Shades of Purple

Last Post

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:03:00 +0000

This is going to be my last post on Shades of Purple. It's not my last blog post ever, and I have created a new blog. I hope that you follow me over there, and keep reading. I have decided to create a new blog for a few reasons. I started my blog for "crafts" and slowly it started to spread off into many different things. I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to take it and I just stopped posting for a while.

Now that I've gotten everything sorted out, am so ready to get started on my new blog. PLEASE go check it out.

Butterflies and Lullabies

Job Woes

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:16:00 +0000

I have been job hunting for well over 3 months now. Ugh. What a pain. It makes me thankful for our new president more than ever, the economy, especially in these little towns like where I live, is hard on the job market. I've been searching a 55 mile radius for a job, and I just can't find one.

Quitting school after my freshman year of college was a dumb move. I wouldn't take it back, it brought me to the place I am now. An amazing husband, a beautiful daughter and an amazing son. All those things are wonderful and of course, wouldn't have happened had I not made the decisions I did. But now, grown up, I wish I'd stuck with it. I look at all these jobs that I could have, if I had a degree. I want to start going back to school now more than ever.

I've sent in application after application, forwarded one resume after another and been on countless interviews... Which might I add, is a pain when you have to find a babysitter in the middle of the day on short notice! I am trying to stay positive and think that when the right job comes along, I will know, and that is why I haven't gotten anything up until now. I surely hope so.

My hubby has been home for a week, and I've neglected all kinds of stuff like friends, and blogs, and all that. I feel terrible for not catching up with them all for the past week. It's just been nice to have him here and spend time with him. See him, get to talk to him whenever I want... I always miss him when he's gone.

If I Only Had A....

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:29:00 +0000

Interchangeable Harmony Wood Circular Knitting Needle Set..... [Singing to the Wizard Of Oz's "If I Only Had A Brain"]

I want this! Not only is it pretty and have Shades of Purple in it, but it's wood, which I love, and it would be so much easier to keep track of all my stuff! I just thought I would share that tidbit of information.

After about a week long break, I am finally back. There's been alot going on in the house, and with the family. I guess I've been feeling a bit blue lately. Not very talkative. But things are getting a bit better, slowly but surely, and I am feeling better in the process.

I am writing this blog as my husband forces me to watch House Hunters on HGTV. I love my husband, don't get me wrong, but I don't really care for this show. "Oh I don't know which of these many houses to choose from, my wallet is so full I guess I should just pick one..." Bite me!!!! Maybe it's not that bad, but still I don't like it so I'm blogging instead. I guess it's payback for all the episodes of "The Golden Girls" I've made him watch. In my opinion he secretly enjoys it. But sshhh. Don't tell him I said that.

I have probably 3 UFO's on either hooks or needles sitting in my basket. I have one half of a pair of fingerless gloves finished for myself. I keep looking at the one lone glove and thinking how I should do the other one, I just can't seem to make the time. Then I'm working on an afghan for the living room. I am really excited about that because ever since I picked up knitting about 4 years ago, that has been a project I wanted to start but just never did. Now that I've finished a blanket I know I can do it, and I'm confident enough to start one. I can't wait to get started next on my scrapbooking. I haven't done anything with that in probably a year. I have so many pictures and just don't know what to do with any of them. A friend of mine has suggested DigiScrapping and I am definately going to look into that. Anyone have any suggestions?

Hope you're having a fantastic start to your week!

Once Again..

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:23:00 +0000

I need a blog break. I have sat down to write for a week. I can't seem to find anything to write about. I don't really feel like writing about my personal things, which is all I can seem to think about. My personal stuff is causing me a big writer's block.

I have a blanket I'm crocheting, I have funny stories to tell, exciting stories to tell.... I just don't feel like it right now.

I hope you don't stop reading. I know there's nothing to really read right now but there will be soon. Just have to get some things straight around here.

Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:22:00 +0000

I'm tired and have no witty title for this blog. I wish I did, it almost feels wrong not haivng something interesting to say in the title. Oh well....

I need this picture blown up to posterboard size and then mounted on one wall of every room in my home. Can I do that? Probably won't get my security deposit back....

Sometimes life is just STRESS. And I have been having one of those weeks. The past week or so has been one obstacle after another. Nothing too major that my family can't handle. But all the while frustrating and leaving me wanting to "BANG HEAD HERE" at the end of the day.

It makes me think of that short from Sesame Street I used to watch as a kid. It was a cartoon cat wanting to get fed, and her owner is just talking on the phone, she keeps trying to get the can open herself to no avail and then finally when it's opened, she runs over there, and SMACK. Her face lands in it, too tired to eat. That's me.

Craziest thing is, I'm complaining about being stressed out, and I am looking for a job. Weird combination huh. I love staying at home with my children but I'm ready to go. I've been at home with my children for almost 7 years now. And I'm 26 years old. I want out of the house, I want to be with other adults, and I want to do something that's for me. My kids are older now, and my daughter isn't even here during the day, and next year at this time the same will be for my little man. Kids always need their parents. But they don't need me now like they did as babies. I almost think they'd enjoy getting out of the house and playing every day!

I have a job interview on Thursday. I'm VERY nervous. I've been trying to get a certain type job now for a few months, and I've had a hard time. I don't have but about a year's worth experience in this field and I know there's alot of competition with people that are much more qualified. I finally have a chance and I'm so nervous I can't stand it!

Send me good luck vibes if you can. I need 'em!

And if you made it to the bottom of this rambling, incoherent, boring post... Wow, you are my new best friend!

Thursday Tummy Tickle

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:50:00 +0000

"I am NOT tired! I do NOT wanna go bed Mommy! No No No! You mean!"

Imagine how mean I became when the camera was pulled out and started flashing in his oh-so-happy-cause-he-most-definately-is-not-tired face. I never really thought that looking at a picture of someone soooooooo mad, could make me chuckle.

I'm showing this to his girlfriends when he's 30. And yeah I said 30, he won't be dating anyone before then.

Just thought I'd send a chuckle your way, I hope you got at least a smile out of it! Happy Thursday and thank goodness tomorrow starts the weekend!

Crocheting and Super Cute Babies!!

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:23:00 +0000

So I posted already that I was learning how to crochet, and as much as I love knitting, I have a newfound passion for crocheting. It is soooo much faster than knitting. I started this baby blanket that I found via Ravelry two weeks ago, and had it finished in one week! I was so thrilled, and needless to say I gave this blanket to baby Eliza since the ominous yellow blanket is still light years away from being finished. Both my best friend and I are partial to the "alternative" type look so I decided instead of doing the normal pale colors, to make the blanket hot pink with a black border. It looked great, and she loved it, which is even better!

Over the long weekend I got to meet Miss Eliza and she is the most precious little thing I've ever seen! She was adorable, and of course she is, given who her Mommy and Daddy are! Mom and baby are doing great, and I was sad to have to go. But it was a wonderful weekend, and I couldn't be more happy to have gotten the opportunity to go. Here's a picture of the finished blanket and then another with Miss Eliza...

That's about it for now. I have tons of pictures of other stuff and more blogs to write so instead of cramming it all into this one blog I'll space it out so I look like I have lots of interesting things to say.... HAHA.

BUSY!

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Oh lord, I didn't realize it'd been so long since I posted!

I have a TON of pictures to upload, and a ton of crafting progress to update on. Not to mention I got to see the baby I've been waiting so long to see!

Things here are a bit hectic and I'm having a hard time keeping up. Feels like I'm treading water but I will be back tonight to post about everything!

I hope if you read, you haven't stopped, my few followers are precious to me!

Cell Phones, Blonde Moments, and Crocheting

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:29:00 +0000

It's no secret that society today revolves around cell phones. One of my pet peeves is when someone is yakking on their cell phone, oblivious to anything and/or everything. Like when you're weaving down the road texting. Or pushing your shopping cart at snail speed right in the middle of the aisle with your phone glued to your head, standing right in front of the one thing I went in to get. It never fails. Another one is when someone is on their cell phone completely IGNORING their children. Gah, that totally gets on my nerves! It's bad enough that so many parents don't give their children the attention they need and deserve. It's even worse when you're ignoring them and they're running around causing havoc in every direction and you don't even care.

Liv had dance class this evening. This is the first class after Christmas break, and before vacation they informed us that the Tuesday and Thursday classes would be switching days. No problem. Well come to find out nobody showed up Tuesday, because they didn't pay attention, and all of Liv's class plus the normal Thursday group showed up! Well, while I was in my car, enjoying my pitiful hour of peace and quiet, a lady pulled up in her minivan next to me. I see four kids file out of the van, and three of them (all boys) proceed to start running around in every which way. The lone girl takes her bag and heads into the building. About two minutes later she comes back out. "Mom" she says.. "Mom! MOM!" -- Mom doesn't answer. While her three boys are running around into the street weaving around parked cars and her daughter is yelling her name, she is, you guessed it... YAKKING ON HER CELL PHONE. Doesn't even bother to look up. Her daughter goes back in, and then comes back out a few minutes later, to do the same thing. After almost 20 minutes, Mom finally gets off her phone. Daughter then tells her that class is Tuesday now, and they are there on the wrong day. She has the nerve to get MAD at her daughter for not telling her sooner! The nerve! I was so irritated at that. How could you be so oblivious to what is going on and then blame it on your no-older-than 12 year old child?

Some people just push my buttons.

Now on to my blonde moment. Across the street from said Dance Class, there is this restaurant. I have always stared at the name of this place, knowing it's a play on words but not quite getting it. "Dine 'n' Crewe". Crewe being the name of the town this is in. I always stare at it. "Dine IN Crewe? Dine and Cruise?" Never got it. Then it finally dawned on me after almost 5 months of staring at it every week. DINING CREW!!!!!!!!!!!!! Duhhhhhhhhhh....... I love it when I feel super smart.

And as for the crocheting part of the title, I have learned how to crochet! I am SOOOO excited. It's been fun, and I picked it up way sooner than I would've ever expected. I'm so proud of myself. I am sticking to my New Years Resolution and trying new things. I think this will be fun!!

Early Beginnings...

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:59:00 +0000

My biggest New Year's Resolution this year, was to stop being so scared of 1)change and 2)learning/trying new things. I'm a creature of habit and both of these things are a constant hurdle of mine that I want to get rid of. So, on NYE the kids and I went up to my mother's for the night. We had a ton of fun (as always) and of course, the trip wouldn't be complete without me forgetting something. Well this time is was my bag. Yep! My whole overnight bag with everything in it, to include MY KNITTING. I was not impressed to say the least. But then again I'm always doing something like this so why should I be suprised?

Anyway, since I didn't have my knitting, or should I say "THE BLANKET THAT WON'T END" .... I decided to ask my Mom for some lessons on knitting in the round. I've been knitting for 4 years almost and still haven't even tried to learn. (Hence the new years resolution) So I decided to make a hat. A hat for whom, you may ask? Well the baby! Of course! I found this adorable hat that is done in the round. People always told me that once I learned how to knit in the round, I would wonder what I was so afraid of. It couldn't have been more true! Mom sat down with me, showed me two simple things, and I looked at her and said "That's it?" So anyway here is the hat I made for Miss Eliza!

I was SO excited that I made another when I got home. I had to tweak the pattern for just straight knitting since I don't own any DPN's. I don't like it as much, I don't think it's as cute as the other, and it's definately bigger, but she can grow into it.

Now, I want to learn how to crochet. I have a friend of mine who knows and is going to hopefully show me a thing or two on how to do it.

Now if I could only stop being so afraid to go somewhere new without getting lost....

I could NEVER be a Truck Driver

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:27:00 +0000

So the week before Christmas I went out with the hubby "OTR". Now for all you non-truck-driving folks, that means "Over The Road". Okay so I just really learned that but let's be real here, it's nice to feel "in the know" sometimes. We rode from VA down to Florida. Then to Georgia, then back up to VA where I was dropped off. I absolutely LOVED spending the time with him. I've missed him ALOT lately. The selfish two year old in me wants to whine and throw a fit because he's not home, and it's "NOT FAIR". But, unfortunately, the grown up in me takes charge, and starts speaking all the normal "adult" stuff, like "He's doing this for you and the kids" and "You're so lucky to have such a great husband who takes care of you and works so hard."

So yeah. I cherished my time with him, and we went riding. Now he usually takes the dog with him. Our little 4lb long haired chihuahua, Chopper. What a killer name, huh? Although not much of a guard dog, he's company and loves to be in the car. So here's me, on day one, always unimpressed to get my picture taken. Especially when I'm caught off guard and from that angle have the most lovely double chin. But I digress. I was glad to be there, and so happy to be on the road with him.

Now. Here's day 3 I believe. We'd been caught in rain for all three days. I was soaked to the core and hadn't had a shower in said three days either. None the less, I am mustering up a smile for the camera because gosh darnit, I can do this and it's not that bad. Not to mention, I am with my hubby. Granted I think you can tell by the general look on my face that my thrill level had decreased significantly.

This is later on that day. Remember Chopper? Yeah, he's sometimes a lap dog. But suprisingly not really. He likes to be left alone. And to be honest with you he and I don't get along as well as we should. But since I was invading on "his territory" i.e. sitting in HIS seat, THIS is what I had to put up with! As cute as he might look, he paced back and forth in the truck and would do this "snort" thing kindof like "Hmpf. MOVE!"

But anyway. I had alot of fun none the less, and can't even imagine having to do what he does. It seems like it wouldn't be so much work. You know the whole theory, get in the truck and drive? Well it's most definately not. What a great early Christmas present for me, to get to spend time with my lovely hubby since I miss him SO much. (Greasy hair, and unimpressed smiles aside)

I promise next time I post pictures of myself they are going to be much more flattering!

Anyone else OVER Tired?

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:38:00 +0000

So here I am. Christmas morning, in all my glory. Donning my three of my four Christmas gifts. First of all, despite the large woman inside of it, here is my beautiful new bathrobe that the hubby picked out. LOVES the color and it is just oh so soft! And in my hands is the travel mug for my new coffee pot, inside of which was a freshly brewed cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee! Yep. He loves me. A-L-O-T. He couldn't have picked out any better gifts!

So was anyone else as tired that morning as I looked? Boy oh boy was the holidays a hectic time for us! I went with my hubby for 4 days over the road in his truck (which I will post about later) and that was alot of fun. It was nice to see what he has to do every day, nice to spend the time with him since he's gone so much. This look was because of 4 days on the road, then coming home and driving out to my Mom's for the day and then coming home Christmas Eve at 10pm only to wake up at OF COURSE 6am! But... this is what we got to see after getting up and giving the ever so patiently waiting children their permission to unwrap!

All in all, it was a FABULOUS time had by everyone. I am so blessed, and thankful for not only the gifts we were able to give and receive, but for the family we had to do it with! We laughed, loved, and celebrated just like we should, and that is something to be happy for!!

Merry Day-After Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:27:00 +0000

I hope everyone's holiday was filled with joy, love, and laughter! And I also hope no one is reading this right now, even though it's the day after Christmas, because I hope you are still having fun and spending time with your families!

Our Christmas was great, and I will post about that in a few days after we are all settled back into our normal routine. I have the camera back, and have tons of pictures! I also got to go on a road trip to Florida with the hubby in his HUGE truck for 4 days and that was so much fun. So blessed to be able to get that time in with him, you know what I mean?

So I'm loaded with pictures and ready to strike at any given moment...... Beware!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Santa the Bus Driver

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:44:00 +0000

This morning when taking babygirl to school, we were waiting at the stoplight and the area bus system came through. I about died when I saw through the doors a man dressed like Santa driving the bus. OMG how funny it was! I laughed out loud completely and then had to listen to BabyGirl and MonsterMan yelling at the top of their lungs about "There's Santa! Did you see Santa? I saw Santa!"

I almost want to take a trip on the bus tomorrow just so they can see Santa! Gotta love living in Small Southern Town USA!

In other news, I had two wonderful experiences that I am going to briefly share and then save for entries into the "Don't You Hate It When" contest again for when it comes around!

So my mom made that totally sweet purse for the contest, and I wanted it something awful. I'm talking to my mom on the phone, telling her about my lameo story compared to everyone's. Then I (because I just have so much class) ask her this: "Did you see that pic of your purse on BlokThoughts? I love her blog, but dag Mom, she needs a new monitor!" Mom starts laughing uncontrollably and then informs me that it's HER monitor. I looked closer and felt like such a loser! First of all I insulted another blogger's equipment, then I insulted the wrong person and did it TO them! What a loser. We both were laughing so hard though. Maybe I'll have to enter that into a "DYHIW" post?

Anyway... I keep working on this blanket like there's no tomorrow. That's coming along. Still am not sure if it'll be done in time or not. Keep your fingers crossed for me! My daughter asked me to make a blanket and a hat for her dolly... So you know of course I'm going to be doing that, not to mention, I still am scarf-less and hat-less... Who am I kidding? I'm going to be like that all winter. By the time I get all these other things done winter will be freaking over!

Anyway my incoherent rambling is over for the night, and I will be back tomorrow. TGIF right?!

Aaaaah!

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:06:00 +0000

So the suspense of finding out who is picked for the "Don't You Hate It When" contest I entered is killing me! Okay so it's not literally "killing" me but I can't wait to see who is picked as the finalists! I know, in all actuality my lame story SUCKED the big one in comparison to a bunch of the others, but it was still fun to participate. Annnnnd, it was of course, hilarious to read some of the other entries! So here I am, feverishly checking BlokThoughts to find out who the two lucky entries are, hoping it's me (even though I know it won't be) and just generally being a complete dweeb by doing so.

My blogging capabilities are severely limited now because I have no camera. To be honest with you I think a blog is no fun without a picture or two of what you're talking about. And I have no pictures! I don't even have old ones because of course my computer bit the bullet over the weekend and I had to go out and get a new one. Blah. I can't wait for hubby to get home so I can steal the camera away from him! Until then those of you who read my blog are stuck with my lame stories and oh-so-not-personal pictures that I find online. But I hope you keep reading even though I stink.

If you haven't checked out the contest, go do so! And if I'm picked vote for me! And if I'm not picked, vote for someone anyway!

Have a happy hump day!

Crystal Light is My Enemy

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:14:00 +0000

*****Update*****
So I was reading up on my blogs, and if you'll remember I've been trying to win the "Don't You Hate It When" contest over on BlokThoughts for a couple of weeks now. I sadly have yet to win, but I thankfully, have a multitude of things that always seem to happen to me that I get to post about! So since the contest is tomorrow I'm updating yesterday's post to enter it in to the contest. The prize is coincidently a gift that My Uber-Talented Mother made for the contest. I probably won't be able to win because of the "connection" if you will, but let me just say -- I WANT THIS PURSE! Every time I'm over at her house I want to steal one of these but I don't, because she always has someone to sell them to, or give to, etc. And I know how HARD she works on them so I don't ask. Now is my chance to get it after all the years of admiration of one! Anywho, read away, and PLEASE vote for me if you like my story and I make it into the finalists!

So here's my "Don't You Hate It When..."

You'll have to excuse the crappy picture quality, my husband has our digital camera for the next week or so, he's on a trip to Texas for work and wanted to have it, just to take pictures of anything he finds interesting. Granted this puts a HUGE cramp into my blogging but, I digress. I'm trying to share. Anyway. If you'll notice, there actually IS improvement in my blanket progress. It is coming along slowly but surely.

You may be wondering why I hate Crystal Light. Let me explain. Thursday night I worked on the blanket. I fell asleep with it in my lap while watching a movie and so I went to bed, and placed it on the floor next to my bed, underneath my nightstand. Friday morning, at 7am, I hear my son is up so I'm getting ready to get out of bed, and I hear "it". I hear thud, splash, "Uh Oh... Moooommmmm", drip.. drip.. drip..

I'd had a glass of half full Crystal Light in the kitchen on the table from the night before. He had decided to bring it to me because I'd need a drink when I woke up. He was being so sweet, I know. But he set it on the nightstand, and then knocked it over. RED Crystal Light. Let's face it, the crap is like Kool-Aid when it comes to stains. It was all over my blanket, all over the yarn, and all over the carpet. Nooooooooo.........

After lots of elbow grease, a frantic Tide-Pen episode and phone call to my Mom, I managed to get it out. You can't even tell it was there. I am SO relieved. I was in tears thinking about the idea of starting over! But, luckily I won't have to.

I'm still never drinking Crystal Light again.

I'm So Addicted To....

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:33:00 +0000

75%

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Online Dating

Haha... How sad?! Oh well. To be so addicted to blogging you'd think I'd have some huge following or something, which in fact, I do not. But that's alright. I have fun and for the few of you who like to read my random posts and silly stories, I'm glad you find me at least semi-interesting!

I Should Get Paid for This Ad

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:27:00 +0000

For Alltel. I recently switched cell phone companies. We were extremely dissatisfied with our old provider. Prices, Customer Service, etc. I won't name names, but it has a certain "T" involved in their name. :-)

Anyway I just LOVE everything about them, to include my new, YES you guessed it... PURPLE phone. It's great! I love having a keyboard to text with, it's so much faster. And yes, I'm "that" dork who took a picture of her phone. But anyway on to my story.

So as you know my husband started his new job yesterday. Now... I sometimes can be prone to really odd dreams, especially when I'm under stress or something. Usually if I wake up in the middle of the night from something weird I'll roll over and cuddle up to my hubby and fall back asleep. Kinda like a big teddy bear ;) -- So last night I wake up kind of panicked, it was pretty scary and of course he's not there. I knew he was still up, driving late at night so figured I'd call him and talk to him until I calmed down. Well, half asleep, and fumbling for the phone, I get it and dial. No sooner than I dial, my cell phone starts ringing. It FREAKED ME OUT! I'm like "Who is calling me, what's wrong with Joe, is he okay?" Only to look... and stupid me... I'd called my own stupid phone! What a loser.......LOL

Needless to say, I called him and everything was fine. As Homer would say, "D'oh!!" I should really look into the meaning of dreams and such. Any ideas on how to stop them?!

About My Break

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:08:00 +0000

I took a bit of a break blogging here lately. Been taking a break on everything really. Crafts, talking on the phone, being lazy about returning emails and all that. We've had alot going on here the past few weeks. Mainly my husband searching for a new job. He's a truck driver and until recently he's been working for a paving company in Richmond. Home every day, with the exception of a week long trip somewhere while they work. That work is great but in the winter is slows down alot, and knowing that he'd launched into a big search of a new job. He got a new one and today was his first day. We've been spending alot of time together the past couple weeks, because his new job is over the road. He left this morning and we're not sure when he'll be home again, maybe a few days but possibly a couple of weeks. The long and short of it, he'll be gone more than he is home. I'm excited for the opportunities is opens up for him, and I know how lucky I am to have a husband who will do anything for us to make sure we're taken care of. But a part of me is sad to see him go. I'll miss him alot, his goofy jokes and stupid smirks at me when he's picking on me. I'll miss hearing the choruses of "Daddy You're Home!" when he walks in the door from the kids. It could be worse and I always keep that in mind, and I know what he's doing enables me to be here with the kids instead of having to work and all that good stuff. It has alot of good points. But I sure am gonna miss him while he's gone....

Mini Blog Break

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:36:00 +0000

It's been about a week since I posted, and so much has been going on around here! I guess I needed a "mini-break" to have a fun holiday time with my family. I made Thanksgiving dinner for my parents and one of my brothers, and I must say I was very proud, it was pretty darn good! Here's my B-E-A-utiful turkey. Poor guy, stuffed and roasted but very delicious and brown! I was proud.

Mom&Dad came out, now of course I only have a picture of Mom because I can never really seem to get Dad on camera but here she is, smiling away. She got a bit of a break this year, usually it's her just cooking away with no stopping. She helped alot I must admit, but hopefully she got to take somewhat of a break this time around.

We also went "Black Friday" shopping... Now, a word to the wise. DON'T DO IT! DID YOU HEAR ME?! Okay, now that I'm done I will explain why. If you're like me, and enjoy this time of year, it can be not only dissapointing but exasperating. Now, we did get awesome deals and on the budget we're on, managed to get everything we wanted to fit within our budget. But I have to say. The Christmas Spirit was sucked right out of me about a half hour into this 3am ordeal. I want to get stuff for my kids, but all at the same time, I as well as everyone else knows that's not what this is all about, and to see so many people acting so hateful, it saddened me. I can't say I'm completely innocent, I shot a look to a woman trying to steal right out of my cart and told her to go "somewhere" for touching my stuff..... But to make me look better in this scenario my defense was that I was provoked. Hehehe. Needless to say we're done with the presents THANK GOODNESS and I will probably never do that again!

In other news I am still overwhelmingly behind on the baby blanket. I am thouroughly dissapointed in myself. I also had found an absolutely adorable ruffled hat pattern I wanted to make the baby, but I don't think I'll be able to get it done. I suck totally.

Hope everyone else had an amazing holiday weekend!!

A Christmas-y Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:34:00 +0000

So as I'm sure everyone is aware, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. At our home we got started on the decorating a little earlier than normal, but this year is special. I am having Thanksgiving dinner at my house for the first time for my family! I'm really stoked. I've cooked Thanksgiving food before, but never to eat at home with my parents and siblings. It is going to be so wonderful! In light of such a great day at our house, we decided to decorate a bit early and get the spirit going. It's Christmas central here at our home.

I am so excited and have to start cooking tonight. Stuffing, Bread, and the best part of all, dessert, which will be an awesome Pumpkin Cheesecake that made it's debut last year and, might I add, was received very well! I guess all my knitting and job work will have to be put aside for the next two days but family time is so important, don't you think?

Have a Wonderful Holiday!

Vote Vote Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:07:00 +0000

For ME ME ME!

Puhhhleeease? I entered the weekly "Don't You Hate It When" contest on Shelle's Blog a couple of weeks ago and WON thanks to all my wonderful readers and friends. Now I'm in the running for a $25 Amazon gift card (which I could totally use now it's getting close to Christmas) and a very pretty quilt that I would love to keep on my bed! I want, I want..... Look at me, all in the Christmas spirit already, lol.

I just would love to win and would love it if you'd vote for me, if you do leave me a comment and a link to your blog (if I don't already know you) so I can thank you and tell you how much you totally rock my socks!!!!!!!!

Happy Monday!

And Here It Is!

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:07:00 +0000

The ever so ominous baby blanket. What's that, you say? It looks ~~so much bigger than~~ the same as last time I posted about it?! How dare you say such a thing! And what I really mean by that, is how dare you tell me the truth and not say to me "Oh Channon, look at the progress you're making on it!"

Okay so in all honesty, it is a bit bigger. A row and a half of pattern to be exact. I haven't even finished the first skein of yarn for this, and it calls for FOUR skeins. I told my hubby that I think since this is a "baby" blanket, it'll wind up not only being 2 skeins long but I'll make sure I say that it's a "crib blanket". Then I don't look like a total slacker to my bestest friend and her newborn daughter. Even though she reads my blog now and my cover is totally and completely blown.

So who else has any UFO's just sitting around, ominously staring you down every time you walk by? I hope it's not just me!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Thankful Thursday Returns

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:35:00 +0000

Last week on Thursday I posted a "Thankful Thursday" entry to my blog. [You may scroll down now if you did not read it, and partake in the wonderousness that is my writing... hehe] So here it is, Thursday again. Next week is Thanksgiving so I get to post five more things today, and five more next week.

Last week I posted about my family, my BFF and hetero life mate Heather, my ever so wonderfully amazing Mom, my silly pup and of course, coffee. Now those are the five obvious choices for me, I mean, duh. Of course they're some of the best because they were the first few to pop in my mind. Now, I have to warn you, the next few will probably be either insanely corny or reeeeeally hilarious. And that's just because, sometimes you have to look past the obvious and find other things you might not think of.

So without further adieu... here's my Thankful Thursday Five:

1. My best friend Sherry. She rocks my socks. I owe credit to her in many ways. Pulling me out of my shell while we were all in the abyss that is Alaska at the same time. Getting me interested in knitting. Blogging. She has a great family and is an AMAZING person. She always has something great to talk about, or a funny story to tell. No matter what my mood when I talk to her I always hang up the phone with a smile on my face.

2. Flowers. No specific kind or any sentimental story that goes with it. I always notice when there are pretty flowers around. I see those patches of wildflowers on the side of the road, or the potted ones on someones porch or window box when I pass their house. Anytime I pass them I always stop and smell them, and think about how pretty they are. I don't know why, but I always do.

3. My ex husband. Now before you think to yourself "Whaaaaaaaaat?" hear me out. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have my BEAUTIFUL children. I would never have met Heather. Or Sherry. And as crazy as it sounds, I wouldn't have Joe. The things I've dealt with because of him, or because of the decisions he's made sometimes were hard. Hurtful. Painful and miserable. But all that is behind me now. And instead of harboring hate, I'm thankful for him. Because I have such a wonderful life right now, and it's because I married him when I did. That was the start to the path of my life that brought me here. In all bad you have to find the good.

4. Matchbox Twenty. More so Rob Thomas. I love their music. And Rob Thomas is hot. I've thought so since I was 15 and liked the band they used to be in before they were who they are now. And even when their first CD came out, I thought the old fat guy on the cover was the lead singer, but I still LOVED their stuff. When I saw the hotness that was Rob I couldn't help but be even more thankful. I can relate to almost every song they've ever put out. They are my guilty obsession.

5. Planners. Yep, those spiral bound notebooks with calendars in them that you buy at WalMart. Or even the 3 ring binder type ones that they have. They are overpriced, but I have to have one. I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached and I am glad I have one. I need it for EVERYTHING from doctor's appointments to weekend activities... to chores! It's a blessing to have that planner on my desk!

So those are my 5 crazy, and [some] silly things that I'm thankful for this week. I didn't get much going from this last week... maybe I can get a little participation, hmm?

Oh How I Miss...

noreply@blogger.com (Channon) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:01:00 +0000

This coffee. I live in the middle of nowhere and have to drive 35 minutes to the closest Dunkin' Donuts. I hate that. You can buy it now, at WalMart and all that, at the grocery store, whatever. It sucks in comparison to the real thing. Just saying. Sucks. Nobody makes a cup of coffee like Dunkin' Donuts. Sorry out there to all you Starbucks lovers but their coffee isn't as good and it's too expensive. Just my opinion.

On a night like tonight, I am wishing I lived closer to a beloved DD right about now. I could really use the extra boost. I have laundry sitting on the bed behind me. I have a binder full of work I need to be typing up and emailing to my boss. I have a lunch to make for school tomorrow, and a report card to sign. And yet, what am I doing? Sitting her blogging. Yeah. Not only blogging here but I posted a blog on my MySpace page and I'm over to CafeMom after this. Maybe Starbucks doesn't suck.... I think it's me. I am procrastinating like never before. But doing this stuff is way more fun.

I got a new pattern from a friend of mine for a ruffled baby hat. I can't wait to make it. Not like I don't have enough gloves, scarves, and hats to make for my own family, not to mention the ever looming presence of the baby blanket that is NOT going to be done. Let me just start on a hat too! Haha.... Oh well. I'll get it done. Right?

Now who wants to go to Dunkin' Donuts for me?