From 2008 to 2009

"Happy New Year"

Well here I sit in my bed writing on this blog with one hour left to 2008. Gary's sleeping on the couch, Grandma's in bed, Gabby and her boyfriend, Tripp, upstairs watching tv, waiting for the New Year. Not very exciting, hey. This year went by so fast, I don't even remember that much of it. Guess I'm getting old. I do know that this New Year brings our son-in-law home in 15 days from his tour. Our daughter Heather has grown into an amazing young woman. To be in a new home and state, by herself, dealing with snow for the first time, the twin doggies and all with her husband being away. We are so proud of her. And then our daughter Patricia, celebrating the New Year with Tom in Florida, having fondue tonight. Boy I remember doing the fondue nights. Seems like yesterday, but it has really been 29 years. Gosh, their all grown up, were the heck has that time gone.
I'm starting to make myself depressed, so I am going to stop. Well I'm really not going to make any New Year resolutions this year because I never keep them. Who really does?
I am going to try and start making and selling my miniature bears though this year. I just joined this new site - ArtFire.com. It is similar to etsy.com, but you only pay a monthly fee and no percentage when your item sell. I will be back to tell you more about it in the coming days.
I have been busy the last two weeks helping get "yes yarn" shop set up in it's new location. Saturday is it's new grand opening. It's going to be bigger and better. It's been fun but tiring.
Well I hope 2009 brings happiness for everyone. Have a relaxing New Year's day!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas day. It is not the same without our whole family together but we are moving to a different part of our lives now so I guess I need to get use to it. We still have Gabby girl at home so we need to keep doing our Christmas traditions for her. I am hoping that next year we can all be together. Patricia is with Tom and his family in Florida, Heather girl is experiencing her "first" white Christmas, and by herself I might add. I wish I was there. Bill will be home in a few weeks which is the best thing ever. We are so proud of him and can not thank him enough for keeping us all safe home here in the states.

So I wish you all a peaceful and grateful holiday.

Laughters the best medicine....

everyday it is something new living with my 85 year old mom. She sure keeps us laughing. Let me explain....Today Gary and I went out and did a few errands this morning, came back around 11:30. Mom was watching tv in the living room, which she really only does when we are not home. I came in and she was watching "The Price is Right", no problem. But she knew that Gary's show was on so she went to change the channel and couldn't understand why it wasn't changing. Well...............she had the phone in her hand and was punching the numbers on the phone to change the tv. I was standing there watching her, wondering who she was trying to call, and why she had the phone pointed at the tv. It took her about 3 tries before she realized what she was doing. I thought I was going to die laughing. She goes to me "oh shut up" because I was laughing so hard. So tonight before dinner, Gary decided to play a trick on her. He had Gabby dial the house phone and he answered it and pretended it was somebody for mom. He then proceed to hand her the remote and said "mom it's for you" and she took the remote and put it up to her ear and started to talk in it. Well I almost lost it again. Told you it's never a dual day in our house.

Well I haven't posted in quick awhile. I didn't even post anything for Thanksgiving. Patricia came up from Florida. Brought a cold again this year with her. But we still had fun. Heather had to stay in Idaho, but we were able to take a picture with her on the laptop on Skype. It was pretty funny.

I have been pretty busy with trying to make some Christmas presents. I have done a lot but not as many as I would of liked. It is unbelievable how fast time flys when you are home. The only decorations up is our Christmas tree. I haven't even decorated the outside. Like I said time is flying by. Here is Theo sitting under the tree. It's not a very good picture because I took it at night, but I wanted you to see the lights. I bought a pre-lite tree this year with multi color lights and it is so pretty.

Today we got a package from our son -in- law, Bill. It was a United States flag that he flew on his jet during a mission. Needless to say I couldn't finish reading his letter because I started to cry.

So all in all today was a good day. I laughed a little, then cried a little, and then laughed enough that I almost peed my pants.

Until next time, please...... live, love and laugh everyday. It's good medicine.

Lip balm sock holders....

Aren't these the cutest thing. I am beginning to get obsessed with mini socks so I thought I would revamp my pattern I did for my classes and make these. They are little lip balm holders. You can put them on your cell phone or your key chain and never loose your lip balm again. And your dog will never eat your lip balm again. (poor Oscar) I can't make enough of them. Trying to make every color I have in my sock yarn stash. If anyone out there has any left overs of sock yarn you don't know what to do with it, I would be ever so greatful of you sending it to me. These cuties only take a few yards or so.

I thought these would make great little Christmas presents. I will be putting them on my etsy store later if anyone would like them for presents. They will be $5.00 each or 12 for $50.00. What an inexpensive clever gift idea, huh? I already know a few girls who are getting these for Christmas. Remember, buy homemade this Holiday season!!!

Birthday girl..

Happy

15th
Birthday
Gabby
Girl!

Hope you have a great birthday. We love you. And yes you are the bestest daughter anyone could ask for!

Kidney Stones...

are the worst thing I have ever experienced. I had an episode about two years ago when I lived in Florida. I was in terrible pain but it only lasted a few hours and then for about a week I was uncomfortable until I passed the little thing. Well Sunday I had a very "big" episode that landed me in the emergency room and on pain pills for 4 days. And if anyone knows me, I hate drugs, doctors and hospitals, so it had to be bad. It was the worst. I would give birth everyday instead of dealing with this. So that says alot for my pain level and how this feels. Well last night after running up and down the stairs, really I did, and running around the house with Gabby and drinking gallons of water, the "freaking" thing came out of me. hurray!! Today I just felt exhausted though and just stayed in bed again. I can't believe it is actually Thursday. I have spent the whole week in bed. That's what pain pills do to you. What a waste. But now I have learned how important it is to watch my diet. I guess that is a good thing. Let's hope I stay with it, because I don't want to go through that ever again.

Friends.....

so my dear friend Lori can up from Florida this past weekend and I was able to spend Friday with her. It was so good seeing her. Here she is in Hobby Lobby (which she had never been in one before) trying on a big velvet Christmas bow. It is so her. It felt like old times being together.

Here were the pumpkins Gabby and I made for Halloween. They came out really good. Her friend Tyler came over and they smashed them in the street today. Gary was mad I let them do that but hey they are kids and Gabby really wanted to do it, plus they cleaned up their mess after. And they had fun making a video doing it.

SAFF....

stands for Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival in Flecher, NC. That's where I was this weekend. I went with Margaret from Yes Yarn to help her out with her table. We had so much time. And froze our little butts off. Our booth was in the Sales Arena which was actually in a barn. But I wouldn't really call it a barn because I thought barns had walls. The building where we were in only had half walls. Friday was raining and winding and so cold. But I was surprised that people actually came outside to see us. The next two days were cold but not raining and the sun came out later in the afternoon. Here was how we set up the table.

There were Angora bunnies right across from us. I called home to see if I could bring one home but Gary said "no". Party booper.

Margaret really wanted one, and her husband said "Please, no". At lease he said please. And then there was llama's. Only cost $800. or two for $1,500. What a deal. I defiantely couldn't bring one of these home. But just think of all the wonderful wool we could have.

There were wonderful ladies that had a booth next to us that we met. Pam and Margie. We went to Carrabba's for dinner Saturday night with them. I had just talk to Heather while we were waiting for dinner and she said that the mussels were the best there. So I told Pam and Margie and that is what they got. Oh my, I couldn't believe how many they got. Margie was playing a game with the shells and seeing how high she could get them.

Our waiter, Kevin, had fun taking them away.

Well we had a great weekend. I am really glad Margaret asked me to go with her. Can't wait for our next adventure.

Check out my etsy store...

Go check out my etsy store and see what is new.....here's what I have been working on....acorn needle and pin sharpeners....

And my knitting needle toppers...................go to www.petschminibear.etsy.com

Buy handmand this holiday season!!!!!

28 years ago today I know what I was doing...........

Happy

Birthday

Baby

Girl!

Today is my oldest daughter, Patricia's birthday. She is 28 years old. Boy do I feel old. Hope you have a nice birthday bestest daughter in the whole wide world.

We love you and wish we could be together for your special day.

Happy Fall................

everyone! This is my favorite time of year. Cool weather, windows open, pumpkin cookies making, homemade soups and all the other things I associate with Fall.

I have finally have finished some bears and bought a new camera to take pictures. So far it is taking pretty good pictures for the amateur that I am. I use to sell my bears on eBay but just recently joined esty.com (well actually last year but haven't done anything with my account). Well there is this group of artist that I joined in blog land and they sell their bears there. I am just wondering what the traffic is like there. Do you think it is like eBay? I love the idea of selling my handmade items on etsy. There are some wonderful artist there. You really need to check it out. I think with the way the economy is going that we all should start supporting these wonderful people who make handmade things. I think that is what we all should do this holiday season is buy homemade items and give to family and friends. Or sell your handmade items on etsy. I know I appreciate nothing more than the time and effort someone puts into their homemade gift. Everything has been getting so commercial these days. I think we need to get back to basics. Give me a handmade washcloth, or afghan or scarf and I am happy. I think that everytime you use these wonderful items from someone you think that person, which is a great thing. But that is just my opinion. What do you all think?

You can check out my etsy here: http://www.petschminibear.etsy.com/ Here's one of the pincushions I am making. The acorn is filled with emery powder to sharpen your pins and needles and is a real acorn cap from North Carolina. I just love these things. Let me know what you think of them.

Happy Fall!!!!!!

Look................

what I just put on etsy. These are knitting needles that I have started making. They have different animals heads crocheted by me and then attached to knitting needles. Aren't they cute? I just started making bear heads but then Gabby or Margaret said I should make bunnies and dogs and then I started getting orders. But these are extras I put on etsy. You can see them here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15173278

If you make handmade items, it's great to have a place like etsy to sell them on. I have a few bears to put on there. Just have to take some pictures, which I am not the best at, and my camera is not that good taking pictures of little things, like bears. Enjoy.

Starbuck's Insulated Cold Cup...............

Okay thanks to my oldest daughter, Patricia, I am obsessing over this stupid cup. I have to have one. Apparently they stop making them and only had them for the summer. Well, how on earth would I know that since there isn't a Starbuck's in Anderson. Which total sucks (excuse my French). When I do happen to pass a Starbuck's and get their Passion Fruit Lemonade Ice Tea, I always save the cup to use. Which I hardly ever get anymore, because I only shop in Anderson. I have to have one of these, please someone out there find me one for under $20.00. They are going for over $40 on ebay right now, can you believe that. Don't want to spend that much on it. But this is really a necessity for me. Please someone out there has got to have for me. I'll make you a bear or something. Okay I'm begging now..............................please..............find me one.............

The Eagle........

has left the nest. Fly safe eagle. We love you!!!!!

Up, up they go...........

so remember last year around this time when I had pictures of the hot air balloons.....well, their back...............so this morning I work up to Gabby telling me that a balloon is taking off at the end of our driveway. It was so cool. They had the flatten balloon laying in the circle and were starting to inflat it. Then another one came behind it. And then they were all over the neighborhood. It was so awesome. Here are some pictures.

New improved deck....

So Gary decided to shorten up our deck out back. I wasn't sure it look that good but it looks brand new and lovely. He stained it after turning over all the old boards. He added a box on the side railing that I have my herbs in, which I love. And a corner shelving that I put cactus on. Doesn't it all look lovely?

In loving Memory of.....

our beautiful "Snuggles" girl. She was the best little girl ever. We love and miss her!

August 12, 1994-August 17, 2008

"Blue Stars"............

are done. Actually they have been done for a few days but I haven't put them up for you to see. Now they just have to go in the mail. I am waiting for one address - hello Heather???? need Sarah's address. Hope everyone who receives them, likes them.

Is fall ever coming?????

I thought moving to SC that our summers would be a little cooler. I want fall weather to come. Hopefully in the next few weeks. And a little rain would be nice too. Anyway..........

Here is all the stuff I got at Yes Yarn's 1 year annivesary sale.

I went a little crazy. See the green purse? It is really a knitting bag. I love it. After the week long sale Margaret went on a 2 week vacation and I ran the shop for her. Here is a picture of some of the people at "Knit at Nite".

There were so many people there. But it was great fun. The last of the people left around 9:30. I was surprised that many people came since it was the night of the beginning of the Olympic's.

Paige brought her spinning wheel and tried to show me how to do it. I broke the yarn 3 times and then gave someone else a chance to try it. I would love to learn how to spin yarn............. Some day.

Here is the new project I am working on. (Thanks to "crazy" Kathleen from the quilt shop). They are little "Blue Star" quilts. You hang them in your front window when a family member goes off to war. So I thought I would make one for Heather, Bill's parents and his sister, and one for us. This is the one Kathleen made. I have them all to the point where all I have to do is quilt and then bind them together. I want to get them done this week as I'm not sure when Bill will be called to go to duty. So off the computer to go finish them. Til next time...........Oh and go check out #1 daughters blog, and see what is happening with the evil dolphins.........haha!!!!

Puppy update............

just in case you were all wondering we found a home for the lab pup's. I put an ad on Craigslist again last night and a couple picked them "both" up. Hopefully they will be a loving family. It was a long week but I am glad we were their foster family. They really were cute and well behaved dogs. But no more, it was too emotional. But hopefully the lady who took them will send pictures of them like she said she would. Another chapter finished.............................on to the next.

Abandon Labs.............

can you believe that someone just drop these cuties out on the side of the road. What is wrong with people? We have taken them in and are being their foster family until we can find a good home for them. Gabby has named them Choco and Latte. They (we believe) are brother and sister, about 3 or 4 months old and very playful. They have been pretty good so far. Only bark if they are separated. We didn't want to separate them but it is hard to find someone who will take them both. But we will let you know the out come...........hopefully today someone will come............gotta love Craigs list for listing anything for sale or finding something you want, that's where we listed them............

Teaparty today....

Today I had some of my lady friends from the yarn shop over for a lovely teaparty. I almost forgot how to give one since it has been over a year since I put one on. But I think a good time was had by all. Here's a picture Gabby took of us at the table.....from right to left...Emerald, Kelsey, me, Margaret, Nancy and Annette. Margaret is the owner of "yes yarn" yarn shop that we meet every Wednesday afternoon and sit and knit/crochet. I am very thankful to her for opening this beautiful shop and that I have meet some lovely ladies that I can call my friends. Don't get me wrong, I still miss my friends in Florida terribly, especially "Lori". We use to have some lovely teaparties together. And always laughing hard about something or someone. But I have a new life here in South Carolina, and I really do love it.

Midlife crisis or what.............

I really don't know what is going on with Gary these days....
....here he is with another toy..........and a stupid tattoo...........then he made me get some tattoo's........
what was I thinking.............lol........old age crisis I think...............or just having fun and trying to let our kids know we are cool..............

Zucchini....

can you believe how big this zucchini grew. I was out watering this morning, picked just one and then went back and look at what I found. It is as big as Presley..........

Time flys......

when your having fun or just living life. I feel that there is just not enough hours in the day. If I didn't have to sleep or eat I would probably get stuff accomplished. I have so much stuff I want to make or get done that my mine just spins in all directions and nothing ever gets finished. Gary's down in Florida working the business for two of our employee's who are on vacation. They went to France....we must be paying them way too much money for them go there. Further est I have ever gone anywhere is probably Vermont or Maine when I was a little kid. What fun it would be to go to Maine and have a great big lobster. yummm....I have become such a home body. I really don't like going anywhere anymore, I love just staying home.

My garden is going pretty good, except for the tomatoes. They had these white little bugs on them so I sprayed them with this spray to get rid of them but I think it hurt the plants. It's all a learning experience. We haven't had any rain in forever, so I have to water every day. There are cute little frogs hoping around in there too. One big fat one that has been there forever that I named him "George". (after my dad) So far we had zucchini, cucumbers and strawberries. Still waiting for the green beans. Saw some baseball size cantaloupes growing yesterday. Their so cute. Can't wait to eat them.
I'm having some girls from the yarn shop over next Monday for a tea party. Hope I still remember how to give one since it has been forever since I have had one. And the best part is that I will be able to make my cucumber sandwiches with my own cucumber's grown in my garden. I just order more seeds for hopefully a fall harvest of veggie's. I'm hoping my older girls with be coming for Thanksgiving and we will eat veggies home grown.

Poor little Presley has to go to the vet today for his shots. I am a reck about it. I have no idea why this little dog has this affect on me. I have never loved a dog so much. The only thing I can figure is that he is so little and helpless. Or maybe I am just sick in the head. At least thats what Gabby thinks about me.

Here's a sign I got to put over my bed. I just love this saying. I think it should be everyones motto. "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much". And it was 50% off at Hobby Lobby. I am so glad we have a Hobby Lobby near us. They have such great things. Thought I missed Joanne Fabrics but this store is so much better.

Well time to go to the vet....yikes............Presely with his boodie in the air...

Before......

and after.....the fence was put up.
This is my new fence for my garden. Isn't it lovely? It's like my get away space. I love it. There's still the staining of the fence but that will have to wait.

Here's what growing so far....tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, peppers, strawberries, green beans, watermelon, cantaloupe...I'm sure I am forgetting something....I just love being out there. Can't wait to eat everything. I was able to pick a few strawberries last night and dip in chocolate. Yum..............

Okay I have a question for all you blog experts out there. How do these bloggers make money from their blog. I mean with sidebar advertising and all. How do I learn that stuff? Any smart info out there would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna start an etsy store and try and sell some of the stuff I make....mini bears, knitting stuff and all...but any other way to make money on the internet would be great.

Happy Mother's Day...

Flowers sent from #1 daughter.

Flowers sent from daughter #2 and husband.

Their both so beautiful. They are such good kids. Notice how I # my girl's. It's not by favorite, as they would have you to believe, but by the order they were born.