Two posts in one day! and on Christmas!!!
but as I sat here, surfing for ideas for my handwork, I wanted to share some about my Prince Charming. I truly feel God blessed me when He brought Anthony into my life. When I call Anthony my Prince Charming, I mean it with all my heart. Anthony has all the qualities I have always wanted and searched for. I watch and listen to friends who are always hunting for the "perfect" man and I try and tell them they need to decide what they really want, but that is not want they want to hear. So many woman today focus on money, possessions and looks. These are very poor things to base love on. So Here is a list of all the wonderful things about my Prince charming:
1. He works. He goes to work when he is supposed to, very rarely calls in, and works overtime when it is offered.
2. He always comes home to me from work. (No partying, or going out with the boys)
3. We are comfortable in silence. We don't have to chatter or entertain each other, but can sit together in the same room and be happy just being near each other.
4. We are friends, best friends.
5. We do things together. Simple things like running to the store for something, going for a drive, sitting on the porch watching it rain. but we do them together.
6. We show an interest in the hobbies and interests of each other. I have learned to watch baseball and football, and Anthony has learned to go into craft and yarn stores. He even surprises me with craft supplies that he finds on freecycle or at the fleamarket.
7. We know our strengths and our weaknesses. Anthony and I both know that I should not handle money or bills (if I were in charge of the money we would live in a huge pile of fabric and yarn out in a corn field as we would not have any money left to pay our bills) and we both know I am better suited for the grocery shopping and cooking. Not based on gender rolls, but based on what we are good at and enjoy doing. He spoils me with fabric and thread, I spoil I'm with oatmeal raisin cookies and other goodies.
8. We truly love each other and know that love is work, not just a feeling. This is one of the things so many people forget. You have to work at love, and at being in love. if you do not work at it, you lose it.
9. We know we are safe with each other. Secrets, Hopes, dreams, all these things are shared and kept just between us. No laughing, no putting down. Just sharing and acceptance.
10. I think he is the most handsome man in the world, an he thinks I am the most beautiful woman in the world. Both of us know how lucky we are, and truly appreciate what we have in each other.
While I have learned that life is not perfect, and things do not always go as planned, I have also learned that a man who understands my obsession with fabric and threads, my devotion to the Pommie, and my need for a crafting kitty is a very rare find. So no matter what I say, Anthony is the best gift I have ever been given for Christmas or any other holiday. (but don't tell the Pommie!) So I hope all enjoy their gifts and their loved ones.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Chapter 68, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all. It is a wonderful Christmas here. Anthony worked all night, so he came in early this morning and went to bed, but we will have our Christmas dinner tonight when he gets up. We will have our "real" Christmas on Monday, as we get the kids Sunday night. This has been an interesting Christmas season. Nicholas turned 13 on the 19th. He has changed and grown so much in the past 5 years. From a cute chubby cheeked "baby" to a teenager whose voice is changing, and is getting ready to shave. I don't know why, but that made it so hard this year. To go Christmas shopping and not buy toys. No more believing in Santa, or leaving out cookies and writing him letters. Now all the gifts the kids want cost wayyyy to much, and they usually want gift cards anyways. Sigh. I know this sounds bad, but I feel cheated. I only have had a few years with the kids. only a few years of Santa, and toys. I would not change those years for anything, I just wish I had been in their lives sooner to have more of their childhood with them.
Prince Charming has made sure that I have had the most wonderful Christmas ever. He bought me a glass pendent shaped like a kitty (i really love the glass hearts and pendants. I have decided to try and collect them) some hair sticks (5 sets!) a pink IPOD nano (which I never thought I would love, but I do!!!!) and the second best gift ever!, Miss Emily!! (the pommie was the best gift ever!)
This is Miss Emily. On the 22nd, Anthony took me to the ASPCA and told me I could pick out a kitty. I was so happy and so in shock. I have this deep seated belief that every true "Artist" (okay, knitter, crocheter, cross stitcher, embroider, quilter and Crazy Quilter) must have a crafting kitty. Out of all the beautiful kitties there, Miss Emily chose me. She grabbed my attention, then my heart. Her name was Ms. Claws, which is tied into a story about one of my most loved kitties. that is what grabbed my attention. I filled out the adoption papers, and went home to wait and hope. I thought of so many names, and had settled on Priscilla so I could call her Miss Priss. at 11:30am on the 23rd, the lady from the ASPCA called and said we had been approved and I could come get her. She is somewhere between 2 and 4 years old, had been de-clawed and spayed, and then was left. I do not see how anyone could just abandon this baby, so was very happy to get her. Anthony took me to Walmart on our way to pick her up and we bough a litter box, a very pretty pink cat collar with a bell, and a bag of food. As we were coming home with her, she curled up like a very good girl in my lap and let me know her name was not Priscilla. I can not explain how I knew, but I did. She just was not a Priscilla. She decided she was an Emily and I could live with that. She does not care for the doggies. she has decided she will live upstairs, so we set up her litter box, food and water and a nice big basket with a pillow in it. The Pommie's nose is a little our of joint, but as long as I hold him he has been okay. He sits on the right, Emily sits on the left or across the back of my chair and ignores him, and he can live with that.
So from my little area of the world, every thing is wonderful. It has been a very blessed Christmas. I wish all a Merry Christmas, happy memories, and many, many blessings. Just remember, sometimes blessings come disguised, so keep your eyes out!
Prince Charming has made sure that I have had the most wonderful Christmas ever. He bought me a glass pendent shaped like a kitty (i really love the glass hearts and pendants. I have decided to try and collect them) some hair sticks (5 sets!) a pink IPOD nano (which I never thought I would love, but I do!!!!) and the second best gift ever!, Miss Emily!! (the pommie was the best gift ever!)
This is Miss Emily. On the 22nd, Anthony took me to the ASPCA and told me I could pick out a kitty. I was so happy and so in shock. I have this deep seated belief that every true "Artist" (okay, knitter, crocheter, cross stitcher, embroider, quilter and Crazy Quilter) must have a crafting kitty. Out of all the beautiful kitties there, Miss Emily chose me. She grabbed my attention, then my heart. Her name was Ms. Claws, which is tied into a story about one of my most loved kitties. that is what grabbed my attention. I filled out the adoption papers, and went home to wait and hope. I thought of so many names, and had settled on Priscilla so I could call her Miss Priss. at 11:30am on the 23rd, the lady from the ASPCA called and said we had been approved and I could come get her. She is somewhere between 2 and 4 years old, had been de-clawed and spayed, and then was left. I do not see how anyone could just abandon this baby, so was very happy to get her. Anthony took me to Walmart on our way to pick her up and we bough a litter box, a very pretty pink cat collar with a bell, and a bag of food. As we were coming home with her, she curled up like a very good girl in my lap and let me know her name was not Priscilla. I can not explain how I knew, but I did. She just was not a Priscilla. She decided she was an Emily and I could live with that. She does not care for the doggies. she has decided she will live upstairs, so we set up her litter box, food and water and a nice big basket with a pillow in it. The Pommie's nose is a little our of joint, but as long as I hold him he has been okay. He sits on the right, Emily sits on the left or across the back of my chair and ignores him, and he can live with that.
So from my little area of the world, every thing is wonderful. It has been a very blessed Christmas. I wish all a Merry Christmas, happy memories, and many, many blessings. Just remember, sometimes blessings come disguised, so keep your eyes out!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Chapter 67, Still Thankful
Time just has gotten away from me lately. I was planning on posting a list of things I am thankful for before Thanksgiving, but I feel that it is better to get it done late than never, so here we go:
The many Blessings in my life that I am thankful for:
Anthony: My Prince Charming. He makes sure the bills are paid (as if it were left to me we would be living in a huge ball of yarn and fabric in the middle of a corn field LOL) and spoils me with little gifts and treats. He goes to work every day, comes home every night, and goes out of his way to make me happy. What more can you ask for in a husband?
Nicholas and Amanda: My children. Okay so technically then are my step-children, but to me they are mine. Nicholas turns 13 in December, Amanda is 11. They have been in my life for 5 years, and if feels as if they have always been there.
My family: My grandparents raised me, as my mother died when I was young, but to be honest, it was more like I was their "change of life" baby. I have almost always lived with them, and my aunts have been more like big sisters (and often mother hens) than aunts. My Grandmother has taught me to be strong, and that I can survive anything that comes along. She is the one who taught me "Never let them see you cry." Which I never understood until the past few years. I always thought it meant don't show emotion, but hat is not it. It means to be strong, hold it together, and show the world your strength. My Grandfather (dad) has taught me to give and share blessings without drawing attention to yourself. Don't talk about helping others. Just do it. whenever and wherever you see the need. I can not tell you how many people Dad has helped. Both my grandparents. They have done so much that no one knows about. I can remember then going grocery shopping and dropping bags of groceries off at the door of one of their renters who was behind int heir rent, but also had a houseful of children. I can remember extra treats stashed to give to the children of people that rented from them. Dad fixing or "finding" bikes for kids that didn't have any. When we used to walk though the swap meet, Dad always seemed to have a few extra dollars that he shared with people who needed them. My Aunts Bonnie and Marie have always been there, hovering like big sisters/mother hens as I grew up. They, along with my grandmother, encouraged my love of thread and fabric. I have spent countless hours watching/helping/learning as they crochet, knit, embroider, paint, and cook. And I can't forget Aunt Charlene, Penny, and Donny. They are my favorites of my extended family. The ones that have been around all my live. Penny and my mom were pregnant at the same time. Donny and I are only 6 months apart. Aunt Charlene is the cool aunt everyone always wanted. She would roll up the carpet in her living room so you could roller skate in the house. She and Penny have always spoiled me. They go out of their way to make you feel special. And they can cook some awesome tacos.
Christine and her family: Christine has become my family here on the east coast. She is more than a friend, but has become my sister. I feel more like an aunt to her two kids. The holidays and any day would feel empty without them around. Christine also encourages my fiber addiction/fascination. LOL she is I guess my knitting teacher, partner in crime, and so much more.
My Yahoo family: I have a group I belong to on yahoo, stitchmap, which has the most caring and giving women on it. There is Shari, my mentor who I just love. She shares and gives so much of her time and talent. Lyn who guides and gives and is Shari's partner in crime, Miss Ruby, who loves Doxies as much as my Aunt Marie and Miss Judyth! Oh she is the best? she is my dealer! ( when I need my fix for CQing) and she has also encouraged my collecting of birds. (thanks to her I have the flamingo girls!) and so many more that it would take a while to list them all. I love reading each and every post, and I always feel as if we were all sitting together at a coffee table with our knitting/quilting/projects just gabbing away as we worked. I love that feeling. They are the greatest group of women. All of them so sharing and supportive.
The doggies: Okay so they are not people, but my pommie is my baby, and Chester and Misha are my furries. They give me comfort and love on a daily basis, and I would feel lost without them.
There are many more aunts and uncles and cousins, people I work with that I consider friends, and I love or care about them all. But the above group is the most important to me. The ones I think about daily.
There are a lot of things I am thankful for. The Lord has blessed me with an over abundance. I have a home I love (crooked floors, old windows and all), my cars, my job, my sewing machines (oh how very thankful I am to have them!) more fabric, yarn and thread thank I could possible go through in a life time, so much so that I can share with others, warm clothes, a pantry full of food, a freezer full of food, my camera and computer. So many things I use and take for granted every day. While we are not rich, we are blessed with an abundance that can be shared.
Okay I am going to kind of close this post with a prayer. Lord, thank you so for all the gifts you have given me and mine. Help me to remember that not all have the blessings I have, and to look at my possessions and blessings as something to be shared, not horded. Help me to give when and where and what I can. Help me to always have an open and giving heart and nature. Help me to live your love, not preach it, and to be an example of love and a strong Christian woman in my actions, not my words. My my actions and attitude bless others, and help them see Your love.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.
The many Blessings in my life that I am thankful for:
Anthony: My Prince Charming. He makes sure the bills are paid (as if it were left to me we would be living in a huge ball of yarn and fabric in the middle of a corn field LOL) and spoils me with little gifts and treats. He goes to work every day, comes home every night, and goes out of his way to make me happy. What more can you ask for in a husband?
Nicholas and Amanda: My children. Okay so technically then are my step-children, but to me they are mine. Nicholas turns 13 in December, Amanda is 11. They have been in my life for 5 years, and if feels as if they have always been there.
My family: My grandparents raised me, as my mother died when I was young, but to be honest, it was more like I was their "change of life" baby. I have almost always lived with them, and my aunts have been more like big sisters (and often mother hens) than aunts. My Grandmother has taught me to be strong, and that I can survive anything that comes along. She is the one who taught me "Never let them see you cry." Which I never understood until the past few years. I always thought it meant don't show emotion, but hat is not it. It means to be strong, hold it together, and show the world your strength. My Grandfather (dad) has taught me to give and share blessings without drawing attention to yourself. Don't talk about helping others. Just do it. whenever and wherever you see the need. I can not tell you how many people Dad has helped. Both my grandparents. They have done so much that no one knows about. I can remember then going grocery shopping and dropping bags of groceries off at the door of one of their renters who was behind int heir rent, but also had a houseful of children. I can remember extra treats stashed to give to the children of people that rented from them. Dad fixing or "finding" bikes for kids that didn't have any. When we used to walk though the swap meet, Dad always seemed to have a few extra dollars that he shared with people who needed them. My Aunts Bonnie and Marie have always been there, hovering like big sisters/mother hens as I grew up. They, along with my grandmother, encouraged my love of thread and fabric. I have spent countless hours watching/helping/learning as they crochet, knit, embroider, paint, and cook. And I can't forget Aunt Charlene, Penny, and Donny. They are my favorites of my extended family. The ones that have been around all my live. Penny and my mom were pregnant at the same time. Donny and I are only 6 months apart. Aunt Charlene is the cool aunt everyone always wanted. She would roll up the carpet in her living room so you could roller skate in the house. She and Penny have always spoiled me. They go out of their way to make you feel special. And they can cook some awesome tacos.
Christine and her family: Christine has become my family here on the east coast. She is more than a friend, but has become my sister. I feel more like an aunt to her two kids. The holidays and any day would feel empty without them around. Christine also encourages my fiber addiction/fascination. LOL she is I guess my knitting teacher, partner in crime, and so much more.
My Yahoo family: I have a group I belong to on yahoo, stitchmap, which has the most caring and giving women on it. There is Shari, my mentor who I just love. She shares and gives so much of her time and talent. Lyn who guides and gives and is Shari's partner in crime, Miss Ruby, who loves Doxies as much as my Aunt Marie and Miss Judyth! Oh she is the best? she is my dealer! ( when I need my fix for CQing) and she has also encouraged my collecting of birds. (thanks to her I have the flamingo girls!) and so many more that it would take a while to list them all. I love reading each and every post, and I always feel as if we were all sitting together at a coffee table with our knitting/quilting/projects just gabbing away as we worked. I love that feeling. They are the greatest group of women. All of them so sharing and supportive.
The doggies: Okay so they are not people, but my pommie is my baby, and Chester and Misha are my furries. They give me comfort and love on a daily basis, and I would feel lost without them.
There are many more aunts and uncles and cousins, people I work with that I consider friends, and I love or care about them all. But the above group is the most important to me. The ones I think about daily.
There are a lot of things I am thankful for. The Lord has blessed me with an over abundance. I have a home I love (crooked floors, old windows and all), my cars, my job, my sewing machines (oh how very thankful I am to have them!) more fabric, yarn and thread thank I could possible go through in a life time, so much so that I can share with others, warm clothes, a pantry full of food, a freezer full of food, my camera and computer. So many things I use and take for granted every day. While we are not rich, we are blessed with an abundance that can be shared.
Okay I am going to kind of close this post with a prayer. Lord, thank you so for all the gifts you have given me and mine. Help me to remember that not all have the blessings I have, and to look at my possessions and blessings as something to be shared, not horded. Help me to give when and where and what I can. Help me to always have an open and giving heart and nature. Help me to live your love, not preach it, and to be an example of love and a strong Christian woman in my actions, not my words. My my actions and attitude bless others, and help them see Your love.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Chapter 66, Traditions
With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, I was lying in bed last night and began thinking of what I wanted to get done. So much of what I want to do for the holidays centers around tradition. the making of fudge, peanut brittle and English toffee, homemade ornaments, handmade gift,foods made only this time of year. I have noticed it is harder for me to get into the swing of things being so far from my family, as Anthony really doesn't have any traditions, and the kids have not been raised with the same type of traditions. So really, I only make and do things for me. But I have decided this year that I will mail a box home with all the homemade goodies I can cram into it, and I will work on a couple of gifts for next year. Katrina and Joey both need homemade stockings, so I will begin theirs this year and get them mailed out by next October. Then I would like to make some for Anthony, Nicholas, Amanda and I. I also plan on making 1 extra for any new baby that should come along back home, someone back there should be able to add a name. I want to make sure the kids have a set of handmade ornaments, so I was thinking if I could get 2 a month done, then by next year they would have a nice set. even if I only get one a month done, they would still have a set for their tree's someday. I also think I am going to write a journal of holiday memories and traditions. I plan on including pics from past holidays. I know the journal will be more than a year long project, but I will at least get it started. I was thinking of maybe getting a scrapbook and trying scrap booking to accomplish it. I will think on it some more this week, and maybe get a chance to outline a plan this weekend. Anyone with ideas or advice, please share it!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Chapter 65, What a student taught me
We are learning about literary techniques in class right now, and as we were covering mood, dialogue and sensory details, one of the boys made a comment that really hit me. I had asked each student to think of something they read, watch or do that could illustrate our three techniques. One of them raised his hand and said, "Video games, Miss. You see all the images, you feel the buzzing and crashes in the controller, in some of the games you have dialogue to find answers or clues, and they use images and colors to set the mood, to make you feel anxious (great use of a vocab word!!) or excited." I was really impressed with his answer as this is an autistic student, and he vary rarely volunteers to speak in class. But what really got me is that he came up to me during lunch and continued his observation. Due to behavioral issues, my students usually eat in the classroom with my Para, and most of the time I eat with them. They enjoy challenging me to checkers, beating me at chess and just talking. Often when they are talking to me I am knitting, crocheting, stitching, or doing something. All of them get involved in my projects, and a few like to try. I have two extra pairs of knitting needles in my desk, and more than one of them has worked on the scarf that was started last year. But this student came up to me and sat and watched me knit as I talked to my Para during lunch. then he tapped my hand and said, "Miss, this is you using the techniques. You touch and feel the yarn, you have dialogue with us, and it puts you in a good mood and you smile more. Maybe you see the colors of the yarn." I was dumbstruck! both by his observation/connection of literary technique to real life, and by the fact that he was right. All my "crafts" involve fiber (touch) colors (sight) they make me happy, (mood) I enjoy talking and joking while I am working on them (dialogue) I love the sounds of the knitting needles, sewing machine, or sorting through buttons, (sound) I love the smell of yarn and fibers (weird, I know), and I love sipping tea or coffee as I work. As I think about it now it is obvious, but until he came up to me, I had not made the total connection. People often ask me why I teach the class I teach. 5th - 8th grade Special Education students with behavior problems that will not allow them to be successful in a regular classroom setting, and I don't know how to answer them, but it is moments like this that remind me. The connections and breakthroughs these kids make can be humbling. The way there actions and discoveries can open my eyes and change my way of thinking. I have an awesome class! even if I am the only one who sees it. Oh, LOL, that student also asked me if I would make him a hat. I promised him I would start one next week. (how can you say no to someone who just blew your mind?)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Chapter 64, pictures and good news
Well, here are the pics of the Year of the wiener blocks I have gotten done in the past 2 months. I have now done 7 out of 16. I really like the way they are turning out. I tried to take a pic of the socks I made Amanda, but she wore them home before I could get a pic. I am still working on my BCQC for stitchmap. Or at least I will be on Wednesday. I also joined another class, this one on hardanger. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. LOL I have a feeling stitchmap will increase my fiber addiction, not decrease it. The good news it that there is a 70% chance I wont need surgery for my shoulder! I start physical therapy tomorrow. The doc says we will know more by the end of November, but it seems that by working on my little "projects" instead of just resting my shoulder, I actually helped it. (Yeah me!!)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Chapter 63, one armed work
Well, went in for another MRI, this time with a cat scan and a dye shot. hoping to hear from the doc soon, as this one armed thing is getting old. It has really slowed me down. Creative wise, I have now gotten 6 blocks done for the "year of the wiener" quilt. I am hoping to start on "March" this week. I have knit one pair of footies for Amanda, a hat for Nicholas, and a hat for myself. I have gotten four seems done on my striped fabric for my mentor, Shari. It takes forever to get anything done with just one arm. I can also say that my wonderful friends/family (I have decided we have all adopted each other) over at stitchmap are working on a very dear and wonderful surprise to help someone dear to me. I can't say a whole lot more, as it amazes me who stops by and reads my blog, and I want to keep secrets, well secret, ya know? I have somehow lost my camera, but as soon as I find it (hopefully this week) I will get some pics of stuff posted.
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