I'll be home for Christmas

This year we hosted the holidays at our house. It was a lot of work (and stress-induced panic attacks), but the end-result was wonderfully cozy and unforgettable. Here are a few shots from the two days.

Yup - I did all of this

Moja familija

Sisters

This would have been such a beautiful portrait, but I ruined it with my big pumpkin head (and some stray hairs)

Niece Maggie was Santa's little helper

In-laws

Tricky humans

I knew they were up to no good. Mommy used her happy sing-songey voice. Daddy was extra encouraging. Most of the time I have to put up a whole dog and pony show (minus the pony) to get this much attention.

There is a reason they wanted me to follow them into the human potty room. My tail wagged and I squealed and whimpered with both happiness and anxiety. I'd leap happily forward and then retreat hesitantly back, thinking "I don't know about this."

And then mommy filled the human-sized bowl with water. I came close to check out this huge water bowl when daddy threw in my bestest toy into it. I always fall for that one. Hello! I am a retriever.

I tried to reach it with my paw and my mouth, but it was floating away. I had to put a paw in, then the other, until half of me was inside. Then I slipped a little and ended up entirely wet! I was in the middle of the big water bowl!

Then mommy and daddy put some nice smelling soapy stuff. They were rubbing and scratching me and I really like that, even though I get nervous around water.  I don't really trust it.

Then daddy took some pictures, and they laughed. I am not sure what was so funny.

After the bath, there was more rubbing in the towels, followed by some brushing. It felt really nice to get all that attention, even though I felt tricked. I smell like flowers and bees, but my preference of scent is usually daddy's used socks or rotten food. Oh well... this too shall pass. And next time I will know better.

Oh look - daddy threw my toy into the basement! I gotta go check this out.

Cherished, indeed

Ahhh, Kim Hargreaves - my favorite knitwear designer. I've blogged about her quite a few times.
Her latest book is so far the best! You can see all the designs on her website.

I also got some Rowan Kid Silk Haze yarn to make a gorgeous scarf from the book. Can't wait to make it. Looks so luscious and lovely. ::swoon::

Happy 20th birthday, little sisters!

Today was a good day. For one, it's my darling sisters' birthday. We spent some quality time together. I took them out shopping, and bought them some pretty things. Then we had dinner together. They have grown into such lovely, smart, pretty, amazing people. I could not be more proud of them, or more grateful to have sisters who I also consider my closest friends. Love you, girls!

It is also the first official day at my new job. But more on that later...

Alpaca and puppies

It's cold outside. Luckily, I made an extremely soft, colorful cowl from Misti Alpaca.

The yarn is handpainted and chunky. Pretty and warm. Yay!

Speaking of soft and cuddly, meet my mother-in-law's new puppy, Sophie (from the Animal Rescue League).

Sophie is such a sweet, loving dog. She seems to like me in particular. I think we'll get along well.

Cheese!

'Tis the season

I knitted a hat to donate to a battered women's shelter. I used Malabrigo yarn, which is heavenly to knit with. The color is a red I have no use for, since red doesn't wear me well. The pattern is called Butterfly, but to me, it looks more like bows. You be the judge.

Hope someone out there likes it as much as I do.

Mmmmm... tea

Recently I went to Teavana only to be seduced by this amazing white tea. If you are a white tea fanatic like me, you got to check this one out. I got a big tub of it, and have been indulging every day.

Here is the description: This peaceful combination contains soothing herbs and three relaxing teas. It is a blend of Lavender Dreams white tea, Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls green tea and Peach Tranquility herbal tea. The combination of chamomile, jasmine and fruity deliciousness will permeate your mind and body to help you relax. A perfect tea for the end of a long day.
Namaste.

Let's cha cha

My commissioned work is done! This Cha Cha scarf will be on display at the yarn shop where I work.

You can wear it like so...

Or let it all hang out

Sweet little baby boy

Today I met someone very special. What a sweetheart!

Hi! I am a cute little boy - and I am posing for you.

This little bundle of joy belongs to my friend B. She is already such a great mommy. I am really proud of her.

Mama B and a sleepy baby K

Can't wait to spend more time with them.
And of course, I also have a sweet little baby boy. This is him:

Brr, it's getting cold outside.

Busy, busy

I've been working a lot lately - teaching class and working at the yarn store (plus spending some idle time at my soon-to-be former employer). Puppy has been missing me.

Sweet puppy! The shoe must capture most of my essence.

 

I've been asked to knit a model of my Cha Cha Scarf for the yarn shop. You'll soon be able to see it on display. 

Ruffles!

For my services, I got a great deal on Mini Mochi yarn. I can't wait to knit it up into Coquille shawl. It'll look awesome. 

Color: Jenny's Crayon Box

Another project on my needles: the obligatory Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman. Every knitter has to make one of these. I've just started it.

Rainbowey

This one is for my hubby

I knitted another hat for my darling husband. It's the very least I could do for him. He's such a treasure.

A few reasons why I love him:

1. He is kind. He tucks me in at night and bandages my finger when I get a cut.
2. He is hard-working. He keeps up with his school work and keeps the house super-clean. 
3. He is smart. I am blown away by the capacity of his brains. He is a top notch law school student. 
4. He is caring. He helps his parents and my parents with chores around the house.
5. He is handy. He can fix small engines, appliances, and other things. 
6. He is good-looking. Tall, dark, and handsome. :)
7. He is interesting. He has introduced me to new authors and music and art. 
8. He is patient. When I am grumpy or upset, he calms me down and reassures me everything will be okay.
9. He is supportive. He thinks I am great and my life's dreams and goals are not silly. 
10. He is one-of-a-kind. I have not met anyone like him before and since. He is definitely not your typical twenty-something guy.

These are just a few.  I can't tell you how lucky I am. I definitely married up. Love ya, honey! 

It's been a while

Between my teaching job, my yarn store job, plus wrapping up things at my soon-to-be former employer, I have not had much time for blogging. But now I am back again. Here are some highlights from the past week...
I got to hang out with three wonderful little girls. All three of them are under the age of 3, and I have not met more polite, affectionate, and well-behaved toddlers (and infant). 

Bella & Paisley

Baby Milla

These kids make me want to have my own. So sweet!
Other than swooning over babies, I've taught myself how to crochet really cool kitchen scrubbies using tulle. These things work great, and it's really easy to make.

Waiting and knitting and eating

This is what we do at work while waiting for our release date...

And this is what my husband made for dinner. Peppercorn salmon with mango salsa and potatoes. Yum!

He needs to cook more often. He's good at this.

Ruffle scarf

I made this on Sunday using Trendsetter Cha Cha yarn.

Very soft and feminine.

Now I have to figure out what to wear it with.

Entertainment galore

I got to see my favorite comedian live!

It's Louis CK! He performed in Riverside Casino, and my bffs and my hubby went to see him. Good times!
And then I had an even bigger star do a private performance in my basement.

That's Maggie, my niece. Cute overload! That girl is talented.

Working part-time

While looking for ways to land softly after being laid off, two interesting opportunities came up: teaching a course at a local university, and working in a gorgeous little yarn store. I am doing both part-time. I am going to be busy, but at least I will enjoy doing both.

On an unrelated note, a friend introduced me to CanvasPop - a site that will put your favorite photographs onto a canvas. I am so doing this one day!

Start of fall & new beginnings

On the first day of fall my family and I went to an orchard to pick up delicious apples.

Ami hogging the apple picker :)

Hey - she didn't pay for that apple!

My beautiful parents

Yummm... corn!

I got my two sisters and me

In other news, I got laid off from my awesome job, so I am preparing for a challenging time ahead. But I am optimistic things will be just fine.

Good deeds

Last weekend was very busy. My sisters, friends and I volunteered at the Planned Parenthood Book Sale again. It was fun and quite successful.

We also participated in a 5k race to raise money for Families of Spinal and Muscular Atrophy (SMA). I exceeded my fund-raising goal (thank you mom, bff, and Ted!)

My sisters and I with the awesome ladies Jenny and Janine.

School's out forever(?)

My super-fancy graduate school diploma

Renaissance Faire

This morning I visited my parents. The were working around the house and in their lovely garden.

Mom and dad, in their domain

Coffee and knitting

Eggplants from the garden - yum!

In the afternoon, my sisters, my bff and I attended the Renaissance Faire. Here are some shots and videos from that little field trip.

Spomi and the snake

M'ladies

Ha ha

Queen Victoria's Secret

Pony

King and the Queen

Uh-oh... watch out, S!

Jousting

Pretty lake

My sisters, fencing. Very reminiscent of the movie "The Parent Trap".

My sisters dancing.

These two are gifted.