Is it just me or is this holiday season coming way too fast? I can't catch my breathe! I have tons of shopping left to do... Ugh, I am not sure why, but I am not 100% into the holidays this year. Maybe it is because I am exhausted. I just wish that I would have started thinking about this stuff a while ago instead of now. Ugh, I know what I will be doing come this weekend... Yep, shopping in crowds with all the last minute shoppers. I'd rather be knitting! I will be back with a update on knitting and family vacation. But first, I think I need a nap or caffeine.

Yep, these socks are frogged. I am going to try them with a solid color instead. The cable just gets lost in the brown and orange colors. Humm, maybe the third time is a charm?

5 week mark

Well, it is official. I have hit the 5 week mark for running/working out. Truthfully, I thought I would be farther along. I thought by now I could run a bit longer. However, I do see and feel the change within me. I feel fit even (on the inside) though it is not showing on the outside. Plus I feel like I have a jump start on the holiday weight gain. Hopefully, I have started a life long change and a journey to a better me.

I noticed that even the really fit athletes at the gym have a hard time. They breathe heavy and look exhausted. Maybe that is just the way it is when working out. Pushing yourself until you cannot go anymore.....  Anyways, I say this, if I can get a PhD, have a kid and move across the country in a short, stressful year, I can lose 20 lbs.

Knitting, well who has time for that now days! Not me! Oh how I miss my yarn and projects. Maybe I can sneak in a few rows when no one is looking :)

Lazy Sunday

Perfect Sunday: sitting around and knitting. It does not get any better than this. 

Boot Socks and Kernel Scarf

Hello again knitters. Currently, I am working on two projects that I am very excited about but both are challenging. 

The Kernel Scarf (Ravelry Link) by Bonnie Sennott is a very pretty and lace scarf. This pattern has a 27 repeat of a 16 row chart. While I have never done a lace chart before, I thought this scarf would be perfect practice. However, every row is a bit challenging and rarely do they end with the correct numbers of stitches. I have not given up yet but I have restarted the project 3 times. Its probably a project that is not intended to be knit while at home with a 3 year old and 2 dogs. 

The second project I have started is Whit Knit's Little Cabled Knee Highs (Ravelry Link). These socks are really tall and knit toe up. I have never done a toe up sock before.

 Oh my, what have I gotten myself into... The cast on is such a small amount of stitches! Okay I can get through this; they quickly increase.

Actually, the increase ended up being way too big. I first made the socks in the medium size and I could fit both of my feet in them. Then, I restarted the socks in the smaller size (even going 4 stitches smaller then the smallest size: 56 stitches in the foot). I just hope the yarn is not too busy for the little cable in the back of the leg. But it will be a year before I get that far! Just kidding... I think. Hopefully, I will be back with a quick update soon. I also have to finish my mom's Christmas gift; mittens! Until next time, keep knitting.

This past week, I have decided to once again try to finish my WIPS. After finishing my friends cowl, I wanted to finish something for myself. While the weather here in WI is getting colder, it would be perfect to finish my scarf. I purchased yarn at Lakeside Fibers a while back to make the color symphony scarf designed by Jackie (the owner of Lakeside Fibers). The pattern is not on ravelry so I do not have a link. One note I have is the scarf is too short so I cast on an extra 20 stitches. If I were to make the scarf again, I would cast on even  more. 

I do love how it turned out! It's so soft from the kidsilk haze yarn. The colors are just amazing. It's one more WIP that is now complete. Pure satisfaction! I will be back soon to blog about the next WIP I am going to finish.... Until then, keep knitting.

Sallah Cowl

Hello knitters. It has been a long time since I posted. I have been so busy with work, soccer, and everything else that I have not had time to knit. However, the flu has hit our house in full force and I am home with a sick (well almost better) Nolan. However, it gives me time to knit a little while he plays with his trucks.
This weekend we are headed up to my in-laws and will meet some other family as well. I have wanted to make my knitting bestie, M, a cowl in cute fall colors for the season. I choose the Sallah cowl by Bristol Ivy (a Knitty Pattern). The yarn I choose was Madelinetosh Merino Light in Firewood colorway. I followed the pattern to a T. However, the cowl seems a bit smaller then I expected. Once I tried it on though, I really liked how it looked. I hope M does too.

 My favorite part of Sallah, is the icord edge. I love how it just ties it all together. I hope M loves it.
Off to spend the day with this crazy dude. Until next time keep knitting.

 We got back from a weekend in La Crosse, where we spent 5 days relaxing at my in-laws new house. My friend Suzanne came to visit as well and go festing! It was her first Oktoberfest. Man, we had a great time. We spent the first day at the tapping of the golden keg and getting some brats.

Then we headed to the Maple leaf 5 mile run and fun run for Nolan.

As you can see, the bear is not liking the number pinned to his shirt. No fun for him at the fun run! There is always next year. After the run we watched the maple leaf parade. It was pretty cool having my in-laws in the parade as well. Nolan waved and spotted them right away!

I was also able to find time to finish Suzanne's socks:

She loved them and I am excited to have one more project off the list! Overall, the weekend was relaxing, filled with campfires, s'mores and laughs! It was just what this family needed.

The past weekend was a quick trip to San Antonio, TX for work. The trip started off rocky with stressful flight delays. However, the rest of the weekend was fun and very quick! I am exhausted from the 3 day turnaround. A little depressed I did not find a yarn shop within walking distance of the hotel but hopefully I will while in Nashville in November. :) Keep knitting!

Updates! Well, I am working on a pair of socks for a friend, Suzanne. These socks are called Monkey socks by Cookie A.  The yarn she choose was Claudia Hand Dyed Yarns in the Ingrids Blues colorway. I love how they are turning out. I decided to knit these socks at the same time. Both socks on two different sets of dpns. I really like my progress but the socks feel like they are taking forever because they both will be done at the same time! Hopefully, by next weekend when Suzanne is visiting. 

I also decided to give embroidering a try. I really enjoy crafting and a good friend of mine makes really cute pillow cases. I thought I would give it a whirl. I decided to make the bear a set of  navy pillowcases with yellow stars. On the edge of one, I would put his initials and on the other I would use the Dr. Seuss quote: How did it get so late so soon? Here is my work in progress

This weekend we are off to Rogers for a fundraiser and just to hang out. Should be fun with lots of pictures to come! Enjoy your night.

On the soap box...

Well I have, yet another, opinion I feel the need to blog about. While raising kids is not an easy task it is extremely rewarding. It is not an exaggeration when I say it has completely changed my life. However, I also feel this "mother bear" approach towards other children too. Every child is amazing and deserves the world. 

I came across two articles today. I wish we were past this time in society; a time where people get their medical advice from celebrities.  

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/12/health/worst-measles-year/index.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/29/vaccine-schedule-autism/2026617/

What am I talking about? I am sure you have all heard the scare of vaccinating causing autism. While autism is a horrible disorder, it is in my opinion not directly linked to vaccinating your child. Several studies have shown there is no direct correlation. In addition, the study that suggested the correlation was completely invalid.

Why should I care, I mean my family is vaccinated. Well, it is a bit tricky to explain but basically vaccinations work only if everyone complies, herd immunity. However, I will give my best attempt at the understanding of how vaccinations could fail. If, unfortunately I got measles, the virus could mutate within me.  This new strand would not longer be covered in the original vaccination and anyone with the vaccination could get the mutated form and therefore get sick.

The above article published on CNN scares me. I worry about sending my vaccinated son to daycare, school and even college. He is growing up in a time where a lot of his peers may not be vaccinated and he could be exposed. As a parent, you try to do your best to give your child the healthiest life possible but in this case what can I do if everyone else chooses to not vaccinate. I can blog and hope to inform someone.

Should you read this blog and believe what I have to say... No. However, we all need to make educated decisions based on facts not what Jenny McCarthy tells you because we are all in this together.

More info:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/07/130716-autism-vaccines-mccarthy-view-medicine-science/

http://jennymccarthybodycount.com/Anti-Vaccine_Body_Count/Home.html

After a three day break, I finally went for a run! It was awesome in my new shoes! MUST KEEP THIS UP!

Well, I have been keeping up with my squat challenge however, the running... well that has been a problem. I am so tired in the mornings. Yesterday I was not up in time and today I just laid in bed saying, get up and run you idiot. But I never did. So, I need to break the cycle and run tonight. Probably before my knitting group meets. Do you ever stop exercising? How do you start again? I can tell I beat myself up way too much for missing a single day. Ugh, exercising, I hate you.

Have no fear... I am still running. I got up early this morning, took both dogs and went for a jog. Wow, both dogs suck at running and staying on task. Hopefully, they will figure it out in a few attempts. As for squats, I did my 70 yesterday. Even Nolan started doing some squats! Today, I am set to do 75... Yep, I will get there after work. Enjoy your day! Nolan is coming to work with me at 2:30 pm. I cannot wait.

I finished the first sock of the Kalajoki socks published in Yliveto. While I love the pattern, my weakness in sock knitting became pretty apparent.

The yarn I used was Zitron Unisono dye lot 1225 4609. I also used the magic loop method for the first time as well. I really liked the method however, it is a bit challenging to start the project.... too much needle and not enough knitted! Once you get started though, it is pretty slick.

 The sock is depicting the river, Kalajoki, which is the inspiration for the sock pattern. I love the yarn and the pattern. However, I am not the best at decreasing the gusset. As you can see below, I have ladders appearing on the side of the heal. Not sure if this is because it is the first time I tried knitting the magic loop or what... but it is really annoying to look at.

 Second, the make 1 increase leaves a large hole... Why? Ugh, not the prettiest thing in the world either. Hopefully, I can figure out a way to prevent this from happening. Any suggestions?

 Today, here in Madison, was a very nice, sunny and relaxing day. I started off by knitting on the back porch this morning with some ice coffee. Then we headed off to the pool for a fun filled afternoon. Now, we are making pretzel hot dogs for dinner and wreck it ralph for a movie. Hope you are enjoying your Saturday.

Day 4. Easier to move today. 60 squats yesterday and a jog before the afternoon. Today is a rest day for squats....
Finished a sock... Pictures to come after an afternoon at the pool.

Well today was rough... I walked most of my run and I am starting to do my squats in 20 sets of 3 instead of all at once... yep, it is because I can barely move.

One new project... and I am totally in love! I got a skein of Mimosa in Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock. While it is stunning, I wanted a pattern with a lot going on because the yarn is variegated so nicely! I've had my eye on the the Naive sock pattern by SpillyJane. Here is a picture of the start of the sock:

 I am going to bed, my legs kill. Stupid squat challenge.

Again, sorry for the annoying number of posts... but it does help me! Today, I ran farther and did 55 squats. I can barely walk but the pain is kind of a comfort. I know I am making a difference in my body.

Lunch is a salad and an orange. Water, water & water is a must today.

Hello. Wow, I have been starting new knitting projects here and there but have not found the time to post about them. I promise I will soon! However, this post is about accountability. I am hoping to blog a bit about my exercise habits. While I have none at this point in time, I really would like to get into a jogging routine this fall. When I use to be a runner (a long time ago) I had so much more energy... I miss that. Especially now, when I am trying to keep up with a three year old and my busy family. So here goes day 1. I ran for about 20 mins and did 50 squats. Thats enough to start. Hopefully tomorrow I will have something to post about. In advance, sorry for all the annoying "exercise updates" but I truly think it will help me stay with it for a longer and keep me accountable.

50 day squat challenge anyone:

I hope my butt looks that good in 30 days! (yea, right)

Some days, events happen that make you reflect and cherish the memories. Yesterday, my great uncle passed away. As I did not know him well, I feel this is a lesson I can learn. Life is short. We must embrace the relationships we have. Take the time to know and enjoy each other. You never know when it could be your last chance.

Today was a hard day as well. My husband's Aunt V died. One word to describe Aunt V, amazing. I only really knew her for the past couple of years and grew to love her like my own aunt. She would send us a card in the mail often. The envelope would be covered with stickers. V would always want pictures. We would send V and R pictures of Nolan and she loved them. She never forgot a birthday.  Even this year she emailed me on my 30th. Just a few days ago she asked how our new roommate, her great niece was adjusting. She cared, remembered to ask and was truly invested in our lives. I regret that we never made it up one last time to have her famous jambalaya and so she could see how big Nolan has gotten. While she will be missed dearly, we know she is no longer in pain. She can now see Nolan everyday.

 Rest in peace.

Mommy and Me

I wanted to compare my picture to Nolan's...  I have no idea how old I was when this picture was taken. My dad found it while cleaning out his house and wanted to show it to Nolan.

I have no idea why but this comparison makes me so happy and giggle. He has a bit of me in him for sure!

Did that really just happen? Did I just turn 30!?!?! Really? Wow, that went by fast.

I celebrated my 30th birthday last weekend and it was amazing. Friends and family sent so much love and support, I think it was the best birthday of all. Thank you.

As you know, I am a chemist. My PhD was heavily focused on weak interactions within small water clusters.... Stay with me, there is a point to this. This weekend, C moved in with us and we had A LOT of shopping to do. While looking for an end table for her room I came across this jem:

Pretty awesome. It has the molecular formula for water on the sides. Yep, that made my day! But wait, there is more. I met one of my dear friends C for lunch today (of course with baby E) and she had a surprise for me:

Chip clips with element symbols! Oh yes! Enjoy the little things!

Watch out, I have a ton of small posts to write. Until then, keep knitting.

Birthday gifts

Hello,

While, we are enjoying the summer and trying to get the most out of everyday, N has many birthday parties to attend. One is our friends daughter, Z. Her mom, a coworker of mine told me she needs nothing, I think she needs a little something from us. I decided that the best gifts are the ones made from the heart. N helped me pick out a pattern for her. Luckly, I had yarn that would work.

The basket weave headband uses sugar n cream cotton yarn. I love it. The pattern is simple and easy to follow.

 I am off to get stuff ready for homemade pizza. Keep knitting!

10 on 10

 

1. A little buddy holding up my business cards

2. Phi & Psi angles

3. Photos of little Nolan

4. Me breaking my diet.

5. Nolan getting a special package (Jumpin' Monkeys!)

6. Homemade chicken fried rice

7. Ballack trying to get Nolan's dinner

8. Concert on the square

9. Mango treat

10. New project

More 10 on 10 here.

And another project is finished:

More details later. Night.

Dead/Alive Fish Hat

Hello. Earlier this summer, my friend asked me to knit something for a silent auction this fall. I started the Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts. This hat was so much fun and was a fast project. Here are some pictures of the progress:

It still needs eyes but I will figure that out later. (Of course I will post an updated picture as well). I hope the hat sells fast and makes a lot of money for the silent auction! As for us, we are still extremely busy enjoying summer. Two weekends ago, we were able to spend time with all the Father's in our lives. It was so nice to visit with them for the day and enjoy each others company. This past weekend we were able to visit with our friends in Rogers to celebrate Big C's graduation. We are so very proud of her and excited for her next journey in life. C and Nolan have become very close and here our just a few pictures of them over the years.