already?)).

So...who's interested?

All About Me...Way Back When

I saw this meme over at Angela's blog, and it looked like fun, so I'm going to join in.

1. Did you date someone from your high school?  No, like Angela, I went to a very small, Christian school.  There were a couple of guys I would have gone out with, if they had asked, but, well, they didn't.
   
2. Did you marry someone from your high school?  No, I did not.  John and I met at church after I graduated from pharmacy school.  (Church is a good place to meet your spouse, isn't it?)
3. Did you carpool to school?  Yes, but not all the time.  Sometimes, I just rode with my brother.  Sometimes, I rode with friends.  Sometimes, (and I almost hate to admit it), my mother took me.
4. What kind of car did you have?  My parents bought my first car for me.  It was a 1974 Plymouth Valiant, and my dad paid $500 for it.  When we bought it, it had three different sized tires on it, neither back door would open from the outside, the radio didn't work, and neither did the windshield wipers or the air conditioning.  The car was older than I was!  I had to include a picture, and this is exactly what it looked like.  I'm sorry the picture is so big, but I was unable to make it smaller.
5. What kind of car do you have now?  I have a 2006 Toyota Sienna which I love!  I love having a minivan.
6. It's Saturday night now; you're...at home watching t.v. before bed.  I stay up a little later on the weekends, until 10:30 or 11:00.
7. It's Saturday night then; you're...at home working Calculus problems.  Yes, I had no social life in high school, and I didn't care.  My diligence at Calculus, though, landed me a 5 on the AP test, so I was able to opt out of Calculus in college.
8. What kind of job did you have in high school?  I worked at a barn, feeding horses, cleaning stalls, and training horses.
9. What kind of job do you have now?  My full-time job is being a wife and mommy.  My part-time job is a pharmacist at WalMart, only one weekend a month.
10. Were you a party animal?  Oh, yes!  See my answer to number 7.
11. Were you considered a flirt?  I don't think so, but I guess I would need to ask the guys I went to school with.
12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?  I was in the band; I played the flute badly.  I was also in the choir, and I sang badly.  When you're in a small school, though, all they need or want is a warm body.
13. Were you a nerd?  Did you read my answer to number 7?  Of course, I was.  I knew it then, and I liked it!
14. Did you get suspended or expelled?  No, but I did receive a couple of detentions.
15. Can you sing the fight song?  If we had one, I didn't know it.
16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)?  I hate to admit it, but I did like my Calculus teacher.  My history teacher was pretty good, too.  I think it would be easier to list all the ones I didn't like.
17. Where did you sit during lunch?  As seniors, we were allowed to leave campus for lunch, so often we went to a friend's house who lived close.
18. What was your school's full name?  I decline to answer this question.
19. When did you graduate?  1993
20. What was your school mascot?  The wildcats!
21. If you could go back and do it again, would you?  No way, no how!
22. Did you have fun at prom?  Not really.
23. Do you still talk to the person you went to prom with?  Nope.
24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?  We haven't had one yet because no one has bothered to plan one.  I may, may take it upon myself to plan the next one which I guess would be the 20th in 2013.  There were only twenty in my graduating class, which means that I was 5% of my class.  An interesting fact, I was the third in my class in grades but was not in the top 10%.  Needless to say, I lied on college applications.  Shamelessly.
25. Do you still talk to people from school?  Yes, there are a couple that I still keep in touch with.  I have also reconnected with a few via facebook.
26. School colors?  Blue and white.

If you need a fun, easy post, feel free to take part.  I certainly won't tag anyone.

WIP Wednesday

I finished those blocks in plenty of time for the shower Friday night.  I even remembered to take a picture of them before I wrapped them.  They were a big hit, and someone mentioned that I could sell them for money.  The only problem with that is that I don't test for lead which that stupid law now requires.  I won't be selling anything for children.

After I finished the blocks, I continued working on this blanket.  Why did I make a blue one?  Everyone I know who is pregnant (and knows what she is having) is having a girl!  Oh, well.  The worst case scenario is that I will donate this one to our local Care Pregnancy Center as well.  This is my blanket for February which means I need to get crocheting to get one done for March!

For other works in progress, head over to the Place of H.

The Park

Oh, this lovely weather we have right now.  We went back to the park yesterday evening, and this time I took my camera.  I could not resist taking this picture.  Sarah Beth has a lot of practice pushing a stroller because she has a couple that she pushes all over the house.  (She even totes one upstairs sometimes.)  She did really well until the curb got her.  Daniel looks completely unconcerned, doesn't he?

Daniel loves the swings, but he also enjoys crawling around in the sawdust on the ground.

Sarah Beth skipped the swings entirely, which is not like her, and went straight to the slides.  She wanted to do the tall, loopy one, but she was a little timid.  She kept going up to it and coming back down.  The last time, she actually sat down like she was going to come down the slide, but then she changed her mind.  Too late!  She started sliding down, and her face was hilarious how it changed from pure terror to pure joy as she realized it was fun!  She was so cute running from the bottom of the slide around to climb back up.  

If only the park were closer to our house!

Wonderful Weather and Adorable Pictures

We have some very nice weather right now.  It started Saturday and should continue until Thursday.  The temperature is about 80, and it is bright and sunny.  Saturday I took the children to the park near my parents' house.  While I was there, I was able to talk with my mom about the garden I want to plant this year.  (My mom is a gardening expert.)  It turns out that my brother, who has a business on the side, is going to start putting in a type of garden that would be perfect for me.  The best part is that Ben will do all of the initial work, not John, because John does not like to do stuff like that.  Besides, if I have to pay someone for the work, it may as well be my brother.

On Sunday, while we were eating lunch, Daniel started playing peekaboo with us.  He would pull his bib up over his face then pull it down.  It was adorable.  I asked John to get the camera, but as soon as he stood up, Daniel stopped, of course.  But we did get some cute pictures anyway, and here is one.

Here is a picture we took of Sarah Beth a few weeks ago.  We gave her that apron for Christmas, and she loves it, although she doesn't really understand what it is for.

So, what kind of weather do you have right now?  Are you jealous?  Don't be.  We only get a few weeks of spring because we go from cold (relatively) winter to hot, hot, hot summer quickly.  We enjoy what we can when we can.

Facebook

I did it.  I joined Facebook today, so if I know you, and if I know that you are on Facebook, I have sent you an invitation to be my friend.  Doesn't that sound kind of elementary school-ish?  "Would you like to be my friend?  Check yes or no."  Of course, if I have neglected someone, please feel free to let me know, and we will rectify the situation.

Books, Books, and More Books!

Look what I got today!  There was a used book sale about 45 minutes from my house today, so I loaded up Daniel and Sarah Beth, and we headed over.  (Because you know how much I love books!)  I wasn't sure I would find much to interest me since I was not exactly in a book shopping mood.  But look what I found!  Of course, you cannot read the titles, and I am sorry for that.  The first two stacks are children's chapter books; I read almost all of them when I was a child, so I am excited for Sarah Beth and Daniel to read them, too.  Besides, they are good books, not like some of the junk that is being published today.  I hoped to find some crochet books, but I only found a couple, so I think others beat me to them.  Oh, you want to know how much I spent?  Well, I bought 25 books for $25.  Can't beat that, can you?  

I told John we needed more bookshelves, but he didn't believe me!

New Year's Goals Revisited

Once again, it is time for me to look at my New Year's goals to see how I am doing.  I hope you don't mind tagging along for the ride.

1. I did not crochet a baby blanket in February because I have been feverishly trying to get those blocks done.  I did, however, get a good portion of a baby blanket done on our trip to Louisiana.
2. Sarah Beth is slowly but surely learning her letters.  I really need to schedule a time daily to sit down with her and do some "schooling," but....
3. Daniel is going to walk soon.  He pulls up on everything, and often he lets go and stands there for a minute.  He has taken a step or two by himself, but he is still pretty unsteady.  I really don't think it will be long, though, before he is running through the house.  Oh, no!
4. Excerise.  I still haven't found a good time to do that.  If I procrastinate long enough, the weather will be nice enough for walking again.
5. Daniel is sabotaging my time in God's Word.  I like to do that first thing in the morning after my shower, but lately Daniel has been waking up early.  Then I forget to do it later in the day.  Ugh!
6. I don't remember if I said this last month or not, but I have given up trying to plan meals monthly.  Weekly is good enough for me.
7. We did not have anyone over last month, so I still am not doing well with hospitality.  I have invited a family over for supper this month.  I am just waiting to hear back from them.
8. Facebook.  I have it on my schedule to join Saturday.  If life doesn't intervene, it should get done.  I do worry about it, though.  I have heard that it's addicting and that people spend way too much time on Facebook right after they join.  I don't have more time to "waste" on the computer, so I am concerned.
9. I decided to join Mykidsmom in her writing challenge, but I don't think I will write ten people a month.  A few a month will be enough for me since I don't feel like I know very many people to write.  By the way, Mykidsmom, how are you doing with that?  I have already written two this week.

Goals.  It's good to make them, and it is good to revisit them to see how you are doing.  How are you doing with your New Year's goals (or your February 20th goal, Angela)?

WIP Wednesday -- Blocks

As you can see, I finished crocheting all the squares I needed to make the blocks.  I have even sewn most of the seams.  (I have discovered that I don't hate sewing those seams as much as I used to.  Hmmm.  Maybe I will make try crocheting something for my children.)  I stuffed the first two blocks just so you could see them "finished."  I plan to try to make them a little more square, but it may be a losing battle.  The pattern suggests using heavy duty foam, but it was almost $70 a yard.  I don't need a yard, a half yard, or even a quarter yard.  I just need three 5"x5"x5" squares.  Sigh.  So I'm using polyester fiberfill which is less than $3 a bag, and I won't even need one bag.  Of course, since I am using the fiberfill, the blocks will be completely washable in the washing machine.  That's not a bad thing for a baby's toys.

I have to admit that I cannot wait to finish these things.  I feel like I have been working on them forever, and I have other projects that I want to accomplish.  Plus, I feel like I need to get working on those blankets for the twins.  

For other works in progess, head over to the Place of H.

Square Root Day and Grocery Shopping

I heard on the radio that today is Square Root Day because the date is 3-3-09.  I won't bother to explain anymore because I am sure you are smart enough to figure it out...although I wonder why today is not called Squared Day.  That would make more sense to me.  Apparently, it only happens nine times per century, and the next one will occur 4-4-16.

Grocery shopping.  Whether or not you enjoy it, it has to be done.  My favorite time to go is Monday night after I put Daniel to bed.  I discovered that time about six months ago, and it is nearly perfect for me.  I put Daniel to bed at 7:30, and then I head to the grocery store.  By the time I get there, the store is pretty empty so I don't have to maneuver around lots of people or wait in line.  Of course, it is after dark, and in the winter it's fairly chilly, but it works for me.  The best part is that I get to go by myself, and there is a CVS on the way if there are some good deals to snag.  What about you?  When do you like to go to the grocery store?  How often do you go?  I only go once a week.  How many children do you take with you?

What brought on this post about grocery shopping?  I couldn't go last night because John had a meeting at church.  I may not be able to go tonight because I have a meeting at church, although I hope to leave a little early in order to get some groceries.  I thought about going this morning, but it is supposed to be chilly today, and I don't want to take both children.  I need that roomin the buggy for groceries!

Snow Day and Politeness

I worked this past weekend, and it rained almost the whole time. I have to admit that was kind of nice because it kept us from being too busy. Don't get me wrong; we were still plenty busy. But I digress. One of my technicians also works for the local school system, and she was thrilled when she heard that classes were canceled today. I just don't understand why they cancelled school at 3:00 on Sunday afternoon when it was just raining. Apparently, Atlanta and Athens got some snow, and we were supposed to, but we didn't. Our other county just postponed classes for an hour, and that seemed like a much better plan to me, especially since it didn't even get cold enough for the roads to freeze. I know "they" were afraid of snow since we never get any, and no one knows how to drive in it, but the temperature was in the fifties or sixties on Saturday, so I don't think the ground would have been cold enough for any snow to stick.

My first thought when I heard that school had been cancelled was, "Oh, boy!" Then I realized that my day wouldn't change at all just because there was no school. We don't do school anyway, and Daniel and Sarah Beth still need to be taken care of. If it had been really bad, John might not have gone to work, and then he could have entertained our children while I cleaned bathrooms. That's the only difference snow would have made for us.

Another thing happened this weekend about which I want to ask your opinion. I had to call another pharmacy to transfer a prescription, and here is the conversation.

Other pharmacist, let's call him Scott because that's his name: CVS, this is Scott.

Nikki: I need a copy, please. (A copy is just a transfer.)

Scott: You must be from the North.

Nikki: No, I was born here in the South.

Scott: We like to use a Southern greeting down here. What city were you born in?

Nikki: I was born right here in this city.

Scott: I guess we need to teach you some manners.

As I discussed this conversation afterwards with my technicians, we decided that it was awfully rude of him to point out my lack of politeness. What do you think? Let me explain something else: most pharmacists use such a short greeting ("I need a copy") because usually a technician answers the phone, and we need the pharmacist for a transfer. We are usually too busy to say, "This is Nikki from the Wal-Mart on ---- Street, and I would like a copy, please, because then we have to say it all over again when the pharmacist gets on the phone. We like to streamline the process. Do you agree with our assessment that it was rude of Scott to point out my, as he called it, lack of manners?