Kawano Crocheting (and Knitting) Adventures

Arh...its already 2011

2011-04-12T15:55:00.002+10:00

Where has the time gone! Its already nearing the middle of the fourth month, and has it been busy!

Grant is now 9months old, Miles is in grade 1 and William is 2 and finally starting to talk. Winter is approaching fast with the weather turning nasty with only a days notice. I think it is time to start knitting and crocheting some items to keep the cool weather at bay or atleast look good for this winter.

Some items I have planned are beanies, scarves, socks and shawls, maybe a cardigan or jumper too. I have the yarn, just got to widdle down the patterns and start work on them.

Slytherin came in last this term...so next term I am going to have to work harder and hope that we come in first again. So, I must do an OWL or two. I have a few things in mind, so it will be interesting to see, if I am able to push myself to completing them in 3months.

Photos of items I have finished can be seen on my ravelry page or in my flickr account.

well time to be creative...I am thinking about designing a knitting pattern, so must work out a bit about knitting and if it is possible to make up. (^_^) Wish me luck!

Oh, we also added 2 dogs to our family as well, they are rescue dogs from the local pound, and are lovely, (the Jack Russell, is a bit of a trouble maker, but hopefully he will grow out of it!)

Well the baby finally arrived

2010-07-11T19:29:00.002+10:00

After a short, less then 3 hour labour, little Grant came into this world at 1.44am on Friday the 25th of June. All is going well and he is going great. The boys love him a lot.

11 days to go apparently

2010-06-17T18:40:00.003+10:00

The count down has begun...well it began a few weeks ago, as I thought this little one would want to arrive at 37 weeks, then at the beginning of 38 weeks. Today it is 38 weeks and 3 days, and I have lovely pain, but still not in a regular burst. If it goes as it should, I hope that tonight I will be in full on labour and pushing out the melon that is this baby.

I have been doing a little crocheting and knitting. I am trying to make a beanie for Miles and it is going slowly but I have been using this as good practice on using dpns. So far it is about 3 inches in height, so just another 2 1/2 inches to go and then I can start on the decrease. The pattern is from Charmed Knits.

I am planning on making a glove/mitten thing for History of Magic for the house cup, but at the moment, I am just not feeling the love there with the pattern and not really in the mood to do it. Luckly I am doing the Zen Quest and doing what I want to do for the cup. No, OWLs this term either. I just dont want to tackle a big project if I am not going to finish it off in 3 months. Maybe in a few terms, I will attempt an OWL!

I did manage last month to crochet a filet bunny afghan in forest green for the baby. It was huge and I am so pleased that I made it. It will fit nicely in the cot and on his bed when he moves onto a big boys bed. I still have to make an afghan/blanket for William. I was thinking about either a starghan or a log cabin style blanket just for him. Most likely in some bright colours.

Photos of some of my projects can be found on my flickr page or on ravelry.

knitting, knitting, and kids

2010-05-06T18:04:00.003+10:00

Well classes have restarted for at HPKCHC and I'm loving it. Not sure what quest I am doing, as I am planning on doing a bit of knitting this time around. I have been working on some legwarmers for the baby. I have one finished and have gotten about halfway through the second one before Willy accidentally broke two of my 4mm dpns. I am planning on still continuing with the warmers and with the broken needles. I am using the longest pieces to complete the legwarmers.
The pattern has really been testing me with the ribbing. But this second pair I am happy with how it has turned out. I have managed to do a 2x2 rib on the warmers. I think I am going to attempt either a beanie or mittens, as it has gotten cold over here. The wood fire has been lit and the room is nice and warm, but not sweltering hot.
At the moment, William is dealing with a bad case of nappy rash, poor things rear is bright red and looking mighty angry. Hopefully, free time and a bit of sun will fix up this little problem.
Miles is doing well at school. He is doing really well with his writing and reading, as well as painting and drawing. We are so happy that he is enjoying school so much.

Where did the sunshine go!

2010-04-13T13:35:00.002+10:00

It is starting to get cold. This morning, I was so tempted to light the fire and warm up the house, but I have resisted the urge so far...Not sure how much longer I will hold out for. I know that Winter is just around the corner, but I just wish that corner was a few weeks away. It only feels like we just got into autumn, the leaves on my trees have changed colour yet or fallen.
Winter give us a chance to enjoy the autumn before you make camp here for the next couple of months.

what im working on

2010-04-12T06:58:00.002+10:00

Well the groove to get back into crocheting has finally hit, as well as the need to clean and get things ready for the coming baby.
I am working on a doily for June, its from one of my Japanese Ondori books, and so far, I havent had to frog it (well just a little when I made a mistake).
Still working on my Luna cardigan. Havent really touched it for over a week now, so might get the doily finished and then finish off the cardigan.

House Cup has ended for a month, but will need to get a move on when classes do start. I have a few plans but really dont know if they will fit until after classes are posted. Really want to be taking part of the crochet-a-long on the forum, but cannot, as I want to finish off the said projects before starting something new.

There are still WIPs sitting about in my bag, but they can be done at any time.

a new blog

2010-04-11T21:30:00.002+10:00

I have started a new blog that deals with our attempt at gardening. We started on Saturday to get it ready for this winter period. I am going to try and keep daily posts on the progress of the project.
You can visit the blog here.

Countdown begins

2010-03-30T17:29:00.003+10:00

With only a few weeks left...lets face it, the weeks are currently flying by. I have 13 weeks to the official due date, but I think that he might come early, so anywhere in from 9 weeks to 13 weeks, he is coming out. I cannot see him going over. The first one was overdue, the second one was 2 weeks early, so anything is possible.

At the moment, the baby is very active. Tossing and turning and giving me a kick whenever he feels like it.

I think I will have another healthy 3kg+ baby.

I have a few more hospital and doctors appoinments to do until then. Tomorrow, I think I will go and get the glucose test out of the way. Need to stock up on water before hand, as finding my veins is becoming harder as I age. I dont understand why they go into hiding when the needle comes out, as I am not afraid of needles...just bee and wasp stings! They can be potental killers.

Nesting stage has started to really set in...I had to re-arrange the lounge room yesterday, I just had too. I like how the room looks too, it looks bigger! Have been working on the kids room as well, but that is still a demo site. Just got to fix the cot, change table, and the clothing! I want to get rid of some of the boys toys too. But they arent being very helpful with giving up their toys. But it will get done, sooner or later. Fingers crossed it will be sooner. Will be starting William in his own bed tonight, it is going to be a bit of a shock for him, when he wakes up in the morning and sees that he is able to escape from the bed, as the cot he couldnt get out and roam about the room. Not going to be too happy about that part, especially if I am sleeping, but it will be better for him in the long run, and for me with getting the cot ready for the baby.

I am a little concerned about the crying waking the boys up, but I dont know what this baby's routine is going to be. I am hoping that it will be a good 4 hour stretch between feeds. I just hope that the baby crying doesnt disturb the boys too much. Miles is already excited about the new one arriving soon, and William is still not sure what is going on, but he knows that there is a baby coming and that mummy has a big tummy. He thinks it is from eating my dinner, but I know that isnt the case.

Still craving Japanese food, and candy corn. But I can wait until I get some. I really love my sushi and sashimi but not whilst pregnant. Hopefully when holidays come about, I will be able to eat as much as I want when I want. Can only hope and dream.

Ravelmypics

2010-02-14T09:47:00.003+10:00

This year, I am taking part in the ravelympics...so far I have frogged a shawl i have had for over 2 years that wasnt going anywhere. Glad I did, as I like the aran yarn and am thinking about making something for the baby in it and maybe the boys.

Im playing for Team Slytherin! in the HPKCHC on Ravelry.

Got a few projects on the way, 1 needs to be finished soon, the other 2 have a little longer to go, but I am hoping to get a few rows completed on both later today and tomorrow. I have the shawl Im working on at about 25% so just need to get it to the 33% and photograph for my OWL. I think I can make it there. :)

Some random photos of the kids and our new kitten - Kuro-chan.

Its going to be a....

2010-02-09T07:00:00.002+10:00

BOY!!!

Yep, boy #3 is on the way. Due anytime in late June or early July. Another winter baby for me. So I am going to have to locate and find all the small baby clothes, rewash and fold them and get bags packed and all that done...before he arrives.
We are still having troubles with naming of this little one.
So far, we have come up with Grant only, but that doesnt seem to be going well with the family, so we are open to suggestions.
Although, Miles would like to change William's name to Jamie, and the baby to Adam...why, you ask? Because he is in awe of Jamie and Adam from Mythbusters. He loves them a lot, a little more then Ben 10.

>>>>>>>>>>
I have changed my settings for the comments...so tired of deleting comments from Anon. with all that crap in it...

18 weeks and counting

2010-01-29T05:35:00.003+10:00

Next week I go for an ultra sound to check on the development of the baby and hopefully find out if it is a boy or a girl. This is so exciting, because hubby is going to be coming with me this time, and he hasnt seen an ultrasound before. Due to having to work at the time, but he managed to get the day off from work so that he can come along with us.

Its amazing to think, that I am already at the half-way point of the pregnancy. There is still a lot to do and prepare before baby #3 arrives in late June or early July.

We have already decided on a girls name....we chose it over 5 years ago when I first got pregnant. But we are having a hard time thinking of a boys name. I am sure that if it is a boy, that something will come to our minds.

>>>>>>
I had a bit of a slump in Nov/Dec, and have just started to get back into crocheting. I have a few items that I have to finish soon, I have only a few weeks before my cousins wife is due with her girl, so I want to make her something for the baby, and a doily for my exchange partner who has been waiting since Nov/Dec for it. I am a bit slack, but i am hoping to get it over and done with in a few weeks.

>>>>>>
Miles has started school. He loved his first day at Prep and has been enjoying himself with all his friends. It is good to see him having fun and learning new things.

Recent projects I have finished....kind of

2010-01-29T04:53:00.005+10:00

Slytherin hat as part of Quidditch uniform for the Ravelympics.
Gum drop dishcloths.
Not so lacy headband
spiral tawashi
spiral dishcloth
broomstick lace....very hard to keep my attention.
Shell fingerless mittens.
Square
Square

Shawl
fail table cloth...Willy frogged most of it and I have bothered to start again.
Evil fish
Doily.

an assortment of photos - randoms

2009-09-15T13:55:00.001+10:00

Updates

2009-08-11T20:58:00.002+10:00

Well the Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup is finished for this term....and SLYTHERIN won!!! Great news for me, as I am a Slytherin. We won by a landslide. I still have a few projects to complete (so I am now in detention to finish them).

Master Two, will be one in a few weeks. Already he is walking some, he can manage about a metre before he falls or sits down. It wont be to long now before he is walking and getting himself into more trouble. He also has 5 teeth, the sixth one is starting to come through. I still dont know what I am going to be doing for his birthday, but it will be a small gathering of family and friends, some cake and that is about it for the moment.

Master One, is so ready for Prep. We will have an open day next week, and he is looking forward to that so much. I still have to explain that it will be next year before he can go to school. It is great to see that he is really excited about it. I cant wait for him to start, I am sure that he is going to excel there.

Hubby has been sick with the flu, he is so unlucky, as he has the one that lasts anywhere from 2-3 weeks. We are currently in week 2, and he is getting better but a fever ever now and then at night. I hope that it ends this week and he is back to normal. :) He is a good patient though.

Me, I have a lovely case of hayfever from my conifers as they have a lot of little flowers. I am also got a bug, the cleaning bug, so I have been doing a bit of cleaning and removing of items I dont need or use. It is great fun. I still have the lounge and spare rooms to do, as well as the kitchen, then I can hit the bedrooms. The boys room is in serious need of being clutter free.

Also, now my chances of having another baby has increased from "maybe not yet" to "damn it, got to go shopping and pick up a few things" and "this explains those pimples". Hubby is happy about having another set of feet about the place. So I am thinking it is going to be something like within the next 6 months....lol If so, I so want a baby girl. Just to make it clear, I am not pregs at the moment!!!

Tonight, I have cut out 42 little apples for Kindy. I did it all cos I am nice...lol and I asked if there was anything that needed to be done. Tomorrow I might help out a bit at kindy before coming home and doing some work. I cant go anywhere as my car has a bit of a leak. The water heating hose has a crack in it. So I am going to have to get that fixed before I can go anywhere! Its not fair!!!

Latte and Chino (our two kittens) are so cute! I will get some photos of them soon and put them up on here, they are just so much fun and the kids love them.

We also got 4 hens, fresh eggs everyday and they dont do to much damage to the gardens....what I am saying, they have uprooted my plants. I will have to go and replant them again tomorrow. The little shits, but they do give good eggs. So that just about makes up for their short comings. They are also very friendly and dont attack the kids, the cats are another story, as they kind of hunt after them.

Making a Greek / Roman Amphora vase on the potters wheel demo how to clay throwing ingleton pottery

2009-07-10T17:44:00.001+10:00

This is so great. I have to try this out once I am more comfortable with the wheel. I want one of those. lol

Police station excursion

2009-07-03T10:55:00.005+10:00

Today, the kids from the kindy room, where Miles goes, went on a little excursion to the local police station.

They met Constable Gavin. He is very friendly and was kind enough to put on the siren for the kids, not once but three times. They loved it so much. He let them have a look around and inside the police car. He even got dispatch to give a big Hello out to them, and the kids were so happy.

They even got to try on some of Constable Gavin's uniform, like his hats and jackets. They asked a few questions, some of them quite funny. The kids had a really good time and so did us (parents and teachers). I am sure that Constable Gavin did as well. :)

Allora celebrates 150th birthday

2009-07-02T11:09:00.002+10:00

Allora celebrates 150th birthday
Madeleine Logan 1st July 2009

A crowd gathered for the opening of the Commercial Banking

Company of Sydney Ltd in 1910.

A MAN named Samuel Gordon was likely sitting in his shepherds hut on the southern slope of Allora Mountain when he unwittingly made history.
It was July 1, 1859 - 150 years ago to the day - and George Pratten had just completed the survey of a new town.
Established on one square mile (259 hectares) of the Goomburra Station, the crosshatch of streets was to be known as Allora.
Mr Gordon was its first resident.
A small display in the town’s chemist shop is the only marker of today’s historical significance.
Mr Pratten’s survey led to the first sale of town lots at the Warwick Police Office on March 5, 1860.
Blacksmiths arrived. Hotels and supply stores grew. James Gwynne and his wife, Rhoda, started a school in a tent. And in 1869, the town became a municipality and held its first council elections.
History lover Ray Tippett said Allora anticipated becoming “the central hub” of the Darling Downs.
But that was thwarted when the rail line between Toowoomba and Warwick bypassed the town. Electricity was connected in 1933. But sewerage has never been introduced - stifling development in later years.
Today Allora boasts it is “The Best Little Town on the Downs” and remains a picturesque community of 1200, best known for its heritage weekend, held in January, which attracts vintage vehicle lovers from across the country.

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2009/07/01/allora-celebrates-150th-birthday/

Thinking about Frenchboro

2009-07-01T21:35:00.002+10:00

Well we think we might be coming over there for a holiday in the near future. Happyplace has made it look so wonderful, and the quaint little school and town is charming...lol I think it was the kitchen that sold me... :) So we are going to have to start saving up for a little trip to Frenchboro. I guess we have to planes, cars, and boats...but it sounds like it would be a great time.

broken....

2009-06-29T11:09:00.002+10:00

My washing machine decided to kick the bucket and not tell me. After doing a few loads and noticing that they looked dirty still, and then mum coming over to do a load, as her machine died, I noticed it wasnt washing. Damn thing. I had to hand wash for 2 hours, and didnt make a dent in the pile. SO hubby says lets go to the laundry mat to do the washing. We did that, and it was horrible...lol
First didnt know what kind of change was needed for the machine. Got some, and started the wash. The first machine didnt do a good job on it, so I did it again. Then the first dryer I try, didnt work at all, and I wasted 10 minutes waiting for it to start...lol Even when I removed them and placed the clothes in another dryer, and after it completed its cycle, they werent dry. I dont get it. I thought the purpose of a dryer is to dry clothes, not make them warm and damp.
So this morning, I went and hung the clothes out on the line. I am just lucky that it is a nice sunny day outside and that they will be dry soon.

Willy is happy eating some rockmelon and cheese. Miles is at kindy, playing with his friends, and probably telling everyone about his day at the circus yesterday. Hubby is at work, skinning and cleaning cattle...lol Im sitting here, and wishing it was nice and warm, instead of cool and windy.

Crocheting is something I dont have time for at the moment...lol I wish there was more time in the day to do all that has to be done.
I have a few times that I am working on at the moment, as there is a lot of things that have to be done.

Captains log 86738930-1

2009-06-23T08:01:00.001+10:00

Day Five,

Private Miles visited the large white bowl of wastage disposal and deposited. It has been a great day for all crew members.

Captains Log out

Captains log 86738930

2009-06-22T20:25:00.002+10:00

Day four,

still no sign of life from the marble (now known as magnetic k'nex-type thingy) [Thank you Marissa, that is exactly what it is...the round silver ball of magnetic fun]
Spoken to a nurse at the hospital, and have thus given him a fruit salad, a glass of water with metamucle [spelling unknown, and dont care at this point...it is the orange stuff full of roughage] and a nice cup of hot chocolate. Now just waiting for some action to happen.
The stress of movement is taking its told on some of the crew members. Ensign Kawano, is not patient enough and keeps insisting that Private Miles sits on the large white bowl of wastage disposal and hope that something comes out. Private Miles has repeatedly declines this request. Although he complains of stomach pains and aches, he will not allow movement to happen in the southern most region of his torso. Private William, has not had any problems, and has "gifted" the crew, mainly me with a nappy full of stinky mass.
A mysterious gas has floated into the room, but all have denied it has come from them...a request has been issued by a crew member, but at this point in time, it is not feasible to do so.
The crew is in lockdown for tonight, as it is raining outside and dark. No need to venture out.
Crew members from the parent ship have arrived home safely from their journey, and catching up will be down in due time. Everyone is alive. Yippee.

Captains log out.

Still no show

2009-06-21T22:35:00.002+10:00

The marble or metal ball bearing (as Miles has now come to show us what he swallowed), hasnt come out. In fact, he doesnt want to go to the toilet to get rid of it...lol I dont know if I will send him to kindy tomorrow or not, as it should have passed out by now. If he doesnt do it tomorrow, then I have to take him to the hospital for them to have a look.

Crochet
I am still working on the pants. I have found that the green yarn is slightly thicker then the black that I have also used, but it looks nice and I am going to keep it that way. (I did manage to roll up the black yarn into a nice neat ball of yarn, so that when I need it again it wont be all twisted together!)

Knitting, nothing yet, maybe next month if I am in the mood...lol

No show

2009-06-20T20:10:00.002+10:00

There is still no show of the marble that was shallowed...lol
Miles is in a real demanding baby mood...which requires a lot of cuddles and more cuddles.

Today I had to leave him and Willy at home so that I could go to Pottery class to do my glazing. I managed to get them all glazed and they are now loaded and in the kiln firing up. I cant wait to see what they look like. I had a lot of fun playing at pottery class over the past month and a half. I think I might join the club and continue with learning to do pottery. I really want to make bowls and cups, etc.

I am working on crocheting pants for Willy, and still trying to keep awake.
My black yarn is taking most of my attention, as it has been pulled apart by either the kittens or Willy. I think it was Willy, but you never know with kittens...

So I am back to work on my crocheting.

Miles Mishappening....

2009-06-18T19:11:00.003+10:00

Well it is a lovely Thursday evening. I am sitting down feeding Willy, he is almost asleep, hubby is on the computer reading something about music, and Miles, is in his room, tidying it up....or so I think.
The next thing, he comes running out of his room crying and screaming that "I am going to die!" over and over again. He is pulling his shirt down from his neck and has his mouth open, and tears are streaming down his face.
Hubby gets up from his seat, I hand him Willy, who has now woken up with all of this excitement, and I go and calm Miles down. I think he has been stun by something in his mouth, but no, he as swolled a marble and is freaking out about it, as it is stuck in his throat. I get him calm and tell him, "no you are not going to die." It takes a few moments for him to understand that he isnt going to die.
He wanted to go to the doctors (which means a drive to the hospital, as the doctors are closed at this time), so I call them instead to find out what I should do....
He has to wait for the next 24-48 hours, and hope that it passes out of his system. lol So now it is just a waiting game to see if it will come out or not, if it doesnt then he has to go to the hospital and they will do their thing.
The poor thing had to go to do a wee and was hoping that it would come out and when it didnt, he got upset again...lol the concept of time is so hard for the little fella.

So now I must wait along with him to see if that marble pops out.

Passing

2009-06-11T12:14:00.002+10:00

Yesterday, after I had dropped my mother off at home, she called me, as my brother had just called her, and given her the message that Tom (my natural father) had passed away. I dont know if I am going to attend his funeral, as it is about a 16 hour drive to where he is going to be buried, and it is going to be a long trip with the 2 boys in the car. It is really up to mum if she wants to go down and if she wants me to come. Mum said that there might not be many people there, so that is kind of sad that there are not going to be a lot of people there to mourn his passing. I guess if dad is going to go down and wants me to come with them, then I will head down too. Dont fancy the drive though, as I am not that comfortable on long drives when I am the one driving. I will have to find out what is happening over the next couple of days, before I make a decision. Flying down is too expensive, and so is the bus. So driving will be the first choice.

sick dogs get some rest

2009-06-10T08:45:00.003+10:00

How come I dont get a rest! Im sick...sicker then most dogs that have been eating roadkill for the past week. I dont like being sick. Willy and I both have a cold, and it is not nice at all. I am awake most of the night trying to get Willy to go back to sleep, so I am going without. I know it is part of the package deal that mothers (and fathers) sign up for. I am looking forward to having a nice hot shower before having to the doctors. I am also crossing my fingers that I get to see a dentist sometime this week. I might as well have it removed, as it is painful and not fun any more. lol

There was going to be a photo here of me, but I just couldnt do it...its just wrong to inflict that kind of punishment on people...lol

Crocheting
I am working on my quidditch projects at the moment. I have to see what else i can fit in, but my 2 main goals for this month, is my quidditch outfit for Willy and my OWL. I want to get about 25% of them done.

I have finished a few projects last month and just one so far this month. Not bad going.

(Im just waiting for my mummy to come over and look after me...)

Muggles studies

2009-06-06T16:01:00.002+10:00

For a while now, I have been thinking about making something to keep my mp3 player protected. It has its own pouch, but it doesnt feel like it would protect it from hard knocks or drops. So I was lucky to see that one of the assignments for HPKCHC was to make some that muggles might use since they cant use magic. So with the assignment set, and children (baby and little man) busy, I got to work on it. The best part was that the yarn that I am using was gifted to me from Val, and it is the prefect thickness to keep my player safe from the knocks and drops that it might suffer if the baby or little man got a hold of it. It is such beautiful yarn too. I really like blue and black. There is just a little left of the partical ball, so I dont know what to make with it, but I am sure that I will think of something.

what have I been feeding my boys!!!

2009-04-29T08:44:00.003+10:00

Veges and meat! Willy really loves eating what we eat, so he has been having what we have for dinner. At the moment, since it is cold, we are having meals cooked in the slow cooker, so they are easy to breakdown and he loves it. He LOVES food. He sees food, he starts making his Im hungry sounds, the grunts and squeaks. He hasnt been introduced to chocolate, I wont be doing that until he is a little older, as I dont want him to enjoying that too much and not eat his food.

The above photo of the food is one of the slow cooked meals I made. It was all eaten! Hubby had some for work and then it was all gone.

its cold outside baby

2009-04-28T11:24:00.004+10:00

The temp has dropped so much. It was just above freezing this morning. So I have better work faster on my crocheting and knitting.

What Im working on...

I have started a knitted fingerless mitten for Miles, I am up to the part in the pattern where I have to do FBF (Front Back Front) knit, I find this a bit confusing, but will give it a go. I hope to have it finished sometime soon.

I also have started a little tank top for Willy, I started working on it a few days ago, and hopefully I will be able to get this finished sometime in the next week.

Projects that have gone by the side are a scarf for my father. I will work on it soon.

Projects that I want to complete in the coming months:

doily cal
knitted beanie
crocheted beanie/hats
socks
Mystery cal
dishcloths
tawashis
bookmarks
squares
Secret Pal

I think I have most of this covered.

On the first of May, HPKCHC starts, so I am sure that I will be able to do a few of those projects within the classes that will be offered.

Miles finally learnt to eat with chopsticks...he is so proud of himself!

Willy is proud of himself too, he has his toes and a full tummy!

the rain has finally come...kind of

2009-04-14T19:05:00.002+10:00

For the past couple of days, we have had a steady downpour of rain. No thunderstorm or lightening, just rain. The ground is soaked and my chokoes are growing like mad! We picked a few and they were over a kilogram in weight for about 3 of them. At the stores they are selling between $A5-9 per kilo. Im sitting on a gold mine then...lol but I have been giving them away to whoever wants some. I havent even gone through the whole lot of choko plants to see how many I have there. But I have been using them in my cooking, and they are great soup fillers too. It has been getting cold here, so soup will soon be on the dinner menu.

Crocheting and knitting
Having participated in the HPKCHC or House Cup for the last 3 months, I have been kind of busy. April is the rest period before the next round of classes start in May. I am looking forward to it, and hoping to be back in Slytherin house. I have been practicing my knitting and it has been a lot of fun. I have managed to try my hand at lace knitting, and made a few interesting little projects. If you want to play and crank out a few projects come and join in the fun. Just become a member of Ravelry and then click onto join HPKCHC and then choose your teams. Sorting out of teams will happen at the end of the month, and then the games start in May.

UNO
Miles has discovered the game of UNO! He loves it, I brought it cos I have been playing it online and it looked so easy, and now every time William is sleeping, Miles wants to play it. It can be fun, but sometimes, he just drives us crazy with wanting to play it, he doesnt like to loose, just win. lol

2009-04-13T21:09:00.001+10:00

lace knitting update

2009-03-16T12:56:00.002+10:00

i am finally onto my second repeat of the lace pattern. Finally!!! After about 3 frogs of the knitting, I am happy to see that I am finally getting a hang of the knitting. I am enjoying it, but I dont know if I would want to make it too long, but I will see how I go for a bit before deciding on the size of the lace knitting. So far it is about 5cm long!

Frogged and Frustrated

2009-03-13T07:30:00.003+10:00

How do I end up with an extra stitch on my needle when I have been so good with keeping count?? That is the delima that happened last night. I was coming to the end of row 9 when low and behold I had an extra stitch that cannot be accounted for...So I FROGGED the whole damn thing. I started casting on again last night, but was interrupted by William crying and after I got him to bed, I was just too tired to continue on. My fingers are crossed that I can get it started again today after I get Miles to kindy and William fed and napping. I just find it frustating that I keep getting my purl stitching messed up, BUT (and that is a big BUT) that I might have it licked for my thirdish attempt at the scarf.

(BTW it is getting really cold here, so I have a feeling that it is going to be a very cold winter this year!)

Updates

2009-03-10T10:11:00.006+10:00

Well I started reading the Twilight series, already finished book one, and am about halfway through book 2. Interesting so far, but sometimes a little repetitive, but I can live with that.

Also, I am knitting. I am doing the Branching Out scarf. I am having a little trouble with the purl stitch, can you believe that I do it two ways and then get fussed. I will have to work out which one is suitable so I wont have to keep racking my brain as to what I am doing. I think I am doing the other stitches correctly, so I guess the proof will come in at the end of it.

I also have to start on a crocheted scarf for my father, as he is heading to Tasmania to be part of a painting event. The Mural Fest, if you go down the page, you will find my father's name listed there with his brother, Malcolm and Kerry Nicholson. So it looks like I have about 3 weeks to get it finished for him...lol

Both Mum and Jumpei are doing things for the Warwick Peace Festival, mum with her sculptors and pottery, and Jumpei with his music. Jumpei will play 4 gigs with Sunrise Road. I seem to be the only one not doing anything festive!

William, at 6 months, stood up for the first time and has been standing and practicing a few steps. I have a feeling that he is going to be walking in another month or so. At the moment he is almost 7 months! We are very excited about this, but it has made us close the lounge room door, as William now moves about so much.

Miles is being Miles, a little naughty at times, but he is still into Ben 10 and is loving it a lot. He watches it whenever he can.

So that is it. I am off to the movies with some other mothers and we are going to watch, He's Just Not That Interested in You. I hope it is good.

Doctors tomorrow, as William has something wrong with his big toes, I think it might be a fungal infestion, but I want to be certain. I do hope it isnt anything serious.

introducing Master Turd!

2009-03-05T10:25:00.002+10:00

Master Turd was created for one of my HPKCHC classes. For Herbology, we had to make something that made us laugh. So I decided to make Oh Poo!
Miles loves it a lot.

Finally finished

2009-03-04T08:07:00.003+10:00

Took the kids to see Bob the Builder at the shopping center. Miles loved it a lot and William was asleep during the show, but he was awake for a photo with the cast.

Owlet, known as Midori-tama was made for HPKCHC as part of Feb. homework. Miles has claimed him and has taken him to school with him. He wants me to make him some more.

I finally finished the Seraphina's Shawl that I started in May of 2008. I know it took me a long time, but that was because I didnt work on it all the time just every now and then. I like how it turned out.

A family of bloggers

2009-02-12T13:05:00.003+10:00

My mother has finally gotten her blog up. I gave it to her as a Christmas present. You can see it here Pottery by Hazel. Please head over there and leave her a message. She is so excited about having somewhere to share her pottery. There will be new photos uploaded soon to the page. :)

Tinged

2009-02-11T14:39:00.003+10:00

There are very few things that gets me both sad and happy at the same time. But today whilst reading the news there was a little article about Salma Hayek. I love her as an actress and seems to be down to earth. The fact that she is still breastfeeding her child is amazing, whilst most stop as soon as they can or dont do it at all.
But what she did is not part of a movie or promotion, she did something that would mean a lot to someone else. She offered her breast to a child to have a feed because he was hungry. I was so touched by that. It has been many decades when it was a common practice to breastfeed another child for a woman who was having difficulties.
Even though Salma Hayek mentions that her great grandmother did it for a poor woman who had no more milk for her child, it is still an impressive thing to offer your own to help another out.

Salma Hayek Breastfeeding An African Baby Boy

A new page in Australian history

2009-02-08T16:28:00.003+10:00

We learnt about Ash Wednesday at school, but I think that by the time Miles is at school, he will be learning about the bushfires that have so far (at the time of writting this) is standing at 84 dead but I am sure that by morning we are going to be in triple figures. 750 homes have been distroyed by fire and the town of Marysville is no longer a town, with reports that the town has been wiped out by the fires.

Its a total constrast to Queensland, which has been declared 67% or so flooded. I am in the small percentage that is hoping for a little rain to come our way, as it is hot and dry here.

It is a sad day for Australian. With one of Australia on fire and the other end in flooding.

Horrible, just horrible...

2009-01-25T07:32:00.003+10:00

Got a phone call about my car and I am now looking at somewhere about $3173 to get it fixed. I just cant believe that when I took her in there that there was so much wrong with her apart from a cracked head. I am rather annoyed that my other mechanic didnt pick up on these problems when I had her in his garage (all those 10 or so times). I have to seriously think about this, as it is a big thing. I like my car, she works like I want her to, serves her purpose, and has plenty of room for shopping and taking everyone from A to B. Hubby says fix it! I want to fix it! but it is an awful lot to pay for a car to get fixed.

BUT TO SOMETHING DIFFERENT
I came across this pattern called Fish Hat it looks like fun and I so want to make some. They would be so cool (and different) to wear. I think I like them dead!
I am still working on my crochet homework for HPKCHC for my Arithmancy class. I am almost finished. Miles has already claimed it, too.

Cracked head

2009-01-20T07:03:00.003+10:00

My poor car has a cracked head and water in its no. 6 cylinder. This whole thing is going to cost me up to or over $1400 to fix. I can kiss getting a Wii goodbye for now, as this is eating into our savings. But hopefully once that is done and fixed I wont have any problems until next year! Fingers crossed. We just brought another car for my hubby, a 1997 Nimbus, and it too is a 7 seater. It is very different from my Ford Falcon to drive but it is working and that is all that matters. I have decided that since I dont have my car this week I will not take his car, unless it is necessary. But I am sure that I can hold on for a few days before having to go and get my car back. The repair time was quoted as 8 hours. It sure does make one think about learning mechanics so you can DYI at home, but all I can think about is all that grease...lol and I dont want grease on my yarn or clothes.

CROCHET
Thought that I might update on what I am doing in crochet. I am working on a dragon for my HPKCHC, I have the head and body finished and sewn together, just got the arms, legs, wings and the other little bits and pieces to finish him off. Miles loves him and is looking forward to me finishing him.
After I have finished him, I can start thinking about my other items that I want to start (and finish). I have a few bookmarks that I want to make, fingerless mittens I want to try. I saw a knitted one that looks interesting but they use dpns and I cant work them out just yet, so will probably stick with crocheting for now.

KIDS
William has the commando crawl down. He is crawling about the lounge all day long (except feeding and sleeping time) Miles has said that "William is my best friend", I thought that was so sweet. He really loves his little brother. I have one more year of Miles at Kindy before he starts Prep year at school. I am so looking forward to the book and uniform buying. It will be a lot of fun for sure. I wish I had his uniform now! lol

Well back to looking after the rascals. I have a lunchbox to pack, a baby to feed and a bowl of wheatbix (breakfast) to make.

Updates on what I am doing

2009-01-15T11:08:00.004+10:00

At the moment I am working on my HPKCHC, Arithmancy homework. I am working on the body of it at the moment. I hope to have this finished either tonight or tomorrow night, then I can work on the rest of "its" body. You will have to wait and see what it is.

I finished my DADA homework, the exchange bag from Stitch n bitch crochet. I made it in lavander and love it. It worked up quite lovely, and it could be a pattern that I do again for Christmas presents for some of the ladies.

This was taken recently of the boys. William is getting a lot of hair growth on his noggin', I am thinking in the next couple of weeks he might have a nice crop on there.

Remove them

2009-01-08T20:36:00.004+10:00

Miles at kindy with his cake. All the kids wanted green icing...lol it was funny to watch them eat the cake. Only 2 of them didnt finish their cake, but ate the icing...lol

Miles with is GreyMatter toy, he loves Ben 10 so much. He has been looking after his toy by placing him back in the box and then taking him out when he wants to play with him.

A little blurry, but Jumpei took this photo of me and the boys.

I am suffering! Sheer pain, cant swallow properly, tonsil flared! I want them taken out. Each year they play up on me (not just once, but up to three times in one year)! It is horrible. I am also hot, at 39.7 Degrees C! That is just not normal.

Since I have not been feeling well, I have not been crocheting nor knitting at all. Concentration is so limited.

Tomorrow, i take Miles to the doctors for his 4 yr immunisation needle. He should be happy about that. I dont know if he is going to cry or not, as his last couple of needles he didnt cry at all. He was very brave.

current projects and what I am up to

2009-01-04T16:32:00.005+10:00

I just finished a little bag for little Ava. She is the daughter of one of my husbands work mates, her mother and I get along fine and I really like them. On Saturday, she is going to have her 1st birthday party, so I thought I would make her a little bag. I cross-stitched her name on it.

This year I have joined the HPKCHC or Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup on Ravelry. I am in Slytherin House. I have so far signed up for 2 classes, Dark Arts and Arithmancy, but hope that I might be able to do a few more this month.
I am working on the Exchange bag from Stitch 'n Bitch, the Happy Hooker for my DADA. I am using Red Heart Lavender that was RAKed to me from another Ravelry group. I want to get this bag finished in a few days, so that I can start my other project for HPKCHC.

Alone this New Years but for a good reason...

2008-12-31T22:19:00.003+10:00

My hubby is playing music tonight to bring in the New Year with a band that he plays with on Sunday. This is the second time he has played at this venue with them, and I have missed his perfomance again, but I am just so happy that he is finally playing music. Tonight he is playing the Double Bass and the bass guitar. He also has my car, and I hope that when he is coming home, he doesnt run into a kangaroo.

Close up of hubby with his other girl, the upright bass.

The end is coming ... for 2008 that is.

2008-12-31T17:04:00.003+10:00

What a year it has been! We have experienced a break in the drought out here, now a heatwave, unusual weather patterns, not to mention all the new friends I have made with crocheting, Ravelry, and my other groups. All the projects that I have finished, things that I have learnt, like knitting! Getting a haircut instead of a trim. Having another baby this year, suffering morning sickness for the first 8 months of this year (wont miss that). Lossing and then gaining weight again (the never ending battle...but seriously I must stop eating all that chocolate). My in-laws visiting out from Japan, the new garden I got from their visit. The smiles on my childrens faces from seeing their other grandparents, Miles spelling out his name all the time. Driving to the Coast from here, yes that is correct, I drove from my place to the coast all by myself (and a reference book), getting lost on the way home (was listening to my husband give me directions) lol.
I am very thankful for this year, and it will be sad to see it go, as a lot of wonderful things have happened. The most special of them all was the quick arrival of our second son in August. He is now a big healthy 4 month old with a decent sleeping pattern, he has a big brother that loves him so much, and a father that is just so happy to have 2 sons.
I am also pleased that I had many projects finished both crocheting and knitting. I am looking forward to the new year by doing more projects.

photos of my head and a dust storm

2008-12-16T20:32:00.002+10:00

While on our way home from Toowoomba, we spotted a huge dust storm coming over from Clifton and Nobby. Jumpei managed to get this shot of the storm, but it doesnt do it justice. As there were dust clouds up higher and denser then this little one that he took. But all the same it is pretty cool and I love the colour of the fields. The storm was a few fields over too, but by the time I got driving again, it was coming over the road.

Now for the moment you have been waiting for...MY HEAD!!!!

So this is the new hair style, it is a bit wet, so it isnt sitting right (the fringe). But I am happy with it, and it is keeping me cooler and somewhat migrane free for most of the day.

New Hair cut

2008-12-13T08:16:00.002+10:00

I thought that I would write about my hair cut.
Normally I just get my husband to cut my hair, as I am not to into looking fashionable. But since the weather has been so hot here, the usual trimming of my hair wouldnt do. So at the suggestion of dear hubby, I went and got a hair cut.
Now the process of me getting a hair cut, is that I have no idea what style would look good on me, and if I open my mouth up and say a style of cut, I might end up leaving the saloon with a mo-hawk...yes that is right, I might end up blurting out that I would like a mo-hawk, only to realize halfway through the shave and cut that this hair style just doesnt suit me.
So when the woman asked me what I wanted I said "it is up to you, just something that would suit my face."
Her next comment to me was "Wow, you have really thick hair! Lets do a layered look."
"Fine." At that point, out came the comb and the brushing and parting, and clipping of my hair into bunches, before finally the cutting started. I sat there for a while whilst the woman cut my hair. It is amazing how light a head can feel once some hair is cut off it.
So after what seemed like a long time, I was asked yet another question!
"Would you like a fringe?"
"Sure, why not, I havent had one of them in a long time."
"We might do a sideways fringe. What do you think about that?"
"OK."
Then she started the process once again of brushing, parting, clipping and then cutting. I really just let her do her job and hoped for the best.
Once she was finished (or so I thought) she started to grab little bunches of my hair and twisting it about and then cutting it (thinning it out).
A quick blowdry and it was over.
But seriously whilst I was getting my hair cut, with my glasses off, looking at a slightly out of focused me in the big mirror, I couldnt help but notice that I looked like Professor Snape. I could have told the woman to stop there, and I would have been happy to walk about looking all Snape-d out in my new hair-do. But I dont think that my hubby would have wanted me to come back looking like Snape with all that hair. He much prefers me looking as I do now with a layered look then as the dear, sexy Professor Snape. lol.
I will post a photo of the new hair-do later, once I have charged up the batteries for the camera.

Problems with sizing and Fit!

2008-12-11T22:14:00.003+10:00

This is taken from the Crochet World newsletter I thought I would post this bit of information here, as it is would be so helpful in knowing this information when working on projects.

Problems With Sizing & Fit

Readers often ask about various problems with sizing and fit in crocheted garments. Here is some information that you might find beneficial if you have had similar concerns.

Fitting Garments Correctly
Often the hardest part about crocheting a garment is getting it to fit. Even if you choose to work the pattern to the same size you wear in a ready-made garment and you check your gauge carefully as you go, it doesn't always ensure that the end result will fit correctly.
Keep in mind that the sizing of crocheted garments differs slightly from the items you purchase at a retail store. The key to getting it right is taking accurate body measurements.
Before you begin, measure the person for whom the garment is intended. Measure children around the chest, just under the arms. Measure pre-teens around the chest, waist and hips if you are making a long sweater, skirt or dress. Measure women around the fullest part of the bust, around the waist and hips (approximately 7 inches below the waist). Measure men around the chest, just under the arms.
Although it may differ from your ready-made garments, the bust measurement is the key to successful sizing in women's crocheted garments (except skirts). So, choose the size in the pattern instructions based on that measurement.
Once you've taken accurate measurements, check them against your pattern directions. You may find that while you thought your subject was a perfect size medium, he or she may actually be a size large. Make your adjustments using the measurements as a guide, and you'll find that your garments will fit comfortably and look great.

Increasing Pattern Sizes
Each clothing pattern differs in the yarn weight and hook size required. However, if you study your directions carefully, you will find that there is usually a continuity of increased stitches between sizes. For example: chain 37 for small, 41 for medium and 45 for large to measure 12 (14, 16) inches. In this example, we see that there are four stitches increased in the foundation chain for each size to correspond with the measurements. Also, note that they are all odd numbers: 37, 41 and 45 so it is essential to keep to that for pattern accuracy.
In patterns, size large usually indicates a size 16, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, keeping to this example to bring it to a 20, you add 4 stitches to make it an 18, and another 4 stitches to bring the size to a 20. This section of your work would then measure 20 inches. Measure yourself in the area that the section is designed to fit to see if the measurement is adequate. If it is, proceed; if not, use your measurements, allowing for comfort. Be sure to chain an odd or even number of stitches as directed in the instructions, as the pattern design may depend upon either odd or even numbers of stitches on the first row.
You may find it easier to work from exact body measurements for larger sizes. If you measure yourself correctly and make your foundation chain to correspond, you will have an accurate, comfortable fit.

Measuring Sections to Fit
The proper way to measure a crocheted section is to lay the piece out on a firm, flat surface and measure without stretching. Measure vertically or horizontally only and never around curves. Measure often, especially if you are having trouble. If you correct your problem early on, it's much easier to fix. Also, pay close attention to your gauge and make practice swatches before you begin a project.

What a week!

2008-12-11T05:04:00.003+10:00

December is now becoming a busy time, not just with the shopping, but also with the parties that we have to go to. We have the local Street Christmas party Friday night. It is a lot of fun, with singing, the local kids doing a play and singing, and Santa coming. Miles loves it so much, this year, I think he will be concentrating on Santa and not the ice-block that he gives out. We have a lot of children in our town, so you can imagine the yelling and screaming that is going to be happening when a whole lot of them are running about. There is also a few rides and some activities for the children, and raffles, lots of raffles...but I never win...but this year could be different. *fingers crossed*
On Saturday, We have Jumpei's work christmas party. This will be the first one we are going to, as we normally head out to softball on the same day, but this year we decided to go. Should be fun, I hear that there is a jumping castle there, so I know where Miles is going to be.
The following Saturday, we have a birthday party to go to!
So sometime next week, or the week after we are going to have to do our christmas shopping for the boys and others.

Tis the silly season...

2008-12-02T07:22:00.002+10:00

Well, December has finally arrived! Got to do shopping and wrap presents and start working out what I am going to cook for Christmas day. Since we are not going to go anywhere this year, we are just planning on a quiet day at home and drama free.
I shall call this christmas a Bullshit free Christmas! I dont have to listen to bullshit from people! Horray!!!
William is on the verge of crawling...he is going really well for 3.5 month old. Miles is so into Ben 10 these days, that is all he ever wants to watch.
Well I havent begin gdoing much with crocheting or knitting. Just dont have the stamina at the moment. So tired.
I am planning on trying my hand at lace knitting, but I think I should practice some more on just simple knit and purl first before starting on something that looks so complicated.
I am also thinking about tackling some of my projects that I have in my ravelry queue. I have a few bags in there and I have a few squares as well. I dont think I will start on the wearables just yet.

weird weather

2008-11-26T07:54:00.004+10:00

This summer has been weird so far. We have had a few days of extreme heat, followed by days that feel like winter is back and then wet, cold, windy days.

We had a few good days of storms around here and Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We actually managed to miss the wild storm at the coast but I can tell you, it was absolutely hot and sweaty and can you believe it the McDonalds ice-cream machine broke down...so we took breaks where ever we could until we got home.

But here are some photos of the storm that hit Brisbane a few days ago.

This photo is going to be blown up a bit and placed on my wall. I just love the look of the clouds coming over the swamp/dam/lake.

I am so glad that we missed this storm's destruction. It did pass over us, but we only got some heavy rain and some lightening, but nothing as bad as what Brisbane or the Gold Coast got.

I'm Back!!!

2008-11-22T20:30:00.003+10:00

Some photos...These are from Goomburra National Park, not that far from our house. I think that we are going to go camping there one of these days. (Happyplace, you can tell hubby, that you cant go and shot the cattle there or the wallabies or kangaroos [although kangaroo meat is delicious and fat free])
Cattle loose on the way into the park. you have to drive through a few properties and the cattle are loose and on the road. This trip there were a lot of young calves about ranging from a few days to a month old. Some cows were in calf too, so there should be a lot more little ones roaming about the place.

a wallaby. This little fella was good enough to let me drive up close to it so that my inlaws were able to get a good photo of it. I am pleased to say that they had a great time seeing our native animals and the cows.

My dear inlaws, Tazuko and Kenji! They are such wonderful people, and I am so glad that we get on well.

Kenji and Miles Kenji in the garden! Miles, his father, Jumpei and Kenji, are all alike when it comes to eating. They all think that they are hamsters and need to store their food in the mouths before eating it. They all love noodles and rice too.

Us at the hotel at the Gold Coast before heading to the airport. Miles was being a little shit when it came to photos and saying goodbye as he didnt want them to go. William wasnt too happy with the family changing again. He really enjoyed himself with his grandparents.

Some updates are needed...

Still no car...I am still looking about for one for hubby, but nothing seems to be right. I am rather picky now, as I want one that is going to last a good few years. So the hunt is on.

Finished my crochet exchanges, they will be out in the post on Monday. I am so glad that I have gotten them finished. It now leaves me a bit of time to get a few things ready that I want to get done.

Christmas shopping, havent started yet, neither have I gotten the tree out from the storage room. Will have to do that sometime soon. This week, we have christmas parties at kindy and in Warwick at the shopping centre. So my Thursday and Friday are going to be busy ones.

We have had a lot of rain, flooding in Warwick, nothing much here in my small town. The good news is that my water tank that somehow got empty, is now overflowing with water. Thanks to hubby adding another part to the piping so that it goes straight inside the tank instead of nearly there. So now I have 3 water tanks that are all full. All I have to do is one day buy a pump, but until then, I can just use them the normal way by turning the tap on to get some water out. I might hook one of them up to water the garden.

By the way, my father inlaw did a wonderful job on doing our vegetable garden. Pity the sparrows and pidgeons decided to eat some of the veges. I will go sometime this week and pick up some more replacement veges. We have a lot of tomatoes and corn planted, as well as cabbage, pumpkin, watermelon, and a few others. Cant wait to harvest them.

It just continues...

2008-11-05T20:37:00.003+10:00

Still no car. We thought we had one lined up but alas, it got sold right after we saw it, and she didnt let me know, until I called her up about it. That was like 2 days ago! But I have another one lined up that would be suitable for hubby, all I have to do is organise my father, Jumpei, and me for Saturday. I want Jumpei to take his parents out to softball on Saturday, so that they can watch him play, but he doesnt want to drive dad's car for some "#$(% reason. I am quite sure it is to shit me off and make it harder for me to get things organised. I dont understand why things have to be so hard to do.

To me it is very simple...

I take my car with the kids or just the baby, and dad to look at the other car. Easy!

Jumpei takes his parents to Toowoomba in my fathers car to softball. Hard????? WTF! I dont know how that can be hard!

So anyway I am hoping to get to see this other car on the weekend and if it is all good then get it. No more early mornings driving hubby to work!

William has decided to make my life easier too, by wanting a feed every 2 hours. Seriously where is all that milk going! It sure isnt coming out the other end often. Tomorrow I take him for a check up with the health nurse to see how heavy he is and all that. It should be good. We are thinking that he is somewhere near the 7kg mark, as he is very heavy.

He rolled over yesterday!!!! So that is great. Jumpei got to see it, and he was so happy and then later that day his mother got to see him roll over as well. So I am happy that they have seen this little milestone whilst they are with us.

Miles is happy, he loves having his grandparents with him. He got upset this morning, cos he woke up and they were not in the room. Once I told him where they were he was so happy! He has been helping his grandfather, "Jiji" aka Kenji, in the garden and they seem to be having a great time together out there. Jumpei took some photos of them in the garden. It is so nice to see him with his grandparents.

Not a lot of time to crochet or knit, just being a breastfeeding machine at the moment.

What a week!

2008-10-26T12:27:00.002+10:00

It has been a busy week all round. Firstly I have to get up early (4.45am) to get hubby off to work. I get home at 5.22am, the sun is up, the kids asleep, me tired. From that point on I have my two choices, stay awake and do some housework, or go to bed and have a nice sleep. I end up feeling more tired with the extra sleep, but the kids love it. From there I get Miles ready for kindy, and off we all go, the mere less then 2 minute walk to the building. The rest of my day is a blur of breastfeeding, and driving and some housework, before collecting hubby from work.

BUT that is not all that I have been up to. The computer died. More to the point, Windows crashed and somehow removed itself from the computer, so I had to pay another $90 to get it fixed. I cannot complain, as it is now working smoothly and I have a few extras added to it. They even managed to backup my files too, so I dont have to try and remember what was on there.

William is now 12lbs or just over 6kgs! He got his needles and is doing fine. I havent taken any recent photos of the boys, so will have to charge up the batteries for the camera and get snapping!

CROCHET - just about finished the Mystery CAL for Leftovers Monthly Challenge. It turns out to be Dot's little ditty bag. I have also started the Mystery CAL for CrochetX, and it going well. My other CAL for crochetsocks, is progressing slowly, as I want to get these other projects finished first. I then have a few items to make for an exchange, and then I want to start on some other items, and then christmas items for family. I am tossing up the idea of making personal handbags for christmas, but not sure, I will see how I go and then know for sure what I am doing.

New projects

2008-10-18T16:49:00.003+10:00

I am doing 2 mystery CALs this month. One with Crochet X, which hasnt been sent out yet, and the other one is with Leftovers Monthly Challenge, which has started and I am working on that right this minute to catch up, as I have not had time.
I am doing a sock, as part of a Sock CAL on Crochetsocks. So far my socks are coming along well. I am using my baby yarn in pink. Since I dont have a girl to make anything for at the moment, I might as well use it, and sock yarn is just so expensive, that I wouldnt buy a ball to make socks, when I can buy a bunch of socks for the amount of one ball.

I'm a sucker...

2008-10-14T19:35:00.002+10:00

for my craft! I have just finished a Mystery CAL and now I have signed up for another 2!!! One with Leftovers Monthly Challenge, and the other with CrochetX, which will be a mystery exchange. It will be the first time that I have done one like this, and I'm very excited. Cant wait to get the pattern in the inbox!
Also, I should have started my swatch for the sock CAL that I am hosting on CrochetSocks, so I have to get that yarn out and start the swatch. I am hoping that tomorrow, since I am not going out anywhere that I will be able to get that done (if William always me to have a bit of time).
I am also currently working on a doily, I hope that I can get most of it finished tonight and hopefully tomorrow, as I want to send it out to my partner for an exchange. If not, I will send it to her later on (if I dont frog or forget about it.) It is coming along nicely, but slowly. It has been a while since I have used such small thread, since most of the time I have been using yarn and a 5.5mm hook, nothing like this thin thread and a Boyle 10 hook (not sure of the size but I think it is about a 1.25mm).

Photos, photos and lemon tree blossom

2008-10-13T21:18:00.002+10:00

Who is the happier brother? Miles or William???

Close up photo of lemon blossoms from my tree. Not sure if it is normal or not, but it and the orange tree are flowering again, so either they are as confussed as the rest of us about the weather, or it is normal for them to keep flowering after they have fruited for the winter season. I dont remember this happening last year, but I really wasnt paying that much attention to the trees.

Another happy shot of Miles and baby Mickey. He loves my stuffed toys a lot, so much so, that they are now his (by his say, not mine). I will get them back one day...one day!

Here is a butterfly I found laying in the grass the other day when I went to get Miles from Kindy. It must have been on its last legs as it didnt fly away when I picked it up and stuffed it into a little box, and took it with me to kindy for Miles. He was very happy to show off the butterfly to the other children, but he needs to learn that it is OK to show it to some of them. He has a real problem with one of the boys at kindy, I dont know why but he just doesnt like him very much. However, i do think that he does play with him at times. Boys, what can you do!

Killer butterfly as I called it. I left it on the front landing and I am hoping that it flew or blew away, and wasnt eaten by a lizard, but like I said it was on its last legs, and about to die anyway. Very pretty though, I really love the black, yellow and the hint of orange/red. So cute! Cant wait to find some more. All I have to do is add some more plants to the front and do the garden up and i will have some more pretty butterflies flying about the place and a very happy boy (boys) outside trying to catch them.

Leftover Monthly Challenge Mystery CAL #2

2008-10-13T12:43:00.003+10:00

Last night finished the final step in the mystery CAL. It turns out that I had this project in my projects folder on ravelry to start it sometime soon. I am so happy that one of my projects is finished. It was the Crochet Flower hot pad!

When animals kind of attack

2008-10-10T18:21:00.002+10:00

What a morning it has been. Driving hubby to work (4.45am), a brown owl almost attacked my car! Lucky I was fully awake whilst driving, or I would have missed the large bird swooping across the front of my windshield. I didnt hit it. But that sure did get the heart pumping.
However, that wasnt the end of my adventure with animals...after dropping hubby off at work, I started heading home, only to see another bird, not sure what, as it was kind of a cross between an emu and peacock, but on a miniture scale. It ran in such a weird manner, unbird like, that I was giggling at it. I just wish I knew what it was, I have decided that it must have been a scrub turkey crossing the road.
But it isnt over just yet. Although this isnt an attack of any sort, my mother called me just before 7am this morning all upset. Somehow, during the night or early morning, the aviary cage door opened, and my birds (some of them) escaped. I love 2 female cockatiels, about 7-9 budgies, and 2 plump quails (I wasnt planning on eating them!). So now I have about 7 budgies and a single, horny male cockatiel left. I have to go and find him a woman soon or there could be a bit of a problem in the aviary. Mum is so sad, as the female cockatiels were laying and sitting on eggs, and now they are gone. I am hoping that the male will jump at the job and look after them, but I am not really holding my breath, as he spent most of today sitting on the side of the cage singing out for his women.
But that wasnt the last of my day with animals....when I got home and was walking out of my room to grab something, a quick grey flash of rodent ran past me. This caused me to let out a scream, followed by my mother laughing at me, when she found out what had happened. But I decided that I would have a look at where that evil little creature went to, under the couch, so I tipped the couch on its side, and let out another scream...I know, I knew it was under there...but that didnt stop the automatic reaction of screaming...its more like an EEEEEK~! But he ran near my crocheting that I have sitting in front of the bookcase, from there he ran behind a box of books. I gave that a little kick, and then proceeded to move the box and the binders that are there next to my treadmill. He wasnt there behind the box, so I picked up 1 of 2 binders, and he wasnt there, 3rd time lucky, the little shit was there in the 2nd binder and he jumped out of it onto the treadmill and ran into his hole. Mum is in the other with William still laughing at me, as I screamed yet again when it jumped from the binder. I swear, I could have been attacked by the less then 5cm monster!!! It is no laughing matter, this is dead serious, they are horrible little things that dart across the room at lightening speed and grow and breed more of themselves. So mum asked me if I had any bait, to which I replied that I did and handed it to her, she took it to the holes, where I proceeded to tell her that it was the hole next to her foot that it went into, so she went for the wrong hole anyway until I repeated myself a dozen times about which hole it was. Finally got it, and she shoved it all the way into the little hole. Within 5 minutes, I heard a few squeaks and then a bit of munching...YES the little grey rodent was eating the bait...I only hope it goes some place away from the house to drop dead. I dont like them but I hate their smell worse.
So that was my day with animals...apart from Kitty, and her rubbing against my legs, or Nippy and Hanibal jumping up at me at mum and dad's, or Possum (cat) running out from under my car as I was driving, I have a good day for getting the heart pumping without doing any exercise to get my heartrate up!

Christmas gifts and other projects

2008-10-08T13:27:00.003+10:00

With Christmas only a few months away (I think it is about 2 months to go before the big day) I have been giving it a bit of thought about what I would like to do, in terms of gift making. I want to complete atleast 2 or 3 starghans for the kids (Almaaz, Eri, and William) [Miles has one already], a few bags for the ladies, a hat for dad (he has asked me to make him one, and I havent...bad daughter!). Dishclothes, tawashi, and a few other things.

Current projects that I have on my plate are:
Leftover Monthly Challenge Mystery CAL,
CrochetX Secret Pal Exchange,
starting a starghan in pink for Eri (If I can get this finished while my mother in law is here, I can give it to her to give to Eri-chan in Japan.)
Seraphina's Shawl (still working on it when I have a bit of time)
Bookmarks, got to make some bookmarks, I think about 14 in total. (^-^)

My recent finished projects

2008-10-08T11:25:00.004+10:00

These are for my secret pal as part of CrochetX secret pal exchange. I hope she likes them.

Butterfly Garden Square

Crunch Stitch Dishcloth (times 2)

Magic Pot holder

Pink Lady

Pentagon dishcloth

My boys and their dad

2008-10-07T15:04:00.006+10:00

I thought that I might add a few more photos of my boys. Hubby took them, and I have just come across them on the computer. He saves the files in a different folder then I do, so it sometimes makes it hard to locate them. But I really love these photos of them.

Miles and William cuddling. Miles really loves holding William.

A nice photo of Miles. (He's not pulling a face!)

William, just being William. What big eyes you have? Just like my mummy!

Someone has got a mo-hawk!

Sleepy time with daddy.

Three sets of feet ... all big feet!

Miles and William. Miles just cant get enough of holding his little brother.

A very proud father indeed, why wouldnt he be, he has 2 sons!

There is something tasty on my fingers!!!

Same here, very tasty fingers, indeed.

Travel with Baby

2008-10-06T13:43:00.001+10:00

Travel with Baby
Originally uploaded by xstch4you

This is so darn cute. I might have to make one of these up for my car! As my 2 little precious boys are in the car with me.

which House character are you?

2008-10-06T09:15:00.000+10:00

Which House Md Character are you? Your Result: Lisa Cuddy Congratulations, you are Dr. Lisa Cuddy, Dean of Medicine. You are sexy, but strict. You are one of the few people who can deal with House. There's a rumor you guys did the nasty though...
Gregory House
Robert Chase
Eric Foreman
Allison Cameron
James Wilson
Which House Md Character are you? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Updates

2008-10-06T06:53:00.003+10:00

Manly won!!! 40-0
Menzies scored a try in the 73rd minute!
So another year of NRL football is over, but thankfully, we have the ARL (Australian Rubgy League) on this year. Our national team announced sometimes soon. So more footy for a few more months at least.

Cricket season is now starting, so our summer is going to be full of cricket! Cant wait!

Softball starts this weekend. Training is on Thursday, so I have to somehow, get Miles to training, as he hasnt been to one yet, and he plays on Saturday. I am hoping that my car will be fixed by 3pm so that I can collect him and head off. I must make sure that I have the car packed and ready for all of us for Saturday, as hubby is also playing on Saturday, but not sure of the time for his game, it will either be around 2 or 4, and then he might be playing in the A1 mens grade too. So he could have 2 games to attend to. (*-*)

More wildlife out the back. Yesterday, our neighbour told us that they have a brown snake in their backyard. YUCK! I hate snakes, they are evil looking. I dont care if they do eat mice, and other little animals, I just dont want it near me, around me, or in my yard. I am hoping that it has gone back to where ever it came from (not my yard).

I think this summer we are going to have a few snake sightings in and around our place. It is already feeling like summer here, even though it is supposed to be spring.
It was that hot here, that even William let me have him naked for a while. He hates to be naked, but since it was so hot (no rain in sight either), he was very happy to be in the nude and laying about on my lap. He is a little rolly-polly at the moment, from drinking so much milk! He did have a long sleep last night. He is still sleeping now, and itis 7.50am, he is just so tired, and full. He is so content and happy. He loves looking at Miles, and I often catch him looking at Miles whenever he is in the room. I am sure that he is going to be following his big brother around when he can crawl and walk.

owl update

2008-10-05T13:16:00.003+10:00

I called the vets today to see if the owl was alright. Unfortunately, he didnt make it and passed away last night. Poor little thing. Jumpei is a little upset by it, so am I but that is life.

On the home front, we have an echidna in our backyard, there are holes dug in the group around the sheds. I didnt think that they would be this close to town, but my neighbour said she was chasing one the other night along her fence. So we have the little creatures in our yard.

Go MANLY!!!

2008-10-04T22:09:00.002+10:00

Tomorrow is the NRL (National Rugby League) Grand Final between Manly Sea Eagles and Melbourne Storm. I am a Manly fan, so I am cheering them on. Not only is it a repeat of last year GF, but it will be the last game for my favourite player, Steve "Beaver" Menzies, in Australia. He is heading over to Super League for a year. So tomorrow, hubby has asked for Nachos for the game, so I will be in the kitchen cooking up some nachos and then sitting back and watching the game (and breastfeeding William). I am hoping that Manly will win by a good margin and give us a few fights and a bit of blood too. I love a rough game of footy! I will post the score after the game tomorrow.

An adventurous morning

2008-10-04T19:37:00.003+10:00

An adventurous morning, that is how we started our normally uneventful day on our way to Toowoomba. We had just passed the Flats and were heading up the hill when I spotted what I thought was a kitten sitting next to the road. I thought it might have been hit by a car, so I did a U-turn and headed back down the road and pulled up. Hubby jumped out and headed across the road to have a look at the kitten. He ran back over and said it was a bird, an owl (an Australian Barn Owl). When asked if it was alive he said "yes". So I told him to grab one of William's blankets in the back and wrap the bird in it. He did, but he bundled the bird up like you would a baby, with the head sticking out. I told him to cover the head, as it would cause the bird a bit of distress if it is exposed. So once we were all settled in, we headed to Toowoomba once again. We decided that since we dont know where a Vets is, that we would head over to the police station to ask, but would you believe they were closed! So I drove blind, and just kept thinking about a vets that I know is on the corner of some street. My only problem is I have to work out what "some street" is!. But would you believe it I found it in the first go! Once inside the vets, I had to fill in a form, and the little guy (or girl) was taken by the vet. If it can be saved, it will be rehab'ed and hopefully released back into the wild. I hope so, as it is a damn beautiful bird, with big black eyes and a white face. So pretty!
This is what the bird looks like (although, this is not the actual bird, we didnt take a photo of it, as we didnt want to stress it any further).

Yummy yarn

2008-10-04T07:14:00.003+10:00

On another blog, there is a contest to win some homespun yarn. I have to say that the yarn is very yummy looking. You can visit the site here at http://garnfiti.blogspot.com/2008/10/halloween-contest.html
I just wish I had a spinning wheel so that I could do some spinning as well.

Isnt he cute!

2008-10-03T21:13:00.006+10:00

We just cant stop looking at this picture of William. He is just so darn cute! Very alert too!
He is now over 10lbs! He is now 4.6kgs! He has put on about 560grams in 2 weeks. A little rolly-polly baby he is becoming from his constant feeding!

CAR----Dad is going to do a swap with us for his Falcon for hubby's van. Not a fair deal but he wants to do it. I just have to pay to get it roadworthy and registared, but that is fine by me, as I would have paid more to get a car up to scratch for hubby too. So that should all be done in about 2 weeks time. In the meantime, if I dont need the car for the day, hubby can take it to work, if I need it however, I have to get him into work (leave by 4.45am) and pick him up again (whenever work finishes). Thankfully, I brought him a mobile phone, so now he can call me instead of searching for a public payphone.

Forgot to mention the van managed to drain itself of its battery yet again!

Miles--cut his hair today! Hubby tried to fix it, I now have a child who looks like

Fuguta Tarao from Sazae-san (her 3yr old son).

Naughty naughty cars

2008-10-02T05:19:00.002+10:00

I knew yesterday, that hubby could possible be taking my car to work with him this morning, as his van was making a horrible noise as it tried to refuse to start. He did manage to get it going yesterday morning, but this morning it refused. I listened to him starting it, and revving it, and starting to back it out of the driveway when it stopped dead. No problems, I dont need my car today, I can walk to Mum and Dad's place today, instead of driving, so told him last night he could use my car if he needs it. Well this morning, I listened to him start it, watched the headlights go past the window, and then watched the headlights come back past the window. Poor thing, comes into the house a little upset, slighted annoyed, and very sorry. What could possible be wrong??? OOPS, he knocked off the passenger side mirror by hitting the shed on his way out. I'm not too worried, I tell him not to worry to much either, hand him the "gaffa" tape and we stick it back in place. I tell him, "Dont worry, I will get that fixed when I put the car in for a service." He is still upset, but atleast he is able to get to work.
I will talk to Dad today about getting his other car fixed so that hubby can use that one to get to work. I have been looking for a car for hubby as I know that his van is probably running on it last leg, so we want to get rid of it, and have another little car for him to be driving around in. An automatic would be nice, as when he takes my car for band practice, I have a car that I can use if I need to go somewhere. So I am hoping that maybe today, Dad will do what I ask him to do in regards to his other car and we get it down to the local garage. So will have to wait and see.

I thought I would have been another character.....

2008-09-30T22:22:00.002+10:00

Which NCIS Character Are You?

Created by BuddyTV

But I like Ducky a lot! So I cannot complain.

Which Boston Legal Character Are You?

More on Boston Legal. Created by BuddyTV

Sakamoto Kyu - Sukiyaki - Ue wo muite arukou

2008-09-27T19:01:00.006+10:00

Even if you dont understand Japanese, you will just love the sound of Sukiyaki. It is so haunting and beautiful. It is amazing to listen to. One of those songs that you can have on repeat all day and not get sick of it.

My secret obession (other then crocheting or knitting)

2008-09-27T18:26:00.003+10:00

I have to admit that I have an obession (healthy I hope) with music, but not just any music, it has to be cool, groovy for its day, and above all enjoyable. That is why, I like Eric Burdon and The Animals, and Eric Burdon and War, pretty much anything by Eric Burdon will do me fine. I wouldnt say it is good housework music (Matrix soundtrack or Nickelback's first album or Smashing Pumpkins, work a treat with me when I am doing housework).
Recently, my dear husband (my enabler) said to me that I could buy some Eric Burdon CDs. Well I came across an LP record of Eric Burdon declares "War" for A$3.50 on ebay. I told him about it, and he was shocked, as in Japan, that LP is very expensive. My husband is a big fan of War. So he said I could buy it, so I did, knowing that he would put it with his collection of LPs in his music room. But I was allowed to buy the CD as well. So now, my enabler and I are happy with the music that I listen too. I must say that my husbands current love is AC/DC, so for fathers day I brought him about 5 AC/DC CDs and 2 DVDs of theirs. So whenever I leave him alone for any period of time I am sure that he is either listening to or watching them. I dont mind them either, but at the moment I want to be listening to something that is cool, not going to make me break out my air guitar, or anything silly like that.
I must admit, that for a while my radio wasnt working in the car, I would listen to The Animals tape that I picked up for 50c at St. Vinnies. Miles, sings to them in the back of the car whilst I am driving. It is so cute listening to him sing to them. Hubby is trying to get him to sing to AC/DC at the moment, and learn the guitar to play Thunderstruck. If only I could get him to play some Animals for me on the guitar!
So from time to time, I might post music clips that I like from youtube (thankyou whoever created youtube!)

Just cos I could...and cos I like it!

2008-09-26T20:53:00.001+10:00

The boys look like their dad

2008-09-21T08:42:00.005+10:00

Happyplace you are correct that William looks like his dad. Both Miles and William look so much the same as babies. I will have to go and scan in some baby photos of Miles and post them here, they look so much alike.

This morning, William decided to change his sleeping and waking times, I cannot complain, he decided to sleep in till 7.30! But he did bring his 4am feed to up to just before 3am. But it is nice to have a bit of a sleep in, even if it doesnt last for very long.

Yesterday, was so hot, we had a weather warning for our area saying that we were going to get strong winds, rain, hail, etc...but we only got a bit of rain, and some wind, not heavy rain, that would cause flash flooding. Just less then mild rain that on total only lasted about 10 minutes (I am sure it is less then that, as there isnt even a flood in our driveway).

Some family photos

2008-09-20T16:33:00.001+10:00

computer died and now it is back to life

2008-09-12T08:43:00.003+10:00

Computer
What a shock it was when I finally woke up on Saturday, after Jumpei took William from me so I could gave a few more hours of sleep. Only to wake up to the computer not working. It just wouldnt start. I had been meaning to take it in to get a new hard drive installed, as the old one I was sure was on it's last leg, and just surviving our day to day use of it. But this fateful Saturday, it kicked the can and wouldnt go no more. So during the week, I took it into Warwick to the computer shop I took it to once before, and got it fixed for A$209. The only problem now is that everything looks so big on the screen, and I cannot seem to get everything to look the same again. I dont know why it must look so big, but it does. Hopefully, over the coming weeks, it will work itself into a fit and look like it used to. Fingers crossed!!!

Fitness
Well, I have been to the gym and will have my new program organised for me, so I can start getting fit on Monday. I have decided that this year (what is left of it) will be the year that I do something about these extra kilograms that I have hugging my body. I still havent worked out what size I want to go down to, but I dont want to be ultra skinny, as I just dont like the look that much. It is going to be fun, to start loosing a bit, and going shopping to get new clothes (something that I dont do very often, I seem to wear the clothes out before getting new ones). My plan for the gym is to go there 3-4 times a week and build up from a 30 minute workout to an hour long one, hopefully with the co-opperation of William, as he is coming along to the gym with me.

William
The poor little fella is sufferring from wind. It seems to be in his bowels and gives him bad pain and gas. I have to keep burping him and rubbing him to try and get some of that out. He loves his milk, so I am sure that he is getting close to 4kgs, I will find out on the 18th how heavy he is. It is going to be fun to see him grow. Miles really loves him a lot, and wants to hold him and touch him. Jumpei is still over the moon that he has another son. Nothing seems to be able to wipe the smile off his face about his 2 sons.

Crochet/knitting
I havent really had time to do any of them, as William seems to keep me busy with feeding and changing and cuddling him. Today, I have him in a baby carrier and so far he seems to like it. But I have a bit of work to do before I can go and pick up either a hook or a pair of needles to make something. I do hope to be able to start soon and make a few items.

No time to crochet or knit

2008-09-02T20:10:00.003+10:00

Since having William at home, i just havent had time to crochet nor knit. Not because William wants attention or feeding all day long, but because he sleeps all day long and I take this time to clean and do housework, and then at night, he wakes up and wants more feeding and more time. Sometimes I get so grumpy if I dont get any sleep during the day or at night. So poor Jumpei has to put up with me being a grumpy-bum. Poor Miles, just wants to hold William all the time, and it is just hard telling him he cant do it when he wants. We have a routine now, that whenever Miles sees me sitting with William, he will ask me if he can hold him, but only if he moves further into the couch. He gets to hold him for a few minutes. I think that William likes it too, as he looks at Miles and likes it when Miles touches him.
Tonight, Jumpei has taken Miles to bed early, so he gave William a kiss goodnight and gave me one too before running off to bed. I am sure that by 9pm, he should be asleep, snoring away and even talking in his sleep. It is very funny sometimes the things that Miles will say in sleep. I think most of it relates to his day at kindy, as there is sometimes a mention of a sandpit, a ball, and other things that he plays with at kindy. It is very funny sometimes, if you are awake, he sometimes sits up in his sleep and then says something, then lays down and starts snoring.
Well, I am thinking about staying up tonight to watch NCIS, but I think the better choice would be to head to bed and grab a few winks of sleep before getting up for William. It is still 50/50, but I really should be smart about it and head off to bed.
I will want to do a bit of crocheting too. I want to make the magic potholder. But I might do that later on in the week, after a bit of sleep.
Today, I spent most of the day cleaning out my room and destashing some of my clothes. I have got to destash some of my books, especially if I am not going to read them (again or ever). I did remove a lot of books a few months ago, but I still have a lot of books. I am trying to work out what to do with the books I brought at university. Should I keep them or sell them or give them away? I really have no idea what to do with them. I might end up putting them in my storage room until I can finally work out what to do with them. I really do love those books. The other books that I have are novels. I am keeping my Harry Potter series, Sherlock Holmes series, Mrs Marple series, but the others I think that I can live without.
Also heard today in the news that there is going to be a Sherlock Holmes movie in the "talk" stages. The funny thing is, that the other day (yesterday perhaps or was it Sunday?) but I was thinking that with all the remakes of the superhero movies and other movies, that Sherlock Holmes wasnt being touched. I have a few of the old movies with Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, so it is interesting that they choose Robert Downey Jr. to play the part, but the thing is I can see him in the role of Holmes. He has that look about him, although different from Rathbone, but still a look of Holmes all the same. I am going to have to say that I am going to have to go to the cinema's to watch the movie. Although, Alan Rickman in the role of Sherlock Holmes wouldnt be too bad either. Another dimension of sexiness indeed, Watson.
A quick movie list of movies that I want to see in the cinema:
* Bottle Shock
* Sherlock Holmes
* Harry Potter

Introducing William!!!

2008-08-26T20:32:00.005+10:00

Here are some photos of the lastest edition to my family
....William....
He was born Friday, 22/08/2008 at 3.10pm in Toowoomba Hospital
Weight - 3290grams
length - 51cm
Head - 34.5cm

It was a very short labour. I started getting contractions around 4.30am Friday morning, and by 9am, they were about 10mins apart and lasting for about 30-40 seconds. I was told to head up to the hospital, but I had to wait for Jumpei to come home, and when he got home, he arrived about 2 hours after I called for him to come home...well it felt that way, it might have been only an hours wait...
When we headed off to the hospital (an hours drive away), my contractions were coming closer together from between 5-10 minutes apart. When we got to the hospital, I was already at 3cm. By 1.30pm-ish, I was moved into the birthing suite. By 2.30pm, I was at 6cm, and it was too late for me to have drugs to kill the pain. It was too late for me to have an epidural to kill of the pain. The contractions were coming hard and fast by then, and I was told that "this baby is going to be here before the drug would take affect!" Not something that I wanted to hear, but there is nothing that can be done when you are at that stage. By now I was at 9cm and told that when I have the urge to push to go for it. I didnt want to push, BUT he just had to come out. I dont really remember much, as the process kind of blows your mind, but I dont think that I was pushing for too long, as at 3.10pm his head was out and I had just given birth to our second son.
It is just amazing how the body forgets the pain that you have just gone through immediately, as there is no way that I can describe the pain, I know that it took a lot of concentration at times to push and do what the midwives wanted me to do. But in the end, I am pleased to have my little boy at home with me. He is still a bit yellow, from jauntice (sp?) but it seems to be clearing up now. Hopefully, by the end of this week, he should have a nicer complection.

Sunny one day, overcast the next

2008-08-21T10:59:00.002+10:00

Yesterday, even with all the dramas at the hospital, it was a lovely sunny day. It got me thinking that today, I would do my laundry and hang it out to dry. But alas, the weather has changed yet again, from about 8pm last night, it was windy and cold, and this morning is no difference. It is overcast, no sun even peaking out of the clouds, so the laundry can stay where it is until tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be nice tomorrow when I have to be up at the hospital again.
I just hope it is a nice day later on, but it already 11am and still no change from this morning. It still feels like 7am. The only good thing that could come out of it, would be if it started raining, so I wouldnt have to go outside to water my cherry flower tree. I got Jumpei to plant it for me where I want to make my Japanese style garden. All I have to do is get motivated and start doing my gardens. I am extremely lazy, I can work everything out and have a plan but the excution of the plan is where I come undone, I just dont do it. But this time, I am going to make my little garden for relaxation and for somewhere nice to sit down and relax. I am sure that Jumpei will help me out if I keep buying and getting plants. I am going to get the front garden done too, and might get dad to drive me out to Gatton to pick up some plants from the big nursery out there. Instant garden!
Well, I have already started dinner for tonight. Some chicken drumsticks marinated in my special sauce, and chicken marylands done in cashew nuts, cracked pepper and olive oil. They are cooking at the moment, so I will have time later to make up some vegetables and possibly a soup if this weather is still overcast and miserable. Might even make a few breadrolls later too. But it depends on how tired I get from this "relaxing" that I am supposed to be doing.

Crochet and knitting
Might end up doing a bit more crocheting and knitting today as well. I am still working on a few items, like my Seraphina's shawl. I finished off a couple of dishcloths, and a set of coasters for my exchange partners. I will end up taking some photos of them to add to my projects page on ravelry. It is great to see how many items and projects I can finish, and I must say, I do feel proud that I am able to get so much done. I really have to start using up my stash of yarn, as I am sure hubby is getting a little peeved that they are taking up the front room, and I need that front room for when my inlaws come. So I have got to get a bit done. Thankfully, I have Miles, and he is asking me for some projects like, last night he wanted me to make him another starghan. I might end up making his one later by adding some more different colours to them, as he loves his blanket and his elmo blanket that I made for him when he was little. But first I want to get a few more projects out of the way and then I will work on some more things for him and his brother when he arrives.

Pregnancy update - A busy day at the hospital

2008-08-20T22:19:00.000+10:00

Today I went to the hospital for my usual checkup...but it was anything but usual. The night before, I had contractions from 4pm to 11.30pm, and then every now and then during the day. I wasnt really worried that, as I think that it is just the body practising for the actual labour. I mentioned it to the nurse that was taking my blood pressure, and would you believe, my blood pressure was 145/99!!! That is really high, but I think it was wrong, due to the fact she was using a smaller cuff then the one I usually use. So from there I was seen by a midwife, he took me upstairs to the birthing suites and I didnt even have time to get my mother who was in the waiting room (she was there for 2 hours before she decided it was too long for me to be with the doctors, and finally found me upstairs after being told I wasnt there). Poor old girl...I know, she isnt that old really but when your waiting for 2 hours and then told your daughter is not there, I am sure she was very confused. By 4pm I had to get going to collect Miles from Kindy, as I couldnt get my husband at home, he was still at work! So I had to quickly leave the hospital, with my high blood pressure, which I was checked 3 more times before leaving, and had a trace placed on me for 1.5 hours! The baby is fine, by the way, good heart beat and movements. I had to get back to the hospital as the doctor who was with me, during my time there, had to rush next door to the other room due to an emergency. All I heard was the work Prolapse and a woman crying and a lot of running around and the incubator in my room being taken away quickly, and my doctor not returning as he had to go into emergency surgery. So after getting Miles, feeding him and Jumpei coming home, we headed back to the hospital just after 5pm, where I was sent back up to the birthing suite and the trace placed on me and my blood pressure taken again. This time, it was back to normal, I think it was something like 135/84, so just after 7pm we were able to leave the hospital. But I have to go back there on Friday morning, but i have call first, as there could be another emergency, but the nurse is hoping for an uneventful morning. If I am lucky, I might be having this baby soon.

Crunch Dishcloth

2008-08-19T10:12:00.003+10:00

Here is a dishcloth that I am making from the Crunch Tawashi pattern that I have posted below. I have made this one in Peaches 'n' Creme cotton. It is so nice and soft. I am working on another one in the same cotton. I am really enjoying making them. I am even thinking that some of these would make a lovely christmas present for some of the women in my family.

Pregnant me...the photos

2008-08-18T16:54:00.002+10:00

Finally some photos of me pregnant!

Side shot...I am sure that he is going to be bigger then Miles. Miles was 3.65kgs when he was born. I am thinking about a 4kg baby.

Miles and me. He just loves to have his photo taken.

Seraphina's Shawl

2008-08-17T15:38:00.003+10:00

I am working on my shawl now that I have a bit of down time. I am just about finished with the ball of yarn that I am using, and have the next on hand. I just dont know how big a shawl should really be. It fits nicely on my shoulders, but I think I might end up using the rest of ball #3 and #4 and see what size it is from there. If need be, I can then use the last ball of this yarn that I have for the shawl if needed, or I can make a little bag with it to go with the shawl. Either way, #5 is going to be used for something!

My other projects, include:

dishcloths,
tawashis,
a lot of WIMs
knitted squares.

The countdown is on...

2008-08-17T15:21:00.002+10:00

Really I have been counting down the days since I first found out I was pregnant. Now I only 14 days to go before this month is officially finished and my due date has arrived. I have been waiting patiently, but I dont know how much longer I want to wait for this baby to come.
I know 14 days doesnt sound like a lot, but it is when you consider that:

when your sitting on the floor, it takes a lot more effort in trying to get up again.
hip joints are not your friends at this late stage in the pregnancy game.
rolling over to change positions in bed, is now a marthon sport.
having your son, think your going to give him a horsy ride cos your on your hands and knees trying to get up off the floor, is the most terrifying thing that could happen to you.
putting on trousers is now a choice of insanity, and it is just easy to wear a dress in the freezing weather.
hot showers are a god sent, but getting out and getting dressed is one thing that you wish you had spray on clothes for. It would be so much easier then trying to get your undies on.
you want to eat your burger, your hungry for your burger, and yet you can only manage 3 or 4 bites before your full and too tired from feeling sad that you didnt finish your burger (only your husband is excited cos he practically gets to eat 2 burgers!)
you want to sleep on your tummy, but there is a big bump in the way. You imagine yourself as a human see-saw if you attempt it.

So anyway, my countdown is on. I have pains, aches, a moving baby, and sometimes contractions, but nothing yet to say "hey it is time for the hospital, let's get a move on". But I know it is only a matter of time before all of this will be over and I will have a baby at home, and be doing all the things that need to be done for him, and my family.

Crunch Tawashi

2008-08-15T10:47:00.003+10:00

Materials:
100% acrylic yarn
size 5.5mm crochet hook
tapestry needle

Pattern:
ch21
Row 1: *sc in first stitch, dc in next. Repeat from * across row, ending with a dc. Ch 1, turn. Repeat Row 1 to desired length, ch 1, turn.
Do a row of sc and chain 12 (to form a loop so that you can hang it up), sc on top of previous sc to send. Fasten off.
Weave in ends.

********
I crocheted mine to 20 rows and then 2 rows of sc with loop. The crunch stitch gives a lovely texture to the tawashi and would work up as a great dishcloth or cotton washer for the body.

Pinecone crafts

2008-08-14T13:53:00.002+10:00

Since Miles likes to collect pinecones, I am in need of some form of crafts that I can do with him with them.
When I think of pinecones, I think of Christmas, so I am thinking that Christmas related projects might be good for him. It gives me plenty of time to get them done.
So if anyone has any suggestions please let me know, (please post suggestions on comments).

Miles and me with his handful of pine cones.

Miles and his friend from Japan

2008-08-14T13:43:00.006+10:00

I thought that I would just post a random photo of Miles and his best friend from Japan, Eri. She is 6 months younger then Miles and she lives next door to my sister-in-law in Japan. I am looking forward to meeting her, as Miles is very fond of her and talks about her nearly everyday. I think that when we go to Japan, Miles will be so happy to spend some more time with Eri. Eri's mother, says that her daughter talks about Miles everyday too. It is so cute that they have created fond memories of each other.

Oranges and Lemons

2008-08-14T09:53:00.002+10:00

Since my orange and lemon tree seems to be fruiting still and no amount of giving them away is making the production of fruit slow down. I am going to have to use them...lol I need to find recipes to use them. The lemons arent sour, they are the sweet variety, lemonade lemons! Yesterday, my mother and I juiced 1 medium sized box of lemons, and then juiced another box full of oranges. Still there is plenty of fruits on the trees. I made lemonade cordial with a lot of lemons and sugar water, it tastes so nice and refreshing too!

I thought about making some orange jelly. It sounds interesting, and I know Miles loves wobbly wobbly jelly! So, I have searched the net, and found a simple recipe for them. So I am going to give that a go. It would be nice to have some refreshing desserts for after dinner.
I also want to make some biscuits! Even thinking about orange creme filling for the biscuits, but not really sure yet, as it is freezing in the house and I dont think that the cream cheese will be at a nice room temp. I will keep hunting around for some more recipes!

I have decided for the 2009 season of my fruit trees, I will be making a lot more juice and freezing it away for the summer.

Hive free and feet warm

2008-08-12T13:55:00.002+10:00

Miles has gotten over his case of the hives. Poor little thing, everyday for the past 3 days at around 4.30-5pm he would start breaking out in hives. But now they have gone as they came, with real no reason apart from "he might be fighting a virus" or "is he getting over a virus" plus, "we dont know what causes it in little kids". LOL. But now he is better and happy that he no longer itches or has red marks all over his little body. He is also a lot more hungry these day, wanting to eat all night long from when I bring him home from kindy. He thinks it is very funny, but I am running out of food for him. I am planning on doing a little shopping when I go into town later today to pick up some lunchbox stuffers like yoghurt and fruits.

Miles also is in love with his socks that I finished last night for him. He ended up wearing them to bed last night, and loves the fact that they keep him warm. I can foresee another pair of these socks for him, maybe next winter!

Today, there was a box outside my door this morning. Miles was with me, but I managed to not show him it was addressed to him. Marissa, sent him a little package to keep him happy for when the baby arrives, I had a sneak peek inside, and boy is he going to be spoilt when he opens it. I am sure that he is going to love the box with it many wonderful items.

FO Origami Turkish Socks

2008-08-11T16:58:00.003+10:00

Well, I finished off the socks today. Since it was only a little way to go, I thought I might as well finish them off for Miles. He came home from Kindy and was very happy with his new socks. He is wearing them now and says that they are warm. They arent very tight, so I am so happy about that, as I thought they were going to be small, but instead, they have quite a bit of room in them.

Nothing happening

2008-08-11T10:58:00.002+10:00

Even with the aches and pains at night, nothing is happening. I thought earlier this morning that the baby had dropped down a bit further, but I fear he is teasing me! I have my next appointment on Wednesday with the doctor, so it might be interesting to see if I will have any news, apart from "that is good" or "all seems well".
During most nights, I am in a lot of pain, but I wouldnt class some of the pains as labour pains, but there are a few that are getting close to that amazing pain. Jumpei is on edge when ever I have a pain, and wants to rush me to the hospital, but it just isnt time yet. I think he is getting excited for the baby to arrive. Miles has become more needy over the last couple of days, so my guess is that he can sense the change that is coming. As most nights, he climbs onto my lap and goes off to sleep, or he wants cuddles all the time. As he so proclaims, "I'm so so lonely" in a very soft, weak voice. Which translates to "I want a cuddle and you to look at me for the next 10 minutes or so". Not that I am complaining, as I really like him.
He is very helpful in the kitchen too. He likes to help me all the time in the kitchen. The other day, I had him make meatballs whilst I cooked them. He was so proud of himself, and has asked again since to make them. But I just dont want meatballs for dinner. He gets so excited about helping me out in any way. I have him taking his dirty clothes to the washing machine as well.
Tonight, I think that I might surprise him with an amigurumi toy, if I get the time. I am working on his Origami Turkish Socks. I am onto the second sock, and it is almost finished. I have to just finish the body and heel of the socks and then sew them together. I just hope that I did the measurements correctly, so that they fit my boy's feet. He wants to keep trying them on as I work on them but since it is an origami style sock, it is a little hard to work out if it is the correct size or not, but it looks right for now. If not, then I will have a pair made for William when his feet are large enough.
I hope to get photos taken of the socks before I sew them. I am enjoying the crunch stitch that is used in the pattern. I normally stay away from stitches like that, as I am not sure how I am supposed to get them to the same height, until I realised that it doesnt matter about the height, it is all about the effect of the stitch texture on the final object.

My Harry Potter Husband result....

2008-08-09T13:23:00.000+10:00

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Dumbledore

Your perfect HP man is Albus Dumbledore.

You like 'em powerful and brilliant. And why not? A guy like this, you can have intelligent conversation with, laugh with, and you know he can protect you. Sure, he may have a weakness for power, but he's got that under control. And sure, he let his sister die, but he learned from that. And sure, he harbors a secret, forbidden love for a man widely known to be his mortal enemy, but...well, no, that's actually a pretty big obstacle. Good luck with that.

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Updates...on everything

2008-08-05T17:37:00.002+10:00

Since it has been a while since I have posted anything here, I will do a quick rundown of what is happening.

Pregnancy
I am now 37 weeks along. So that means "anytime now"!! Tomorrow, I go for a check up, so that should be fun. All seems to be normal, his position is correct, he is getting bigger, as I have been able to eat a bit more! Finally, I can eat a hamburger and not rely on Jumpei to finish it off for me. Normally, I can only eat a few bites and then I am full, now I can eat the whole lot! Happy for me, sad for Jumpei.
I have the car packed, with the baby seat in place, baby clothes, and a bag for me, which is half packed. I really dont know what I am going to wear for the birthing, I cannot remember what I wore last time. Need to pack my pjs in too, but I dont know if I will stay overnight, or just the day, or even a few days. I dont think that I would stay a long time in hospital, as I dont know how Miles would take that, so the shortest possible time is what I am planning.

Crochet
I am trying to get my Seraphina's Shawl finished before the baby arrives. It would be nice to have it completed and in use for when I am breastfeeding. I have just started on my 3rd ball of yarn for this project. It is coming along nicely. I have been thinking what it would look like if I had some homespun or some bulky yarn, it would be a nice warm shawl for sure.
Also, working on the Origami Turkish Socks, as part of a CAL on crochetsocks. I am making them for Miles in red heart yarn. So far they look good and interesting. I just hope that they fit his feet when I am finished. I am sure that I did do the measurements correctly. If not, they will fit the baby when his feet grow bigger.

Knitting
Still working on my squares for my knit-ghan. So far, I have finished all the leftover yarn in Pink Camo, that I received as a RAK. I have casted on some more leftovers, so it is coming along nicely. Once I have a few more made, I will take a photo. I dont know what arrangement I will make with them, but most likely "random" will be the theme for this knit-ghan.
I also have a tawashi on another set of needles, next to my bed, but I havent had a lot of time to work on that one.

Health
Miles is getting over a case of Pink-eye! That is so horrible!!! Nothing like what they showed on South Park! But it is clearing up now, so he can go back to Kindy tomorrow. Hopefully, he wont get it again.
Jumpei has a case of the flu and Tonsilitis.
Me, just a really sore throat and stuffy head, but I really cant take anything for it, apart from lemon and honey drinks and maybe a panadol, but I think that Jumpei just had the last one.

Its wet and cold today...so.....

2008-07-24T12:58:00.002+10:00

I am wearing my Ghost Whisperer sweater that I made back in 2006. This is really the first time that I have been able to wear it since finishing it off. I cannot believe how warm it is and how cosy it feels. I guess this is going to be a regular item of clothing for me to wear in winter. Even though, winter is almost over. I had it stored away in my storage room since moving into our new home.

My goodies from the Secret Pal exchange May/June from June Grant

2008-07-24T10:14:00.003+10:00

These are the goodies that I received from June Grant from my SP exchange at CrochetX. She makes the most lovely doilies I have seen, and I got my first set of tea towels with toppers!!! Miles was kind enough to model the items for me.

Sandstone art in Warwick

2008-07-20T15:00:00.003+10:00

We went into Warwick today to see the sandstone art that is in the process of being made.

Some sandstone work being made into a sculpture.

Miles and Jumpei looking at the art work being created.

Miles and me. Miles got to collect 3 pine cones, so he was really happy.

I think this is a woman working on this sculpture.

A group of sandstone blocks being worked upon.

An interesting piece. Not sure what it is yet, so will have to come back later in the week to have a good look at it.

More sandstone sculptures.

A very large piece of sandstone being carved and chisseled out.

Another good thing about this, is my mother is working on a piece of sandstone, and is making a sculpture as part of the Jumper and Jazz event in Warwick.

One sick boy and a Happy Mother!!!

2008-07-19T19:29:00.002+10:00

Miles isnt too happy. He has the flu or something, and has a tummy ache, runny nose and a watery eye. Not a pretty sight, but he is smiling and wanting lots of cuddles.
He is very pleased that I am knitting Morris, his teddy bear, a blanket. I have moved on from the green yarn to the grey. I got Miles to grab me the next ball, and he collected the grey one, and it looks good against the green. I hope to get a bit more of it finished tonight, and maybe a photo or two of what I am doing taken tomorrow.

RAKs and Secret Pal
I received a few RAKs and a Secret Pal this week.
RAKs - finally received a few stitch markers, they are so beautiful and cant wait to try them out on my next projects. I really need to learn how to make them. I also received a square, a magnet, 2 balls of sugar n cream!
My Secret Pal from CrochetX sent me a lovely gift. Tomorrow, when I am taking some photos, I am going to show you what she sent me. She has done some beautiful work and I love them very much!!!