Thank you Kym!

I won the "Chapstick Challenge" over on Kym's blog.

The package arrived in the mail a few days ago.

Just look at all that! 

I've been doing my own little chapstick challenge and have discovered that I really do like the eos even if I'm not much for flavored lip balm.  It has great staying power...and my lips are smoooooth...  But I'm in agreement with Kym that the shape doesn't make it very easy to tuck in a pocket and take with you.

The chocolate is amazing and is quickly disappearing...  ;)

Everything else is already being put to use.  I absolutely love the little sheepy keyring! 

Kym sent a beautiful card along as well.  You should have heard me ooohing and awwwing as I opened it.

Of course Teddy couldn't pass up the opportunity to do a little photobombing.  (He's not sleeping.  He just automatically shuts his eyes when he hears the shutter click.  He does not like the flash.)

Kym, you are a sweetheart and thanks for all the fun things!

I am so blessed.

I have such a full and blessed life.

 

I have my health.

 

I have a loving family.

 

I have amazing friends.

 

We live very comfortably.

 

There isn't a thing I want for.

 

And today...

there was an addition to our family. The little great nephew I knit this hat and sweater for was born very early this morning.  He's a beautiful baby.  8 lb. 15 oz.  Named Cooper Thomas.

 

And the best part...? 

 

We share the same birthday! 

 

Happy Birth Day to you Cooper Thomas!

House update

These pictures aren't great but somedays that how it goes...

 



Dinette & Great Room

 

 



Dining Room & Great Room

 

 



Great Room

 

 



Dining Room

 

 



Looking down the hall from Master Bedroom

 

 



Taking pictures inside the house is a challenge.  It's hard to get far enough away to really see anything.  But you'll kinda get the drift of what it's like. 

 

 

The texture will go on Thursday and probably next week the painting will commence.

 

 

Woo Hoo!!  



Origami knitting?!?

I'd never heard of origami knitting. I'd heard of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Surprise Baby Sweater but didn't realize that it could also be called origami...I just thought it was crazy knitting that I'd probably never be able to figure out!

So now in March Cookie is making everyone knit origami.  And this is what I've come up with for my pattern.  Since I have limited brain power due to extensive decision making associated with house building, this pattern seemed well suited to me.  A simple knit square with a bit of sewing and stuffing. 

I didn't even have to look far for the pattern.  At Saturday morning knitting at the library, Jane talked about the cute pattern she was knitting.  And this was it.  Thanks, Jane!

 

Again, with Cookie making me do it!  ;)

Cookie made me do it!

Yes, Cookie threatened me and made me finish the sweater and start the hat for my niece's baby boy that is due on March 10th.  That Cookie!!

I had the sweater mostly done.  I was at the row right before the 1st button holes.  And it's garter stitch for pete's sake.  It doesn't take long to do.

I usually have a hard time finding buttons that I like but I think I hit on some cute ones this time.  I wonder what it is supposed to be though...it's got ears like a bear and stripes like a tiger...doesn't matter I guess...it's pretty adorable.

I got this hat started this afternoon.  I should get it done by tonight and then give everything a nice soak so it's pretty and clean for the new little guy.

Maybe if the weather holds, (we are in a winter weather watch for Monday), I'll even get this in the mail on Monday.

So even though I had to ice my hinder for awhile after Cookie kicked me (ouch!) I do appreciate that she got me to finish this.  Maybe it'll get to New Jersey before the little fellow arrives....

Another cold one

It's just one of those winters...

It's been cold...alot...

 

But it's pretty in it's own way too...

It was beachy!

Aruba in pictures...well...ok...some words too...

View from the hotel balcony. 

 

We earned this trip by meeting sales requirements of corn and soybean seed. 

 

We've been able to meet those requirements almost every year for several years.  DH and I have gone on a couple trips but 2 of our sons have gone and last year our salesman went on the trip.  The company that has this as an incentive is already making plans for next year and that will be to Costa Rica. 

 

There are a few business meetings while we are there but there is plenty of time for rest and recreation too!... 

 

 



One of the 1st days there we went on a 3 hour bus tour.  This beauty was at the Butterfly Farm.

 

 



The island of Aruba is a desert island with cactus and thorny bushes everywhere.  About the only thing grown there is aloe but I don't know where it grows...we never saw any.  Mostly they seem to be bulldozing the cactus and thorny bushes to make room for more houses.

 

 



The east side of the island is rocky and has rough waters.  No one hanging out at the beach here!

 

 



We also went on a sunset sail on a catamaran.  There were a couple cruise ships docked each day at Aruba and then about sunset they would take off for their next destination.  Those hummers are HUGE!

 

 



Another pretty sunset while on the sunset sail.

 

 

 

 

We also went on a boat/submarine that was called a SemiSub.  Both DH and I are a bit claustrophobic and couldn't bear to go on a submarine but this way we could look underwater and if it got too much we could go above and sit on the deck.

 

 

 

 

Here is one of the cute little fishies that we saw.

 

 



But the main event at Aruba are the beaches on the west side of the island.  Beautiful beaches with white sand and gorgeous aqua colored water.

 

 



We reserved a palapa (shaded table on the beach) and spent a bit of time reading and people watching.  But if you can believe it...we even waded out in the ocean!  So we can officially say we were in the Caribbean Sea.  What fun!

 

 

Aruba!!