Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
A Great Man
President Gordon B. Hinckley
23 June 1910- 27 January 2007
One of the greatest men to ever walk the earth is now reunited with his beloved wife. We mourn the loss of you in our lives, but rejoice in your reunion with Sister Hinckley and our Heavenly Father.
You will be missed.
Click on the photo to read more of the great life and accomplishments of this amazing man.
Monday, January 21, 2008
We've Been Thinking
Here's what I've been thinking about:
A new blanket for Little Sir.
What other fabric than knit socks, hats, and mittens on one side,
and the print of knit stst on the other.
Perfect for a Yarnnation baby.
Other knitterly things going through my head. . .
hmmm. . .
hmmmm. . .
HMMMMMMMMM!
Little Sir has been thinking too. . .
I think I'll be a Greek God when I grow up.
I'm strong, not to mention devastatingly handsome.
Logan will be my faithful attendant. It will work out perfectly!
Yes, yes, I defiantly think I will be a Greek God.
This is what happens when a baby spits up all over himself, leaving him soaking wet, is only about 20 min from bath time, and the closest thing to wrap him up in happens to be a Moby Wrap. Oh yes, a silly mother also helps the situation.
A new blanket for Little Sir.
What other fabric than knit socks, hats, and mittens on one side,
and the print of knit stst on the other.
Perfect for a Yarnnation baby.
Other knitterly things going through my head. . .
hmmm. . .
hmmmm. . .
HMMMMMMMMM!
Little Sir has been thinking too. . .
I think I'll be a Greek God when I grow up.
I'm strong, not to mention devastatingly handsome.
Logan will be my faithful attendant. It will work out perfectly!
Yes, yes, I defiantly think I will be a Greek God.
This is what happens when a baby spits up all over himself, leaving him soaking wet, is only about 20 min from bath time, and the closest thing to wrap him up in happens to be a Moby Wrap. Oh yes, a silly mother also helps the situation.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Um, this is my first crack at blogging, my mommy said I could show off my new blessing sweater and these cool pants that our friend Sonya knit for me.
So, what do you think?
What do you mean you don't like them?
Mama, I'm not so sure about these bloggy people!
HE HE I'm just kidding! I know you all love knitting. My mama told me so. It's my first blogging joke! I am SOOOO funny!
Note from the Duchess: Yes I survived my first class. I have to go do it again on Wed. I hope it won't be as hard. I certainly won't be forgetting my knitting! For those of you who don't know, I am eight long, frustrating classes away from getting my MBA.
Little Sir's sweater is my design, knit on size 6 needles with Sirdar Snuggly. His pants were knit by Sonya (thanks Sonya, we love them!) The pattern is Baby's Denim Drawstring Pants from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, and the yarn is Rowan's Denim.
Breath- Breath- Breath
I am halfway through my first class of the quarter. I think the prof is talking about economics, but I am focusing on not having a nervous breakdown, so I'm not entirely sure.
I called the Duke during the break and he assured me that Little Sir was fine. Lucky for him my phone died so he didn't have to endure me asking for a minute by minute breakdown of everything he and Little Sir have done since I dropped him off.
I forgot my knitting, HUGE HUGE HUGE mistake.
So, instead, I am blogging during class.
BREATH!
Ok, I am going to go look at pictures of my baby before I go into shock.
I called the Duke during the break and he assured me that Little Sir was fine. Lucky for him my phone died so he didn't have to endure me asking for a minute by minute breakdown of everything he and Little Sir have done since I dropped him off.
I forgot my knitting, HUGE HUGE HUGE mistake.
So, instead, I am blogging during class.
BREATH!
Ok, I am going to go look at pictures of my baby before I go into shock.
What is WRONG with me?
It is 5:10 am PST here at Yarnnation. That's right, the middle of the night by my standards. I don't think anyone should ever see 5:10 am on their clock if they can at all help it.
I could say that I am awake because I was happily nursing my adorable (if somewhat vampiresque) child who is going through yet another growth spurt. And I did nurse him- you know, about an hour ago, after I had all ready been awake for about an hour.
So there goes that excuse.
The real problem is that I woke up in the VERY middle of the night- around 3:00 am PST and realized that. . .
I HAVE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!
What was I thinking? I am not ready for this.
So, I am freaking out in my own particular Duchess way, which of course involves no sleep, because heaven forbid I be well rested when I am going through a stressful event in my life. That would make no sense what-so-ever.
OK- I'm going back to bed (so I can stare at the ceiling and wait for the doom of daylight to come.)
I'll let you all know how it goes- assuming I survive.
I could say that I am awake because I was happily nursing my adorable (if somewhat vampiresque) child who is going through yet another growth spurt. And I did nurse him- you know, about an hour ago, after I had all ready been awake for about an hour.
So there goes that excuse.
The real problem is that I woke up in the VERY middle of the night- around 3:00 am PST and realized that. . .
I HAVE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!
What was I thinking? I am not ready for this.
So, I am freaking out in my own particular Duchess way, which of course involves no sleep, because heaven forbid I be well rested when I am going through a stressful event in my life. That would make no sense what-so-ever.
OK- I'm going back to bed (so I can stare at the ceiling and wait for the doom of daylight to come.)
I'll let you all know how it goes- assuming I survive.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
A New Year
So Sarah came out of hiding for a brief moment to share this meme. So good to hear from you Sarah, and as her 2007 story resonates loudly with me, I was inspired (or something like that) and now I'm adding my bit of personal mumbo jumbo to the internet.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I got pregnant and had a baby. That's the big one right there. There were other firsts last year, but they all are pretty insignificant compared to this.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm not a resolution making kind of gal.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
HA! Well, myself for one, my little sister, my cousin, my friends Sarah and Heidi, and more than a few women that I go to church with.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not to me, but the Duke lost his Grandma Great. It was time for her to go, and he was happy to know that she was, at last, reunited with her husband, who we named our son after.
5. What countries did you visit?
Does Pregnancy Land count as a country? New York might also qualify under some definitions. I didn't leave the USA this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Peace, calm, stability, sanity
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Aug 24th and Oct 14th. The days my little sister and I became mommies.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I GREW A PERSON!
I am also proud of taking second place in the SU business plan competition, but again, compared with growing and giving birth to a human being, it seems pretty insignificant.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I failed to ask for help sooner, when I really needed it.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, in a very major way. My pregnancy was debilitating and birth by cesarean was horribly painful.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, I didn't buy it, but I am very excited about the camera the Duke gave me for Christmas.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
The Duke's- he is amazing- many men would have walked away from the trial that was our life for most of last year. Also, my mom's and sister's. I don't know what I would have done without daily phone calls and eventually my mom coming to the rescue. And our wonderful wonderful friends who jumped up to help us when we needed it so badly. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such giving and loving people.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Appalled and Depressed are a little over the top when it comes to how I feel about other's behavior. I have been frustrated and disappointed a few times this year. I will keep the individual identities to myself, as I am not anticipating a great change in the coming year, which is too bad.
14. Where did most of your money go?
To the mortgage, medical bills, school loan repayment, and baby stuff.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Duke graduated from Pharmacy school, (very very exciting.) Princes P. brought "W" into the world (such sweet happiness) and Little Sir (complete elation does not adequately describe how I felt.)
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
hmmm- I don't listen to music very much. I will have to think about that.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
A) So much happier B) I gave birth 2.5 months ago, you can guess C) Oh, probably a little better off. One of us actually has a real job, but the student loans are heavy.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
SLEPT!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Paced.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
We had a quiet morning with just our little family, then brunch with friends and finally prepared to fly out to Utah the next day. It was a very peaceful Christmas.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Oh yes, deeply, devotedly, astoundingly in love with my little boy.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Well, before the strike the Duke and I were enjoying Moonlight.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, no. I try to keep the hate at bay.
24. What was the best book you read?
Oh, I read some good ones this year. Blink, The Female Brain, The Great Gatsby, and Reading Lolita in Tehran were all wonderful.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ryan Shaw- amazing.
26. What did you want and get?
A perfectly healthy baby and some good deep sleep.
27. What did you want and not get?
An easy pregnancy and enough good deep sleep.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I'm fairly certain I didn't see a movie in the theater this year. We did watch a couple at home, but nothing that impressed me terribly.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 28. I'm not sure, but I think I went to work.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I don't really know. I would have to experience it first I think.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
I wore a lot of skirts because I was HOT HOT HOT- and I don't mean in a Paris Hilton sort of way.
32. What kept you sane?
Friends and family tried their best, and did great for a while. I will remember this year as the year I truly lost my sanity for a time.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'm in the dark about such things.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Traffic in Seattle, maybe? I don't know. The Duke and I have made a specific effort to ignore politics last year, it irritates us that the presidential election has all ready been under way for a year. We decided to wait until the first of 2008 to begin our personal political education.
35. Who did you miss?
My sister, I always miss my sister, and now my newest little nephew.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Little Sir, I've never been so excited to meet someone. (Can you see a reoccurring theme here?)
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Stubbornest is NOT a virtue.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
How about a book quote instead
Now, I don't normally "tag" other bloggers for this, but I would like to hear from the newish bloggers in my family.
Princess P.
Amanda
Lindsay
Aunt Carma
Happy New Year!
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I got pregnant and had a baby. That's the big one right there. There were other firsts last year, but they all are pretty insignificant compared to this.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm not a resolution making kind of gal.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
HA! Well, myself for one, my little sister, my cousin, my friends Sarah and Heidi, and more than a few women that I go to church with.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not to me, but the Duke lost his Grandma Great. It was time for her to go, and he was happy to know that she was, at last, reunited with her husband, who we named our son after.
5. What countries did you visit?
Does Pregnancy Land count as a country? New York might also qualify under some definitions. I didn't leave the USA this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Peace, calm, stability, sanity
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Aug 24th and Oct 14th. The days my little sister and I became mommies.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I GREW A PERSON!
I am also proud of taking second place in the SU business plan competition, but again, compared with growing and giving birth to a human being, it seems pretty insignificant.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I failed to ask for help sooner, when I really needed it.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, in a very major way. My pregnancy was debilitating and birth by cesarean was horribly painful.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, I didn't buy it, but I am very excited about the camera the Duke gave me for Christmas.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
The Duke's- he is amazing- many men would have walked away from the trial that was our life for most of last year. Also, my mom's and sister's. I don't know what I would have done without daily phone calls and eventually my mom coming to the rescue. And our wonderful wonderful friends who jumped up to help us when we needed it so badly. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such giving and loving people.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Appalled and Depressed are a little over the top when it comes to how I feel about other's behavior. I have been frustrated and disappointed a few times this year. I will keep the individual identities to myself, as I am not anticipating a great change in the coming year, which is too bad.
14. Where did most of your money go?
To the mortgage, medical bills, school loan repayment, and baby stuff.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Duke graduated from Pharmacy school, (very very exciting.) Princes P. brought "W" into the world (such sweet happiness) and Little Sir (complete elation does not adequately describe how I felt.)
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
hmmm- I don't listen to music very much. I will have to think about that.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
A) So much happier B) I gave birth 2.5 months ago, you can guess C) Oh, probably a little better off. One of us actually has a real job, but the student loans are heavy.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
SLEPT!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Paced.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
We had a quiet morning with just our little family, then brunch with friends and finally prepared to fly out to Utah the next day. It was a very peaceful Christmas.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Oh yes, deeply, devotedly, astoundingly in love with my little boy.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Well, before the strike the Duke and I were enjoying Moonlight.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, no. I try to keep the hate at bay.
24. What was the best book you read?
Oh, I read some good ones this year. Blink, The Female Brain, The Great Gatsby, and Reading Lolita in Tehran were all wonderful.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ryan Shaw- amazing.
26. What did you want and get?
A perfectly healthy baby and some good deep sleep.
27. What did you want and not get?
An easy pregnancy and enough good deep sleep.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I'm fairly certain I didn't see a movie in the theater this year. We did watch a couple at home, but nothing that impressed me terribly.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 28. I'm not sure, but I think I went to work.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I don't really know. I would have to experience it first I think.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
I wore a lot of skirts because I was HOT HOT HOT- and I don't mean in a Paris Hilton sort of way.
32. What kept you sane?
Friends and family tried their best, and did great for a while. I will remember this year as the year I truly lost my sanity for a time.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'm in the dark about such things.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Traffic in Seattle, maybe? I don't know. The Duke and I have made a specific effort to ignore politics last year, it irritates us that the presidential election has all ready been under way for a year. We decided to wait until the first of 2008 to begin our personal political education.
35. Who did you miss?
My sister, I always miss my sister, and now my newest little nephew.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Little Sir, I've never been so excited to meet someone. (Can you see a reoccurring theme here?)
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Stubbornest is NOT a virtue.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
How about a book quote instead
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. . .-Charles Dickens
Now, I don't normally "tag" other bloggers for this, but I would like to hear from the newish bloggers in my family.
Princess P.
Amanda
Lindsay
Aunt Carma
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Cute Overload!
We had a wonderful Christmas and a great (if somewhat short) visit with our families in Utah. We blessed Little Sir and stocked up on cuddles and kisses from grandmas and grandpas.
Little Sir is wearing the blessing sweater that I knit him (finishing it at 1:30 am the morning of the blessing!) I will post a photo of it soon.
Little Sir is wearing the blessing sweater that I knit him (finishing it at 1:30 am the morning of the blessing!) I will post a photo of it soon.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Instructions Not Included
I know I should have photo shopped his eyes, but now a-days, well. . . you get what you get!
Could this little adorable guy really be the reason for the craziness of this season?
That's right. . . my angle didn't have such a heavenly day on Monday, leaving us behind schedule, but we did get the tree decorated and most of the Christmas shopping done. The laundry. . . eh- who needs clean clothes anyway?
Happy
Happier
Happiest!
And when on Tuesday he started to giggle and laugh, we didn't really care what had been done and what had not.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Counting Down
We are starting to feel a little more like Christmas around here.
We finally were able to get out to get our tree. It's a natural Noble Fir. (The natural part, we were told, refers to the fact that the tree was not pruned to grow to look like a typical Christmas tree.) We had a Noble Fir last year. We really like the way that they look, and really, doesn't it seem appropriate that Yarnnation should have a Noble Christmas tree?
It is about half decorated. Little Sir is slowing up the process. I think he just loves Christmas so much he is upset that he can't help decorate the tree. Anyway, that's the story I'm going with. :) I'll post decorated pictures in the next day or two.
We were also given an adorable and perfectly appropriate advent 'calendar' for Yarnnation.
It is a braided cord of yarn with little knit hats and mittens, each with a number on them, hanging from it.
Inside of each hat or mitten is a little ornament. I hang the ornaments on the outside of the little knit item for that day.
Many thanks to the Duke's aunt who saw this and knew I would love it, and I DO!!! I have happily incorporated it into our Christmas celebration.
Remember, that Melissa at Banana Migraine is hosting a no stress Holiday Traditions Festival. Click on over to find links to more holiday traditions and to leave a link to your own post about holiday traditions.
We finally were able to get out to get our tree. It's a natural Noble Fir. (The natural part, we were told, refers to the fact that the tree was not pruned to grow to look like a typical Christmas tree.) We had a Noble Fir last year. We really like the way that they look, and really, doesn't it seem appropriate that Yarnnation should have a Noble Christmas tree?
It is about half decorated. Little Sir is slowing up the process. I think he just loves Christmas so much he is upset that he can't help decorate the tree. Anyway, that's the story I'm going with. :) I'll post decorated pictures in the next day or two.
We were also given an adorable and perfectly appropriate advent 'calendar' for Yarnnation.
It is a braided cord of yarn with little knit hats and mittens, each with a number on them, hanging from it.
Inside of each hat or mitten is a little ornament. I hang the ornaments on the outside of the little knit item for that day.
Many thanks to the Duke's aunt who saw this and knew I would love it, and I DO!!! I have happily incorporated it into our Christmas celebration.
Remember, that Melissa at Banana Migraine is hosting a no stress Holiday Traditions Festival. Click on over to find links to more holiday traditions and to leave a link to your own post about holiday traditions.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
FO and Fotos
It only took a year (and a bit) but the Duke's aran sweater is finally done. Knit in the ever wonderful Cascade 220. The pattern is my design. The center cable is from Vogue Knitting's second Stitchionary.
We took it, along with the cutest baby on the plant to be "professionally" photographed. I use the word professionally VERY loosely here.
Even the cheesiest of fake photogs can get lucky when the subject is so dark CUTE!
We took it, along with the cutest baby on the plant to be "professionally" photographed. I use the word professionally VERY loosely here.
Even the cheesiest of fake photogs can get lucky when the subject is so dark CUTE!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Gather the Gopher Wood
Well, Little Sir and I made it through the crazy downpour here. We were lucky, the only stress I experienced due to the deluge was the anxiety I felt at not being able to help my friends and neighbors who were flooding. So frustrating. I felt better after the Duke got home and immediately headed out to help people. He's such a good man (as are the many other men we go to church with who spent the day soaking wet and moving heavy water logged furniture.)
Now, moving on to a more cheery topic. . . Melissa at Banana Migraine is hosting a no stress Holiday Traditions Festival. Periodically throughout the month she will be posting about some of her favorite holiday traditions and has invited all of us to do the same. She has provided a central link location as well so we can easily share our beloved holiday pastimes.
The Duke and I (like many of you) purchase a Christmas ornament each year. We look during the season for one that captures something that will remind us of the previous year. This year was marked by the miracle arrival of our son. It seemed appropriate to us that we celebrate that event with an ornament that depicts the miracle birth.
We also add one more to our collection of Christmas books each year. This year I chose a beautifully illustrated book that tells all about Santa Claus. It is called Santa Claus, written by Rod Green and illustrated by Jon Lucas and Carol Wright.
Here is a small sample of the elaborate illustrations.
Thanks to Melissa for hosting the Holiday Traditions Festival. Click on over to her blog to visit other participants in the Festival and be sure to post about your favorite traditions and add your post for other's to enjoy.
Now, moving on to a more cheery topic. . . Melissa at Banana Migraine is hosting a no stress Holiday Traditions Festival. Periodically throughout the month she will be posting about some of her favorite holiday traditions and has invited all of us to do the same. She has provided a central link location as well so we can easily share our beloved holiday pastimes.
The Duke and I (like many of you) purchase a Christmas ornament each year. We look during the season for one that captures something that will remind us of the previous year. This year was marked by the miracle arrival of our son. It seemed appropriate to us that we celebrate that event with an ornament that depicts the miracle birth.
We also add one more to our collection of Christmas books each year. This year I chose a beautifully illustrated book that tells all about Santa Claus. It is called Santa Claus, written by Rod Green and illustrated by Jon Lucas and Carol Wright.
Here is a small sample of the elaborate illustrations.
Thanks to Melissa for hosting the Holiday Traditions Festival. Click on over to her blog to visit other participants in the Festival and be sure to post about your favorite traditions and add your post for other's to enjoy.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Welcome to Winter
It's SNOWING!
And not just a little bit, these are the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen. For those of you not familiar with Seattle's weather, snow is a novelty here, especially this early in the winter.
Sorry for the fairly crummy pictures. I didn't have any shoes on and I wasn't interested in staying outside for very long.
My dogs are so excited, they love the snow. I'll try to get pictures of them playing when there is a little more on the ground.
And not just a little bit, these are the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen. For those of you not familiar with Seattle's weather, snow is a novelty here, especially this early in the winter.
Sorry for the fairly crummy pictures. I didn't have any shoes on and I wasn't interested in staying outside for very long.
My dogs are so excited, they love the snow. I'll try to get pictures of them playing when there is a little more on the ground.
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