tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76983882293469322142024-03-04T23:53:13.145-05:00.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-53851749876579027992013-11-23T20:09:00.002-05:002013-11-23T20:09:46.406-05:00Win.win.win.<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MGEwMDk2ODM4YmEyM2MyMzNmNmEwNjhkYWFjNGMwOjExMjU=/">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MGEwMDk2ODM4YmEyM2MyMzNmNmEwNjhkYWFjNGMwOjExMjU=/</a><br />
<br />
Go ahead and enter to win a kindle fire!!!!!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-25013367658124254122011-06-08T08:52:00.001-04:002011-06-08T08:53:54.876-04:00.ask...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "> James 1: 5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should <b>ask</b> God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must <b>believe and not doubt</b>, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">struggling with this one...but holding fast to it, as well.</span></div>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-77623330605974459662011-06-06T13:04:00.003-04:002011-06-06T13:14:19.540-04:00.sunday...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVt_2MOEInd0lexB_mj4HL2x5f5RleV7wflGBv3sarh4arVe4xCng9C7o82zvx3pDeXn1mM0zPz9wb13ZVon2sKLR-kBXjhLUSxlpNQ36sizwjJCOhYhUTMfzxgXAb6EaPH8AcvzNINCA/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVt_2MOEInd0lexB_mj4HL2x5f5RleV7wflGBv3sarh4arVe4xCng9C7o82zvx3pDeXn1mM0zPz9wb13ZVon2sKLR-kBXjhLUSxlpNQ36sizwjJCOhYhUTMfzxgXAb6EaPH8AcvzNINCA/s400/DSC_0217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615155132467504850" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RfTHnSy0NipFT1ZE37eisFhE_tXxDwiV7dmA_ghB-C01vMEzLYhVIQ1zLzJk1hxtk94nbAm4-HhZS_F0AC7KpjpYP-f8ttv8J08HbOxdEMfUOfM5e3XUEuOnCmrx64x_GHigUH35j6c/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RfTHnSy0NipFT1ZE37eisFhE_tXxDwiV7dmA_ghB-C01vMEzLYhVIQ1zLzJk1hxtk94nbAm4-HhZS_F0AC7KpjpYP-f8ttv8J08HbOxdEMfUOfM5e3XUEuOnCmrx64x_GHigUH35j6c/s400/DSC_0215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615155128537508706" /></a><br />a surprise for us all.<div><span class="Apple-style-span">eli went to a friends house that he <i>adores.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">chris and i took stella to the philadelphia museum of art for the roberto capucci <a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/411.html">exhibi</a>t <i>art into fashion.</i> so inspiring.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">stella got to ride in the front seat in the middle (we have one of <i>those</i> cars)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">loving these shots in the mirror...her idea all the way. </span></div>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-20596181553935336362011-06-03T13:38:00.008-04:002011-06-03T14:01:48.669-04:00...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb74bYFLeiXnLarfKOLEPUQXJdINZUB9Nvfke9N9pR7743ncMVRLRFN10Al4TRfBj9CywQlSA_r3GL9oV0qo7bCLp6TsJvOkNd-FzrfZ3Iyv3NZycrp3Hnwh7XC7hI8xtkuuPAqm07Nc/s1600/new+wings.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb74bYFLeiXnLarfKOLEPUQXJdINZUB9Nvfke9N9pR7743ncMVRLRFN10Al4TRfBj9CywQlSA_r3GL9oV0qo7bCLp6TsJvOkNd-FzrfZ3Iyv3NZycrp3Hnwh7XC7hI8xtkuuPAqm07Nc/s400/new+wings.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614051758658123410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{new wings}</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFE8bwOoj5n5OcQj4sXjgivUa9pjF1UdtsrLJkP-JvPL3pxaZ0UF_GCf3p3qkaAkYnvWZkKt1nrMO7r0w-0c9nyLYJJPpCbVurGxr6qxGbRhSstic5lQ-9cHF1tfNTeRwsJP76dNlflE/s1600/swim.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFE8bwOoj5n5OcQj4sXjgivUa9pjF1UdtsrLJkP-JvPL3pxaZ0UF_GCf3p3qkaAkYnvWZkKt1nrMO7r0w-0c9nyLYJJPpCbVurGxr6qxGbRhSstic5lQ-9cHF1tfNTeRwsJP76dNlflE/s400/swim.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614051761030482082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{swim}</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9XafzEroxQIf6BjTwSoSWxHvVDl5aOAutMIzBd2L3cBom_x-U8oRVpOnZ3lZa1C8kLkSgNddxx39yhGVSJq-lomGXmJaoBz-kaoyQx3B8767lMSzvRyAEMoD3OBrj3aYDbO2dnlL9g0/s1600/float.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9XafzEroxQIf6BjTwSoSWxHvVDl5aOAutMIzBd2L3cBom_x-U8oRVpOnZ3lZa1C8kLkSgNddxx39yhGVSJq-lomGXmJaoBz-kaoyQx3B8767lMSzvRyAEMoD3OBrj3aYDbO2dnlL9g0/s400/float.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614051772379362498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{float}</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoyOwaWFm8hthMb1Dg854KTP7_fo3i5S0WP7hjb0SIvOV2rA7jn4DYPuTbxeS6mRyXEZb1Xj6pzHiON_gXAS6cU5FQR4Le_Xgu2C1ZltYI_3wiV21opZkaBfMuFdlTghSd64Kwkpcsu0/s1600/dream.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoyOwaWFm8hthMb1Dg854KTP7_fo3i5S0WP7hjb0SIvOV2rA7jn4DYPuTbxeS6mRyXEZb1Xj6pzHiON_gXAS6cU5FQR4Le_Xgu2C1ZltYI_3wiV21opZkaBfMuFdlTghSd64Kwkpcsu0/s400/dream.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614051775603849922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{dream}</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGuPpdwVV-Tt9Fm-Te2tHcmyCWIXRIpa3xUCwXuWszhnFaUnh40g2phcA1poo58gCPTOuMKVdiiNccmVAjUd_zzgbnnCmOT_JVoq-e-8orN4Zc-vESoQyt3oAb7UXr8nYNFBgINCivzU/s1600/draw.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGuPpdwVV-Tt9Fm-Te2tHcmyCWIXRIpa3xUCwXuWszhnFaUnh40g2phcA1poo58gCPTOuMKVdiiNccmVAjUd_zzgbnnCmOT_JVoq-e-8orN4Zc-vESoQyt3oAb7UXr8nYNFBgINCivzU/s400/draw.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614051780397771794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{draw}</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOwNmFId7-0TmCwksrdHG7CMpV5o8iVhG-2BbUWffIZsTlLaPXvKukl3X5a8_bPRVmNdzyf7FgOJS-Xt-fTu9Q18vbeY0o8AhamJ6grLIUJXDPeKZMBpCLruBDglqDo4EiOyoOUIiILA/s1600/live.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOwNmFId7-0TmCwksrdHG7CMpV5o8iVhG-2BbUWffIZsTlLaPXvKukl3X5a8_bPRVmNdzyf7FgOJS-Xt-fTu9Q18vbeY0o8AhamJ6grLIUJXDPeKZMBpCLruBDglqDo4EiOyoOUIiILA/s400/live.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614052569945960082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{live}</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddzEuBk8vvj-MiJvQeojxbF_03P3cq7C1ZmDAufEFsaGX8YPIu54kg3c6MfMVij_n9ktGtWddJyFf2eBt6hF-7r79fRN5BZVbm1uG-FuKXMSemqM_3b7oXYEOpaVF37cqrmFzbRJCKto/s1600/monkey....JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddzEuBk8vvj-MiJvQeojxbF_03P3cq7C1ZmDAufEFsaGX8YPIu54kg3c6MfMVij_n9ktGtWddJyFf2eBt6hF-7r79fRN5BZVbm1uG-FuKXMSemqM_3b7oXYEOpaVF37cqrmFzbRJCKto/s400/monkey....JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614053270189124338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{monkey...</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTZSVgwN7NByZBx2r2zMIJ0Zq42KbAiZBfiBKSNVUZ2kRNu4OFr19hAwD07olma1BrNIaoTUIDnNvs0oAcUKGndZF9GZvv6ZhCXozz2s-23Qvi7rAys0IAK5eMdjehJ_3iQ7F-8A_iGs/s1600/bars....JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTZSVgwN7NByZBx2r2zMIJ0Zq42KbAiZBfiBKSNVUZ2kRNu4OFr19hAwD07olma1BrNIaoTUIDnNvs0oAcUKGndZF9GZvv6ZhCXozz2s-23Qvi7rAys0IAK5eMdjehJ_3iQ7F-8A_iGs/s400/bars....JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614053276020921426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>...bars...</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMvgKn0qcQwUcVBuIStJbiEnJVJVDz9k8k65ZVfGrYOt3K4Ln5KGr6AjIO7SxEAPs8kiMiYiqy-n76Qf2bCrom9KURFu3BGUGKPPY_gj688lxu4vC9WRD1JSBplGhvn1WENc2-Y7FM0w/s1600/in+action..JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMvgKn0qcQwUcVBuIStJbiEnJVJVDz9k8k65ZVfGrYOt3K4Ln5KGr6AjIO7SxEAPs8kiMiYiqy-n76Qf2bCrom9KURFu3BGUGKPPY_gj688lxu4vC9WRD1JSBplGhvn1WENc2-Y7FM0w/s400/in+action..JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614053284458003314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>...in action}</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85n3ZeabOXR8w-M893w-CX8Ylg_7v8bhAP2kOny6o9j8lz5wnY9j1emR8AxWaLI7Bq2oPx5ordI9m9XKXdjHE7NImQNjv5tCjCIhlv6q2sKCA2qRUXr8MffdPR_dbsp_UeQAyst72ogg/s1600/rest.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85n3ZeabOXR8w-M893w-CX8Ylg_7v8bhAP2kOny6o9j8lz5wnY9j1emR8AxWaLI7Bq2oPx5ordI9m9XKXdjHE7NImQNjv5tCjCIhlv6q2sKCA2qRUXr8MffdPR_dbsp_UeQAyst72ogg/s400/rest.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614053286565144594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>{rest}</i></span></div>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-59849701718736237072011-05-31T10:08:00.002-04:002011-05-31T10:10:09.547-04:00easing back in...i've been quiet. in lots of ways. finding words has been very difficult in all areas of my life lately. but i'm on a new journey to open up. i probably won't be that chatty here for a while, but you may find an occasional photo, link or some text that is helping me back up. i hope to reclaim this space by the fall. i miss it, but can't support it yet. hoping to talk with you all soon! <br /><br />xommelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-5558064516778896402011-03-02T20:52:00.004-05:002011-03-02T21:03:51.110-05:00it is finished.11:35 this morning my dad breathed his last breath. it was <a href="http://allofhisgrace.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-he-had-said-this-he-breathed-his.html">bittersweet</a>(link to my sister's blog with more details). <br /><br />we sat around his bed, just moments before, singing hymns...turn your eyes upon jesus and be thou my vision. i played my violin for him. i'm imagining that the angels picked up right where we left off.<br /><br />right now, everything feels surreal. partially from sheer exhaustion. i think i slept 4 hours last night. i'm home with my family...and that feels so good.<br /><br />chris told the kids that papa passed away. stella's eyes were wide and nervous. she isn't saying much, but looks sad. i just held her on the couch and let her be. eli asked me if papa disappeared. it is so sweet and sad... they love their papa so much. they are going to miss him so.<br /><br />and so am i. i think i'll be able to write a more reflective post in days coming, but for now, i just feel still and quiet. i have never experienced such stillness, such quiet as i did with my sisters, mom, doug, aunt nancy and uncle bobby in the minutes right after dad's passing. no more machines giving oxygen. no more heavy breaths. no more struggle. i want to hold on to that right now. <br /><br />thank you for your thoughts, prayers, emails, meals, etc.... all of your words are balm on a wound.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-32674631827347554382011-03-02T01:19:00.000-05:002011-03-02T01:19:41.427-05:00inside outtonight is night number 5 of sitting beside my dad. i can't really begin to write the words to fit what i am feeling...seeing...thinking. the moments in between the breaths are peace and deep rest. then comes the jerking of the shoulders, the hunger for air, and a short gasp. sometimes the wait for that breath is longer than others. i sit by his side, resting my hand on top of his. my hand seems so small next to his large, hardworking, fading hands. i rest my forehead on his. it feels like there is a button on my head that releases the sadness. dad moans. i feel like we are communicating. for some reason, tonight has been hard for me. i feel like i've been ok with what is going on until tonight. i started to feel like maybe if i could let go, he could. but i know ultimately that nothing i do or say will make a difference. i can only pray that soon, my dad's faith will become sight. that soon, he will be born into a new body, free from pain and suffering. full of rejoicing. i know the minute that happens, i will feel devastated. yet somehow, i know that it will also be well with my soul.<br /><br />one of the most encouraging conversations i've had in the past couple days was with my friend megan. as i described how in the past 6 weeks i've watched my dad's body wither and fade, while i've seen his spirit rise. it has taken control. in suffering, he has not complained or winced. he has called out to his Saviour. he has taken comfort in His word. she put words to what i felt so deeply. i've been watching my dad turn inside out. his body has been disappearing, leaving only spirit. with the past couple of days comes a feeling like there is a part of his body that won't give up. it leaves us in a tricky spot. desperate to have him here. desperate for him to take his last breath.<br /><br />so, here it is again 12:23am. andrea is in the recliner that has been deemed the torture chair. your arms go numb and your hips hurt after a couple hours in it. lura is in the big recliner. i'm on the couch. mom needed some rest, so she is in bed for a couple hours. this is the time of night i've grown to really dislike. i feel tired. my eyes want to close. but my ears listen so intently for that breath. if i can't hear it, or see dad's silhouette rise and fall, i jump to my feet to be close. i only succumb to total exhaustion.<br /><br />i just close my eyes and pray. i do this sitting next to him, rubbing his arm that has a new lump on it. or his legs, so thin and bony now. i do this on the couch, fighting tears. as we gather around his bed, we are silently thinking similar thoughts, praying similar prayers.<br /><br />today, we read scripture to dad. mom recited verses that he helped her memorize. it is in 1 peter. she recited more than this, but these are the verses resounding in my mind:<br /><br />Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.<br /><br />i'm pretty sure that dad's faith has been tested sufficiently and will be found to result in praise and glory and honor. come Lord Jesus.<br /><br /><iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wziwGZq06PE?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-77815610703667699992011-01-28T10:28:00.004-05:002011-01-28T11:26:10.383-05:00finding comforti can't find many words today.<br />i'm home after 2 long days and nights waiting with my dad. being home is good. i need to be with <em>my</em> family and rest. but it is hard to not be <em>right there</em>. so this morning as i was praying for dad and baby luke*, i found comfort in these 2 places.<br /><br />Psalm 147<br /><br />Praise the LORD!<br />For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.<br />The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel.<br /><em><strong>He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.</strong></em><br />He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.<br /><em><strong>Great is our LORD and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.</strong></em><br /><em><strong>The LORD supports the afflicted</strong></em>; He brings down the wicked to the ground.<br /><strong><em>Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving</em></strong>; Sing praises to our God on the lyre,<br />Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.<br />He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens which cry.<br />He does not delight in the strength of a horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.<br /><strong><em>The LORD favors those who fear Him; Those who wait for His lovingkindness.</em></strong><br />Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!<br />Praise your God, O Zion!<br />For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your sons within you.<br />He makes peace in your borders; He satisfies you with the finest of wheat.<br />He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.<br />He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes.<br />He casts forth His ice like fragments; Who can stand before His cold?<br />He sends forth His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow.<br />He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel.<br />He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His ordinances, they have not known them.<br />Praise the LORD!<br /><br /><br />John 16:33<br />"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"<br /><br />our troubles make us weep and wail as our hearts break. but we can take that to our Father. He will take us in His arms and give us true comfort.<br /><br />this song kept popping into my head, and when i turned on the radio, there it was.<br /><iframe class="youtube-player" title="YouTube video player" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lD_pCr_Xrnc?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="480" type="text/html"></iframe><br /><br />*for those who are interested in praying for baby luke, he is about 3 weeks old now. he was born with a valve problem in his heart. he has had surgery to repair that and all was going well. he is currently not doing well, as he got an infection and has sepsis. this is not good. please pray for him to be healed and for his parent, abby and ryan. this is their first baby.<br /><br />also...the update on my dad...there's been alot of waiting. we think he will have the surgery today to his femur. mom and dad had a consultation w/ a specialist from hershey today. he thinks surgery is the right decision. then radiation and chemo. one day at a time. one hour at a time....sometimes we need to only be in the minute. thanks for continuing to pray.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-13016924449284676882011-01-26T15:13:00.000-05:002011-01-26T15:14:01.685-05:00waiting.this is the hard part.<br />waiting for results.<br />waiting for surgery.<br />waiting for tests.<br />waiting to eat.<br />waiting to sleep.<br />waiting to ..........<br /><br />last night brought devastating news. the preliminary results of dad's biopsy revealed a very rare and difficult cancer. sarcoma. maybe.<br /><br />chris, the kids and i went to the hospital right after our dinner. dad was fighting sleep, as he was receiving more blood, and with that benedryl. the benedryl makes him tired, dry and anxious. he wanted oxygen and his heart monitor again. chris took the kids home and i stayed with mom and dad. mom tried to sleep in the recliner chair next to dad, and i slept on the "bed." i say that, because it's really glorified concrete. harder than a wood floor, i tell you. well, from 11:30 until 4 am, dad was up almost every half hour with anxiety, needing to urinate, wanting the tv on, not wanting the tv on....it was rough. at 4, mom was so exhausted that we switched spots. she might have slept a bit in the bed, but at 4 dad was ready to be awake. we tried to rest a little. i helped him roll over onto his side, where he is more comfortable. he reached out and we fell asleep holding hands. i want that to stay in my heart and brain forever. when sleep left...about 45 minutes later, we sat up to read the bible. then came the time for "action news"...a snow storm coming.<br /><br />my sisters both struggled to get here. the roads were terrible. however, they both arrived in (God's) perfect timing. dad was taken down to pre-op around 9. they drew more blood to cross check it again. as we waited, andrea arrived. we went upstairs to meet with the oncologist. as we got off the 8th floor, lura arrived. as we waited in dad's room, dr. reddy (the oncologist) arrived. he began to show us dad's pet scan and talk about just what it is he sees when the phone rang. the surgeon called off dad's surgery due to new pathology results. not just a sarcoma, but an angiosarcoma. this involves blood vessels going to the tumor, and had there been surgery, dad could have blood profusely...perhaps fatally they said. dad came back upstairs and we all started to process the news.<br /><br />angiosarcoma doesn't respond well to chemo and radiation. the typical treatment is surgery, but dad's is appearing in at least 3 places, perhaps more already.<br /><br />right now, he is having an angiogram. this is where they look inside his arteries to see if there are any vessels feeding the tumor. i just spoke to an x-ray tech who said they were doing well, and just started embollizing. this means there are blood vessels involved. they are blocking them so that they can do the femur surgery without bleeding. this might happen tomorrow.<br /><br />i feel like i was punched in the stomach. this is hard to take. however, we are comforted. it feels like the most chaotic rollercoaster...yet there is peace.<br /><br />so now we wait.<br /><br />I remain confident in this:<br />I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.<br />Wait for the Lord;<br />be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.<br />-Psalm 27:13-14melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-13022785910288489942011-01-17T15:42:00.002-05:002011-01-17T16:41:05.284-05:00cold january.as i did <a href="http://pickinguppurls.blogspot.com/2010/02/goodbye-january.html">last year</a>, i am waiting for january to be over again this year.<br /><br />january 4th. at 11 weeks pregnant, everything seemed good...until that fateful moment of "let's hear the heartbeat." my midwife searched for a bit, got a "better doppler," all to no avail. there was not a heartbeat to be found. the following day confirmed my greatest fear. the baby stopped growing at 9 weeks; however, my body hadn't accepted that truth yet. <br />january 7th. my mom and chris sat with me in pre-op as i waited to have a d&e. it was a long hard day. <br />the weekend was one of recouperation. much needed rest, time with chris and the kids...rest with family.<br /><br />monday, we began a new path. <br /><br />my dad has had a difficult 7 months. he had broken his back in the summer. spinal fusion surgery in october. december delivered some good news...a negative battery of testing for bladder cancer. we celebrated christmas together feeling relieved. however, in the back of our minds, we knew something was askew. he was going downhill, and we didn't know why. january 10 began the road to discovery. x-rays, cat scans, mri's, neurosurgeons, neurologists....by thursday we were dealing with the fact that my dad has a brain tumor on his brain stem. his chest is filled with enlarged lymph nodes, adrenals, an "infiltrate" in his right lung (i've been told since that that is fluid of some sort), and a node on his thyroid. tomorrow we will accompany him to an oncologist to learn more.<br /><br />yesterday i drove chris and the kids to the airport to head to orlando. our family was to be in orlando and go to disneyworld this week. instead, i drove back to my parent's to help my mom, as care for my dad is intense. my nephew and sisters have been bearing the load...i was anxious to get there and be with them. i have had a wonderful time with them. last night we were all there...lura's small church came over to worship in my folk's living room. dad was exhausted, but we got some good conversation in before bed. it's been a long time since lura and i slept over together! but what a joy to wake up at 6am to go with him to wawa for his daily coffee! his mornings are his best times. alert, strong, and able to get around. we got coffee. donuts. came home for breakfast together. we talked and helped him write and check email. he wanted to go again, so my mom, dad and i went out to the carwash and for lunch. by this time, he began to get very tired. by the time we were home, he was absolutely exhausted. my mom and i got him in bed for a nap and he began to weep. he asked me to please read psalms to him. i read psalms 118 and 93before tucking him in. <br /><br />i want to count this all joy...but it is hard sometimes. i continue to look to the example of peter, as he walked on water to jesus. he looked at the waves around him, and sank, fearing he would drown. i know that suffocating feeling of despair and hopelessness very well. however, i also know the comfort and peace of our Savior and God. i know that keeping my eyes on Him, he will reach out His right hand and pull me up out of the waves so that i can walk on water again. <br /><br />Isaiah 41:10, 13<br /><br />So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. <br />I will strengthen you and help you; <em><strong>I will uphold you with my righteous right hand</strong></em>. <br /><br />For I am the LORD your God <em><strong>who takes hold of your right hand </strong></em>and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-88579982108672845622010-11-25T22:44:00.002-05:002010-11-25T23:00:52.646-05:00full.i am so thankful today that our God, whom we serve, has seen fit to give great gifts to me. i've had this post floating in my head for awhile, waiting for photos to accompany it...but they haven't been snapped. so it's just words...<br /><br />my belly is <em><strong>full</strong></em> from a day <strong><em>full</em></strong> of delicious food.<br />my head is <strong><em>full</em></strong> of ideas to <em><strong>fill</strong></em> our home with more warmth and hospitality.<br />my heart is <strong><em>full</em></strong> with love for my family.<br />my life is <strong><em>full</em></strong> with gifts, divine and human. blessings, spiritual and material.<br /><br />my life is <strong><em>full</em></strong>. but not stuffed. and not without room. <br /><br />i get to live a ridiculous life. one where i have a husband, whom i love so dearly, and who loves me! one where i spend my days with my children, who are so creative, chatty, fun and so...indescribable. one where i get to babysit a friend's very dear daughter for a full day and see her grow and laugh and shine. one where i get to make music with many, many children every week. one where i get to watch in amazement my dear friend, who is blind, play the violin and knit socks from the toe up. one where i get to knit with motley groups of women and share life for a few hours a week. one where i get to see the effects of prayer on a twelve year old boy triumphing through brain cancer. one where i get to rest with a community of friends and believers in the grace and sovereignty of a very loving and mighty God. one where i can enjoy the many <em><strong>fullnesses</strong></em> of life. <strong></strong><br /><br />today, i am <em><strong>thankful</strong></em>.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-49477303802054891632010-10-09T10:08:00.000-04:002010-10-09T10:10:36.486-04:00wooly thingsso, remember that <a href="http://pickinguppurls.blogspot.com/2010/10/happy-october.html">excited post </a>that ended with some great fall knitting? remember <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pickinguppurls/shalom-cardigan">shalom</a>, knitted in wonderful <a href="http://cascadeyarns.com/cascade-eco.asp">cascade ecological wool</a>? well, what you hadn't seen, was that same yarn knitted into a complete back of a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/13-central-park-hoodie">central park hoodie</a>. then frogged. then set aside. then knit into an entire body of shalom. and now?<br />frogged.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhGLw60Q7cWqHiHurzkTfKwkRC9doSt_1RnGKiFh3qcW9m5y6qArmYimAX5Aa-KB8FnSVj3ZIRFI6tRv5sWyLaXWmbSkMfax22sWAy0LKUmytGzv4RcBhNNVEEjM6GEcvyVgwGUPMPn8/s1600/yarn+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526047380350692578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhGLw60Q7cWqHiHurzkTfKwkRC9doSt_1RnGKiFh3qcW9m5y6qArmYimAX5Aa-KB8FnSVj3ZIRFI6tRv5sWyLaXWmbSkMfax22sWAy0LKUmytGzv4RcBhNNVEEjM6GEcvyVgwGUPMPn8/s400/yarn+001.jpg" /></a><br />it just isn't what i want right now! i want <a href="http://berroco.com/exclusives/aidez/aidez.html">this</a>. aidez. a slouchy, comfy, somewhat rustic looking fall cardigan. but, eco wool won't work. so i'm waiting. and knitting a basic cowl out of therapeutic malabrigo. that stuff does wonders for a girls hurt knitting ego.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0tndxuKXM_-jkq3QRLWpIBu8FxrtUPwydnlCKC2eqIHa1CnB9O4snqM7TVEi6ZAvHZL0QfSjjcNQHqp5F5jdw1fMKDdazqz1l7FwSN2uPRx87umo2LzIl73VracrzlsoWY-YeB1D1dg/s1600/yarn+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526047382101890962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0tndxuKXM_-jkq3QRLWpIBu8FxrtUPwydnlCKC2eqIHa1CnB9O4snqM7TVEi6ZAvHZL0QfSjjcNQHqp5F5jdw1fMKDdazqz1l7FwSN2uPRx87umo2LzIl73VracrzlsoWY-YeB1D1dg/s400/yarn+003.jpg" /></a><br />ps. that's the same yarn i knitted the mara shawl out of for <a href="http://www.rachelnyssen.blogspot.com/">rachel</a>. she needs to send me a photo so i can share!!! <br /><br /><br />what are you knitting right now?<br /><br />i found a cute knitting poem online for the kids. and it's seasonally appropriate, so enjoy!<br /><br />Knitted Things<br />by Karla Kuskin<br /><br />There was a witch who knitted things:<br />Elephants and playground swings.<br />She knitted rain,<br />She knitted night,<br />But nothing really came out right.<br />The elephants had just one tusk<br />And night looked more<br />Like dawn or dusk.<br />The rain was snow<br />And when she tried<br />To knit an egg<br />It came out fried.<br />She knitted birds<br />With buttonholes<br />And twenty rubber butter rolls.<br />She knitted blue angora trees.<br />She purl stitched countless purple fleas.<br />She knitted a palace in need of a darn.<br />She knitted a battle and ran out of yarn.<br />She drew out a strand<br />Of her gleaming, green hair<br />And knitted a lawn<br />Till she just wasn’t there.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-89249179408037095822010-10-06T11:43:00.004-04:002010-10-06T12:05:05.691-04:00bread.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpjQx71v_8pJVGDYPpM70RNiOhyphenhyphenyt09ugEyijQji_RNgA7ljdm9ofKorkudJLuZFhtw5GfzEBeAzNVUBnzLZYCsc4tbwyYoR_EFM6j8dqssx0fx3yfJrFIrBu4ag3IHzisb03XbBiF8c/s1600/bread.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpjQx71v_8pJVGDYPpM70RNiOhyphenhyphenyt09ugEyijQji_RNgA7ljdm9ofKorkudJLuZFhtw5GfzEBeAzNVUBnzLZYCsc4tbwyYoR_EFM6j8dqssx0fx3yfJrFIrBu4ag3IHzisb03XbBiF8c/s400/bread.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524962897502768802" /></a><br />well, i've been slightly obsessed with mastering some bread. i've abandoned my zoji as i've embraced the dough hook on my hand-me-down-industrial-version kitchen aid mixer. my mom gifted me a stoneware bread pan from pampered chef, and voila. i love this one - 100% whole wheat sandwich bread. delicious. holds up well to toasting, plain butter, or ham and cheese! stella still prefers "fluffy white bread", much to my dismay. however, she happily munches away and slice after slice fo this recipe (sorry, no photo, as the loaf is down to the end...maybe next week.)<br /><br />1 1/2 c. warm milk (tepid)<br />1 3/4 c. bread flour<br />3/4 c. white whole wheat flour<br />3/4 c. whole wheat flour<br />2 tbsp. butter<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1 1/2 tsp. yeast<br /><br />i place the warm milk in the bottom of my mixing bowl, then add the remaining ingredients as listed. using the dough hook, mix for 8-10 minutes on med-slow. let rest 5 minutes. mix again for 5 minutes. transfer onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 4-5 minutes. place dough into a lightly oiled glass bowl. i cover it with a damp dishcloth and place it in the oven with the light on for 45 minutes. punch down, replace cover and let riser for another 25 minutes. form into a loaf and place into lightly oiled bread pan. cover, and let rise 30 minutes. preheat oven to 425 degrees. i place a metal pie tin in the bottom as it is heating. 5 minutes before i place my loaf in to bake, i pour about 1/4 cup warm water on the pie tin, to get the oven steamy. place bread in oven and immediately turn oven down to 350. bake for 20 minutes. turn load 180 degrees. bake another 20 minutes. we normally dive right in at this point, but feel free to let it cool!<br /><br />the 100% whole wheat sandwich bread, adapted from peter reinhart’s whole grain breads recipe is found over <a href="http://littlebluehen.com/?p=950">here</a>. it is SO good! <br /><br />anyone want a bread maker? i think i'll get rid of mine now!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-79852188791083743512010-10-01T16:43:00.000-04:002010-10-01T16:45:35.912-04:00happy october!<div align="left">i really feel like i wake up in october.<br />especially this october 1st.<br />pouring rain all day and night yesterday, but muggy.<br />then we wake to cool, crisp and cloudy.<br />since i've been away for so long, i thought i'd share some photos from the day. we had lunch next door at the pizza place and then went to weaver's orchard with nana. it turned sunny and breezy. absolutely beautiful! we came home with quite a haul of apples for pies, pumpkins for pies, decorating and carving, apple cider doughnuts, apple fritters, broccoli and tomatoes, acorn and butternut squash. can you tell i love fall??? we have a birthday coming...(someone will be 8!) and an anniversary (11 years!) i will try to keep you posted. i'm hoping to get back into the swing of this blogging business. i miss it, actually!<br />hope you are having a wonderful first of october! </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="center">*********<br /><br />some farm animals at the orchard...nana loved this one! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYGkcoL5vsYAW-vbkCBxfgjr2aRh8hb3VWY_bqV2rbwI2SaLjE-3_izqjABEJNX5bm1VjL8B84o1JS9BLKCl_Mc-HLkImdZc4XPJLc6lrZbZ3TjfhTZ9tApT_PJcKLrKUyfVycW4gvOU/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523175711436572866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYGkcoL5vsYAW-vbkCBxfgjr2aRh8hb3VWY_bqV2rbwI2SaLjE-3_izqjABEJNX5bm1VjL8B84o1JS9BLKCl_Mc-HLkImdZc4XPJLc6lrZbZ3TjfhTZ9tApT_PJcKLrKUyfVycW4gvOU/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+016.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />cute bunnies...<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS2ARM7eC1rQozMnWWopIz59iE_j_nz2lQa1IySBR5ZfL7XZo1uLI5ROtPOlpnTTWjc6Qz9qqMcjaMt9b7dUjnXcdISWwwx4issqFllWzfsrt5v7kpGPZSQWEs_ynVSaRJOGk0yOb7U4/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523173699634684658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS2ARM7eC1rQozMnWWopIz59iE_j_nz2lQa1IySBR5ZfL7XZo1uLI5ROtPOlpnTTWjc6Qz9qqMcjaMt9b7dUjnXcdISWwwx4issqFllWzfsrt5v7kpGPZSQWEs_ynVSaRJOGk0yOb7U4/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+015.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />i loved this goat on its...goat ramp? if i had a barn, i'd have goats and i'd have a goat ramp, too.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0z67VUolPI576u6U_-Gn2QCTgPFSGaf-QdHecJyy2vlNL8aPwrPxpCFB44FzoMvI2nMkAjbiuwPDbgBtHO_5VFAQUvFFb57x0tpKLiHiTIw-78RDLMp315pDq72JVMBEt4tPXwGCfys/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523173695572228530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0z67VUolPI576u6U_-Gn2QCTgPFSGaf-QdHecJyy2vlNL8aPwrPxpCFB44FzoMvI2nMkAjbiuwPDbgBtHO_5VFAQUvFFb57x0tpKLiHiTIw-78RDLMp315pDq72JVMBEt4tPXwGCfys/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+013.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />little pumpkins, big pumpkins.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_XNIeTdNP8zjHfQl_FcYqduEHqgltgaI24drVNJvFaOtOuIFMsB4H94mB6pHkWE74qLyrY7AX9s7bMZuv5sjaBJzG6R3SRl9wW2o7KbeN6_0HW7TEvEoAIv_KXIcbcFQUIqN8u0ZYA8/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523173691392505810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_XNIeTdNP8zjHfQl_FcYqduEHqgltgaI24drVNJvFaOtOuIFMsB4H94mB6pHkWE74qLyrY7AX9s7bMZuv5sjaBJzG6R3SRl9wW2o7KbeN6_0HW7TEvEoAIv_KXIcbcFQUIqN8u0ZYA8/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+009.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br /><br />pumpkin picking...<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Rod3OjE0_o5j4yhX-c_ul6vBdnI1HZTUu6IBozwIA9z7bAt5eKSO72If0CSgKg8wtBFGQdD6eEK8t1SgetK7Dmiw3q7kPEzYKMWGy5-jZBqtUAWzgL19ckm-XRwO5C-s2A0fgBuFLs/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523175725063786786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Rod3OjE0_o5j4yhX-c_ul6vBdnI1HZTUu6IBozwIA9z7bAt5eKSO72If0CSgKg8wtBFGQdD6eEK8t1SgetK7Dmiw3q7kPEzYKMWGy5-jZBqtUAWzgL19ckm-XRwO5C-s2A0fgBuFLs/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+011.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />eli wanted a "humungo" one!<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcfCQfuZVXk4BkeXMy3ThGNNg2ogMCmK-1aE4v0_bC5n1TAI7QhAH8DH63eLKYC8AhydE2tPgfdaoqXHoB5p5KU1mrXl6vvCwE9hyx4ddeg1d83XOqak8r74nf4rQr7N21pRlYt72YLA/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523175722183443458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcfCQfuZVXk4BkeXMy3ThGNNg2ogMCmK-1aE4v0_bC5n1TAI7QhAH8DH63eLKYC8AhydE2tPgfdaoqXHoB5p5KU1mrXl6vvCwE9hyx4ddeg1d83XOqak8r74nf4rQr7N21pRlYt72YLA/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+010.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />thank you, nana, for a wonderful day! we love you!!! xoxox<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG7cK20up5Ut_HyLVOnvqAr1fN5i-jaUJyc5Lqd0KTTq_U3gHb7t_zvTxsVNgxfO1DvVpxLAUSTJtQwE9cBVTT1z9Fb-CUG1wW0-tQwExIE108NLYZRo1wYyFz_RPjg7v8Ssg-z1XZl4/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523175715638438226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG7cK20up5Ut_HyLVOnvqAr1fN5i-jaUJyc5Lqd0KTTq_U3gHb7t_zvTxsVNgxfO1DvVpxLAUSTJtQwE9cBVTT1z9Fb-CUG1wW0-tQwExIE108NLYZRo1wYyFz_RPjg7v8Ssg-z1XZl4/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+012.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />oh, and, some fall knitting...shalom(<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pickinguppurls/shalom-cardigan">ravelry</a>)(free pattern found <a href="http://www.involvingthesenses.blogspot.com/">here</a>)!<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523173692570070466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JaaI_XMH3Opn7XxRyONLDdC2KxwYnN8Y07xsu8v35ILuU8rpYUzBFFIlwPGIV_JReem3CcpNerxJSFZ9SJCzx9CRcQkn9LGbTZhKpGOr4STTDzLc_sJEpXv1RurgOuE6CgfflmMW7Fk/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+004.jpg" />melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-59987604918981080502010-09-17T13:23:00.000-04:002010-10-01T16:56:18.060-04:00my day<ul><br /><br /><li>up early enough to shower, study my bible, and pray.</li><br /><br /><li>made breakfast, set up school</li><br /><br /><li>happily finished our 3rd week of 2nd grade</li><br /><br /><li>had time to help a knitting friend fix her sock</li><br /><br /><li>listened as stella took her first piano lesson with possibly the sweetest lady ever</li><br /><br /><li>laughed as we burst through the door so that she could now <em>practice</em> what she just learned</li><br /><br /><li>ate pb&j's with the kids</li><br /><br /><li>cleaned it all up</li><br /><br /><li>now, off to knit a bit, do some housekeeping, and wait to have a relaxing friday evening with chris</li></ul><br /><br /><p>how is your day going? wishing you a happy friday!</p><br /><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9U1uKmDPjyvR-ewpAqpirywtUmy7s77oeWyMv-6tKQaQiQws46jM9cDaBkLIEcLFJHFH_fbw-N3YqOs9oupJ6xmEEEQ8wuDfgW1jRKrmQ1XIUS-osHy4yDfLmojFpJhOG0I9neX6BHM/s1600/orchard+day+10-01-10+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523184253139310946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9U1uKmDPjyvR-ewpAqpirywtUmy7s77oeWyMv-6tKQaQiQws46jM9cDaBkLIEcLFJHFH_fbw-N3YqOs9oupJ6xmEEEQ8wuDfgW1jRKrmQ1XIUS-osHy4yDfLmojFpJhOG0I9neX6BHM/s400/orchard+day+10-01-10+001.jpg" /></a>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-58655943496665602092010-08-10T13:27:00.002-04:002010-08-10T13:30:02.184-04:00the heel...finally!finishing these socks...well, i lost momentum, but here is the pattern!<br /><br />make the heel.<br />we will be making a short-row heel. knit across instep stitches to be prepared to knit only on the sole/heel stitches.<br />on heel stitches:<br />row 1: k to last st, slip last st, wrap slipped stitch with working yarn from back to front, slip back to left hand needle, turn work, as if to knit flat. bring working yarn to front.<br />row 2: slip 1, p to last st, slip last st, wrap slipped stitch with working yarn from front to back, slip back to left hand needle, turn work.<br />continue in this manner (sl1, k to one st before last wrapped st, wrap st, turn. sl1, p to one st before last wrapped st, wrap st, turn.) until you have 8 wrapped sts on either side. (for a narrower heel, you can wrap up to 10-12 sts either side. just end on a wrong side wrap and turn.)<br />turning the heel:<br />sl 1, k to 1st wrapped st. pick up the wrap by inserting your right needle tip from the bottom to the top. slip it up onto the left hand needle with its wrapped stitch. knit them both together. wrap the next st (yes, it is already wrapped once – wrap it again.) turn.<br />sl 1, p to 1st wrapped st. pick up the wrap, slip it up onto needle, purl the 2 st together. wrap next st, turn.<br />**sl 1, k to 1st wrapped st. pick up BOTH wraps (remember, you re-wrapped it), k the 3 of them together, wrap next st, turn.<br />**sl 1, p to 1st wrapped st. pick up BOTH wraps, p3tog, wrap next st, turn.<br />continue in **this manner, picking up both wraps and knitting/purling 3 together until all wraps are picked up. picking up all the wraps make for a tighter, hole-free heel.<br /><br />make the cuff.<br />knit across instep stitches. remember to use your pattern if you added one, or you may want to start a 2x2 rib. when you get to the heel sts, you should pick up an extra st and knit it together with the first heel st. this will close any gaps. do this again at the end of the heel sts to close up the other side.<br />knit the cuff as long as you like, leaving enough yarn to bind off. (2 feet is plenty!)<br /><br />bind off.<br />i like to use elizabeth zimmermann’s sewn bind off. it allows for a very stretchy nice bind off!<br />thread your 2-foot tail onto a tapestry needle. *insert the needle into the first 2 stitches on the knitting needle as if to purl and draw the yarn through. reinsert the needle into the first stitch on the knitting needle as if to knit, draw the yarn through and slip the stitch off.* continue from * to *. <br /><br />wear your socks.<br /><br /><br />:::::Pattern ideas:::::<br />1)<br />2x2 rib<br /><br />2)<br />knit all even rows:<br />row 1: k2, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k4, k2tog,k3,yo, k1, yo, k3, sl1, k1, psso, k4, k2tog, yo, k1<br />row 3: k2, yo, k1, sl1, k1, psso, k2 ,k2tog, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2, k2tog, k1, yo, k1<br />row 5: k2, yo, k2, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k5, yo, k1, yo, k5, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k2, yo, k1<br />row 7: k2, yo, k3, sl1, k1, psso, k4, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k4, k2tog, k3, yo, k1<br />row 9: k2, yo, k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2, k2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, sl1, k1, psso, k2, k2tog, k4, yo, k1<br />row 11: k2, yo, k5, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k5, yo, k1<br />repeat these rows, ending with a knit row.<br /><br />Let me know of any other simple patterns/ribs that you enjoy!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-65135778049680417382010-06-17T16:38:00.003-04:002010-06-17T16:42:32.053-04:00melissa's toe-up socks.time for a new class!<br /><br />materials<br />yarn:fingering weight (sock yarn)<br />needles: 2 – size US 1-3 circular needles, 16”-24” long (or size to get gauge)<br />gauge: 7.5st –8st = 1” stockinette<br />size: 7.5” (8.5”, 9”) ankle circumference<br /><br />cast on.<br />using the figure-8 cast-on, CO 24 sts (12 on each needle).<br />{instructions for figure-8 cast on: holding needle A together with cable B, make a slip knot and place it onto the needle in back (A). do not count this slip knot in your CO count! we will drop it later. take your working yarn UNDER both needles, up over the front cable, down between the 2 needles, up and over (in back of) the back needle, down between the 2 needles, etc. a great tutorial by adrian of hello yarn is <a href="http://www.helloyarn.com/wp/?p=390">here</a>.(she does not use a slip knot, though.)<br /> <br />make the toe.<br />take your working yarn and put it between the cable and needle so that it is in the back, ready to knit. <br />knit the first row. using working yarn that was just passed through cable & needle, knit across back needle to slip knot. do not knit it – just drop it! <br />with that row complete, slide stitches to cable (pull needle to the left). now, slide next set of stitches to front needle (pull front needle – B – to the right) and turn work clockwise. you will notice that these stitches are twisted, so you will need to knit these stitches THROUGH THE BACK LOOP. make sure you are using the front needle with the front needle. A with A, B with B! REMEMBER: DO NOT MIX NEEDLES!<br />you have completed your first round! go ahead and knit one more round before increasing. at the end of this round, you may want to place a marker or small safety pin in your work to mark the end of the round.<br />now, to increase. <br />round 1: M1 (kfb), k to 2nd to last st, M1 (kfb), k. turn. Repeat for 2nd needle.<br />round 2: k all sts<br />continue this pattern until you have desired number of sts.<br />for size small, CO 28 sts each needle, total of 56. medium, CO 32 sts each, 64 total. large, 34 sts each, 68 total. to customize – measure your ankle. (example, 8”). take your gauge (example 6 sts=1”). Multiply circumferencexgauge=CO total! (ex=48) divide in half for each needle (24 each).<br /><br />make the foot.<br />Knit in the round, adding any desired pattern to instep until 2” short of heel.<br /><br />come back next week for the short-row heel and some patterning ideas for your cuff!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-55622890892024490672010-06-06T22:17:00.004-04:002010-06-06T23:26:48.710-04:00spinningso, with school done for the year, we took a week off. played on the slip-n-slide, in the sprinkler, played "sorry", cards...and i got some spinning done!<br /><br />this is the first skein of hello yarn fiber club "loch". 2-ply, 220 yards, light worsted, i'm guessing. i have another 4oz. to spin. hope to make it similar!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9N40SultGjKMM6gnC54aft_2ZSA0nOm6RgVHPyS8oFvTrwPLlQY7vd_9_9qKe55bst-2IWlrddYhwCCqosqQnjILO_2YalMNXC-sAi-5Vo5PKfbNJ0571ac7TDRoSv7-s82pp4MlDJw/s1600/yarnbday+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9N40SultGjKMM6gnC54aft_2ZSA0nOm6RgVHPyS8oFvTrwPLlQY7vd_9_9qKe55bst-2IWlrddYhwCCqosqQnjILO_2YalMNXC-sAi-5Vo5PKfbNJ0571ac7TDRoSv7-s82pp4MlDJw/s400/yarnbday+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479850940243531474" /></a><br />close up...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyLdk6uD2y_OubC1A6czgXt7Q_vifHharfYQw2F6Kx0o3sFEwPE3owGw0AFWpWvgXOViaZ2jk8wCJ3LUNnzWdALf60c5ohTnybC6CykkCqIHvvTn87cYHDdgz8ag4-SohyrKuDAl6tMI/s1600/yarnbday+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyLdk6uD2y_OubC1A6czgXt7Q_vifHharfYQw2F6Kx0o3sFEwPE3owGw0AFWpWvgXOViaZ2jk8wCJ3LUNnzWdALf60c5ohTnybC6CykkCqIHvvTn87cYHDdgz8ag4-SohyrKuDAl6tMI/s400/yarnbday+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479850953602304610" /></a><br />hello yarn fiber club "pallid" fluff...this is a quarter of what i have...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXU_bQr5_z08PvW4AGhYsooC0E3_M55GiAAroC6ZXz1IB7k8Mm6Zhf_-vpb5kwFoSnxUvcq-UNgLksgqDYDrEuRy7VUn-BshDEs3QuX4HlWL495C7fpW93U9E4hfcFSzYQFD56aQNPK0/s1600/yarnbday+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXU_bQr5_z08PvW4AGhYsooC0E3_M55GiAAroC6ZXz1IB7k8Mm6Zhf_-vpb5kwFoSnxUvcq-UNgLksgqDYDrEuRy7VUn-BshDEs3QuX4HlWL495C7fpW93U9E4hfcFSzYQFD56aQNPK0/s400/yarnbday+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479850961142484386" /></a><br />here's about 2 oz spun into singles...i might keep it this way and do a shawl? not sure...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMV8mv9lbrdrbDwMCpU8ijsd448S1sjjJFkq1b5zuLRj3a4syKf_yeNo0VsdLCfVn0Se2iJoBunooLutnmGz_LkpSWRkquakJ73wYAB_JT4X1N-Rk2lrIFKrocAdA5uxUP2VKOA8NvcA/s1600/yarnbday+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMV8mv9lbrdrbDwMCpU8ijsd448S1sjjJFkq1b5zuLRj3a4syKf_yeNo0VsdLCfVn0Se2iJoBunooLutnmGz_LkpSWRkquakJ73wYAB_JT4X1N-Rk2lrIFKrocAdA5uxUP2VKOA8NvcA/s400/yarnbday+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479850973356804290" /></a>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-55324365097809135192010-05-26T14:23:00.003-04:002010-05-26T14:39:43.253-04:00FO: 2 socks on 2 circs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8p4N4CxOvrowBE3kXmeJ4VsUpbNOIVeHTVgFe59Wme69hGtj95gq-_kfei53-h7niDTHe_r0r14X5NCfzQbqFuD82ZNzbruw4Lj6oHNrejA53rrlbyNw-RR_Po_n3K8gj_MlQUruwW8/s1600/socks+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8p4N4CxOvrowBE3kXmeJ4VsUpbNOIVeHTVgFe59Wme69hGtj95gq-_kfei53-h7niDTHe_r0r14X5NCfzQbqFuD82ZNzbruw4Lj6oHNrejA53rrlbyNw-RR_Po_n3K8gj_MlQUruwW8/s400/socks+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475646366885003058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OZga3N2_bRzyixiswzR3giy9t0Ai3Zu8QCya0WPHS8WgUPa7O1mPXMlednrOg9lXqjEaIzKStFjfF5h_G-VyQascKi3qmaufRJotM6jVmGtH2OlXgNimnCEta8-v9zorqzmLPow6jR4/s1600/socks+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OZga3N2_bRzyixiswzR3giy9t0Ai3Zu8QCya0WPHS8WgUPa7O1mPXMlednrOg9lXqjEaIzKStFjfF5h_G-VyQascKi3qmaufRJotM6jVmGtH2OlXgNimnCEta8-v9zorqzmLPow6jR4/s400/socks+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475646363097312738" /></a><br /><br /><br />3 week class.<br />1 pair of socks.<br />purty good, i say.<br /><br />i followed my <a href="http://pickinguppurls.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-actually-knitting.html">3</a> <a href="http://pickinguppurls.blogspot.com/2010/05/2-socks-on-2-circs-part-2.html">part</a> <a href="http://pickinguppurls.blogspot.com/2010/05/2-socks-on-2-circulars-part-iii.html">instructions</a> to a "t".<br />yarn used: Schoeller+Stahl Sockina Cotton.<br />also on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pickinguppurls/2-socks-on-2-circulars-class-socks">ravelry</a> page.<br /><br />if you knit some socks, let me know!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-90528920757958018972010-05-26T08:55:00.001-04:002010-05-26T14:12:22.715-04:002 socks on 2 circulars: part IIIand the finish....<br /><br /><br />Part III: Toe and Bind Off<br /><br />Toe:<br />Rnd 1, and all other odd rounds: *K 1, k2tog, k until 3 sts remain, ssk, K 1 (Repeat on other needle)<br />Rnd 2, and all other even rounds: K<br />Work as set until 12, sts remain.<br />Toe Grafting:<br />With a tapestry needle threaded with your yarn, work the following:<br />Front needle: Insert tapestry needle as if to knit and drop off knitting needle, insert t. needle<br />into next stitch as if to purl and leave it on the needle.<br />Back Needle: Insert t. needle as if to purl and drop off k. needle, insert t. needle into next stitch as if to knit and leave on the needle.<br />Repeat back and forth until all sts are grafted.<br />Weave in ends.<br />Wear those socks!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-3235013328031656322010-05-22T11:57:00.000-04:002010-05-22T12:01:13.248-04:002 socks on 2 circs: part 2Continuing with the socks...<br /><br />Part II: Heel flap, Turning the Heel, Gusset<br /><br />I think it’s best to do the heels one at a time, to avoid getting twisted up! You can knit the heel flaps at the same time…just watch which row you end on (it’s gotta be a purlside row!).<br /><br />Heel Flap<br />Knit across needle “A” (instep of sock), and when you get to “B”, knit across one sock.<br />TURN.<br />*Sl1, P1 * across on WS rows. <br />On RS rows, Sl 1 st, knit across. <br />Work in this manner until the heel flap measures 2.5” ending with a RS row.<br /><br />Turning the Heel<br />Turn 1: Slip 1, purl 14, (18, 20), p2tog, p1, turn. (10 sts rem)<br />Turn 2: Slip 1, Knit 3 (7, 9) SKP (sl 1, k1, pass sl st over k st), k1, turn. (10 sts rem.)<br />Turn 3: Slip 1, purl 4 (8,10), p2tog, p1, turn. (8 sts rem)<br />Continue in this fashion (increasing number of knits/purls each row) until no sts rem.<br />Ending on a knit row, you will now have a total of 16 (20, 22) heel sts.<br /><br />The Gusset<br />Pick up and knit 19-25 sts along edge of heel flap. This number can vary – just make it dense enough to not have holes or gaps. I twist my stitches on purpose here, to get them really snug. (To twist, K into the back of the stitch.)<br /><br />REPEAT FLAP, TURN, GUSSET FOR SOCK 2!<br /><br />Knit across needle “A”. (If you want to keep your rib pattern [or any other pattern] going, make sure to do so here!)<br />Needle “B”: Pick up and knit 19-25 sts along edge of heel flap. Be sure to use needle “B”! These are all heel stitches – keep B with B, A with A…<br /> Knit across all heel sts and remaining 19-25 sts that were previously picked up. <br />Repeat for other sock.<br />Knit across needle “A”.<br />From here on out, you’ll be knitting across A (both socks), then B (both socks).<br /><br />DECREASE GUSSET<br />Needle “B”: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, SSK, K1.<br />K across needle “A”.<br />Needle “B”: K across all heel sts.<br />Repeat this (decreasing every other round on heel sts) until you have the original number of sts left on needle “B” {28 (32, 34)}<br />You are ready to continue your foot. <br />Knit until 2” short of end of your foot.<br /><br />Toes are next!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-56904252254562692010-05-18T09:25:00.004-04:002010-05-18T09:44:03.176-04:00i'm actually knitting......a pair of socks.<br /><br />well, really, i'm teaching a knitting class at the local yarn shop. it's the fun 2-at-a-time method on 2 circular needles. since i'm trying to write it out for myself (since i never follow one straight method), i thought i'd document it here. feel free to knit along (it'd be helpful to know if it works for more folks than me!)<br /><br />so, in my class, i'm giving one step instructions per class. first class was how to cast on 2 socks onto 2 circs. i find this the hardest part. next class is the heel flap, turning the heel, and the gusset. final class, the toe. so here is step one:<br /><br /><strong>Knitting 2 Socks on 2 Circular Needles</strong><br /><br />Yarn: Fingering weight (Sock Yarn)<br />Needles: US 1-3 (or size to get gauge)<br />Gauge: 7.5” –8” = 1” stockinette<br />Sizes: 7.5” (8.5”, 9”) ankle circumference<br /><br /><br />Part I: Casting On and the Cuff<br /><br />This might be the trickiest part. In order to cast on for 2 socks, you need to do some fidgeting. First, name your needles. For the sake of consistency, I will call them “A” and “B.” (This could also be Instep and Sole.) You’ll see….this will get helpful soon.<br />Take “A” needle and cast on 56 (64, 68) sts. With “B” needle, slip half of those sts onto "B". Flip “B” around to make a sideways “V”, with working yarn hanging from “B” to the right. Again, take “A” needle and cast on 56 (64, 68) sts. With “B” needle, slip half of those sts. You will now have 2 sideways “V’s.” Now is a good time to check that your stitches are facing the same direction, the closed part of the “V” is not twisted, and your working yarn is in the same place on both “V’s.”<br /><br />Marking the end of the round. I don’t always do this, but do find it helpful. To mark the end of the round, you will want to slip your last CO st (but don’t lose it!), place a marker on your needle and replace the last CO st. This will be the marker for End of Round. Alternatively, I just use my “tail” from casting on as my guide. You can choose which method is best for you.<br /><br />Ready to join into a round? Good. Secure your stitch: take last CO st and slip to "A". Slip first CO st over and back onto "B". They've switched spots, right? good. You are good to go.<br />Now, let’s remember the 2 Circular Needle Rule: <br />Knit “A” stitches to “A” needle, and “B” to “B”. <br />Ok. With that said, let’s knit. With needle “A” on top, let “B” dangle below. We are going to Knit FIRST with needle “A”. Put working sts on end of A. (You can say A1 and A2.) Pick up other end of A (A2) and Knit. Now what about a pattern?<br /><br />Here is where you can get creative. Do you have a favorite sock pattern? Use it! (Note: you may have to adjust your cast on stitch numbers, but why not!?!) Just want a rib? 2x2, 1x1, 3x1…they all work. For the sake of this basic class, we will do a 2x2 rib for 2”. Let’s do it.<br /><br />Cuff: K2, P2 around for 2”. <br />Leg: You can continue in Rib Pattern or switch to Stockinette (K all around). Knit until leg measures 6” from Cast On.<br /><br />Freeze there until next week. <br />Let me know of any problems! <br />Thanks!!!!<br /><br />Some helpful links:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RybPvCNfrT8">Cat Bordhi on You Tube</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSv6bdj7pvg&feature=related">Cat Bordhi - part 2</a><br /><a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com">knittinghelp.com</a> advanced techniques: scroll down to "On Two Circular Needles"<br /><a href="http://www.needletrax.com/twocirculars.htm">a great tutorial</a>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-11831730294236877982010-05-05T15:24:00.003-04:002010-05-05T15:36:54.414-04:00enjoying the moment.today chris took the kids with him to new jersey to hang out with grammy and boppa. this means i get the entire afternoon and evening alone. he did this last week, too, and i gotta tell ya...i didn't know what to do with myself last week. so today, as they drove off, i went to the kitchen, made some coffee, came upstairs to spin some yarn but just ended up sitting and thinking about our morning.<br /><br />i took the kids to a park nearby, pool forge. it's a great park - big pavillion, great playground for all ages, and a nice, cool creek. lots of mud, flowers, rocks and twigs to play with. we were there celebrating the end of the school year with one of the homeschool co-ops we attend, community homeschooler's learning group. it was so nice to play in the mud with eli, as he collected little pebbles to chuck into the creek and watch the ker-plunk. he was so into the creek - didn't want to leave it, except to play with some of the bigger boys. stella had her friends to run with, play kickball with, hold hands with and slip in the creek with. she is normally nervous near the creek, but today, with her friends, she was brave and walked across to the otherside. i haven't taken any pictures lately, but this one will be burnt on my brain for awhile: stella, standing on the other side of the creek, beaming, hands held high. i felt my eyes burn a little...and clapped for my girl. we ate some ice cream and headed home, wet and muddy. it was a really good morning.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-28559620536140169572010-05-04T15:43:00.004-04:002010-05-04T15:49:19.313-04:00may the fourth be with youseems appropriate, the day after eli's birthday would be star wars day...<br />uncle mark sent this for eli...a little movie featuring eli, stella, daddy, and their cousin dominic. you can try it too...first, have fun and watch <a href="http://starwars.jibjab.com/view/9EieeCnpUBLnu2kBVgQr">this</a>!melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698388229346932214.post-71872977406972220332010-02-01T10:44:00.003-05:002010-02-01T11:09:21.412-05:00goodbye january.hello 2010.<br />january entered harshly, so yesterday, i was filled with anticipation as it drew to a close. today i'm starting my new year. one month short, but happily so!<br /><br />the month was filled with hardship. i wasn't game for speaking of it, until recently when i realized that people like to offer encouragement, and getting it off your chest helps it go away! so...i really should back up to before christmas. chris and i discovered we were expecting another baby. this was unplanned and a little hard for me to handle on its own. (i like to plan...be in control...ha!) i came around to it, and even got a little excited. but all along, something felt strange. chris and i thought we were just "in denial" because i didn't <em>seem</em> pregnant. i didn't even feel pregnant. then on christmas eve (in the morning), i started spotting. this is normal for a lot of pregnant women, but not me. i've never had that lead to something good. i tried to not panic, keep my attitude positive. i made it through the week and we decided to go to our friends (dan and elin's) bi-annual new years eve party. it is such a fun place to be - great friends, food, etc! it was relaxing and distracting, although i never totally shook my nerves. we spent the night at chris' folks with the kids. lo and behold at 5:30 on january 1, i awoke to terrible pain. i was miscarrying. we called my midwife for input and we all agreed i could go through this one at home (things were progressing "normally"). i had a previous miscarriage in between the kids that i spent some time in the er with. (a terrible experience) a week went by and i was beginning to feel better, physically. (forget emotions for now) but then it just kept going....i went to see my midwife 2 weeks later, still with discomfort abdominally and still bleeding. they checked me for anemia - i was ok (shockingly so). they checked my HcG levels, and, well, they were still a little high. this was also shocking and gave room to all kinds of thoughts. there was mention of twins. there was mention of being further along than thought. hopes rose and fell frequently throughout my days. my midwife wanted me to wait another week for more bloodtesting and asked me to rest in the mean time. i don't do that well. finally, the results of blood test #2 showed a decline in HcG, although it was still above a "not pregnant" level. the bleeding stopped. my body is starting to feel a bit more normal now, but not totally. <br />now we'll talk emotions: roller coaster.<br />there you go. i feel manic. crazy. pathetic. weak. like a disappointment. like a failure. like people who love me are judging me. stupid. i'll spare you and stop there.<br /><br />so depressed probably sums it up. but that is not all the time. not even most of the time. but when it hits, oh boy. niagara falls. all i can say is...my poor family. thank god they love me. we had to tell stella in a child-friendly way and she was so relieved. she thought something terrible was going on (we just had a death in the family - an uncle died of cancer...i think she thought i was dying!)<br /><br />so today is february. valentines day is coming. my birthday is coming. i'm going to start knitting a new sweater today. i'm getting back into life. its going to be hard at first. but, slowly, life will pick up. <br /><br />i'm so thankful we are where we are right now. (in elverson, near our church, surrounded by a loving community of believers) this entire time, we've been reminded of God's love for us. He is not a god of "do this, i'll do that." for some reason, these things happen. pregnancies lost, jobs lost, homes lost, friends lost, family lost, confidence lost........ and the hope is that through them, we will turn to our Friend, our King, and walk on the water to His outstretched hand. the impossible is possible. He wants us walking with Him, relating to Him, conversing with Him. He will quiet the storm.<br /><br />i'm ready to get out of this boat.melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104023210014297378noreply@blogger.com6