Walks And Ball Games....

Hi! I hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to start off by saying a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored us on our March for Babies. We raised a total of $33o and successfully walked the entire 6 miles! YAY! We had a great time and I think we're all agreed that we're doing it again next year. I thought I had fresh batteries in my camera but after taking a handful of photos...camera died.

Here is Ms Thang before the walk. I don't think she really understood how much walking was involved beforehand. lol She repeatedly asked..."How much farther?" during the walk. Towards the end...she was pouring her water on her head instead of drinking it. It really wasn't that hot but she thought it was fun.

This is the beginning of walk. That's two of our team members up there in the purple shirts. My oldest daughter (Megan) and her hopefully soon to be step-mom (Regina). Megan had plans later so they were trying to finish as soon as possible. They finished about 20 minutes ahead of us and had to wait anyway since we had their car keys. :P

The cute little man is now playing T-ball. T-ball games are always so funny. He can hit the ball off the tee and he has a good arm so I think we've got us a future ballplayer here. YAY Killian! Here are a few photos I took the other day. I also learned how to watermark my photos...only took me a few hours. *you can click the photos to make them bigger*


This one is my absolute favorite. He looks so peaceful. I love the photos when the subject isn't even aware that they're being photographed. I think they're the best photos sometimes...quiet moments captured forever.


Here he is watching the game...actually I don't know what he was watching...we were just proud he was sitting down and waiting his turn. Notice the hat...too big but cute.


Killian and his Daddy after the game. It was the first game Ms Thang and I went to and he was so preoccupied with her the whole time. He was paying attention to her here so I couldn't get him to look at me. Who cares about Aunt Mel when "Girl" is around? lol He can't say her name so he calls her Girl...too cute.


Killian and Daddy again on third base. Dad has been drafted as a coach for the team which is pretty cool. I know this will mean a lot to both of them when the little man is all grown up. They're creating some great memories.


I loved this photo but it wasn't the best quality so I "cartooned" him. He looks so serious.

That's about all for now. I'm still working on my crocheted baby blanket...almost finished and getting some designs written up to test knitted. The weather is nice but the pollen is killing me. I may have to grab one of Grandma's masks so I can go out and take some photos of all the lovely flowers and trees.

I seriously need to get back to knitting and my photos...they've both been neglected lately. I miss them. (And Cat who needs to get her behind back down here to the South!!!)

Take care everyone and I am so sorry I haven't been blog visiting lately. I'm going to get it together eventually...seriously, I am. Facebook is a time sucker that rivals Ravelry but I love that I can so easily keep in touch with my family and friends. I will make the blog rounds soon and catch up with you all.

Lots of love and hugs!!

Just A 'Lil Bragging...

I mentioned in the previous post that my son had won 3rd place in the local paper's Halloween Story Contest and today I checked and they had his story posted on the website. *so cool* Being a Mom...we feel this uncontrollable urge to brag so here's his story for your Halloween reading pleasure. :P They give them the first part of the story and they have to make up the rest. His part is in bold print.

Wayne just barely heard his mom’s voice over the video game he was playing.

“Stay out of the snack jar,” he heard her say. “I’ll only be gone a half an hour, and I’ll be bringing supper back.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Wayne murmured to the computer screen as he heard her car pull out of the driveway.

He soon paused the game and headed to the kitchen when the lure of the jar became too much.

“I’ll just have one,” he thought, as he ran up the stairs to the kitchen. “Mom will never know.”

The jar was always filled with cookies and mini candy bars and snack cakes. He didn’t know what to grab. Maybe he’d get one of each.

As he stuck his hand in, he looked into the side of the snack jar, which was made of heavy, bumpy glass that distorted and blurred the contents.

“Aaaigh,” he yelled suddenly as he saw what was in the jar. He tried to jerk his hand out, but …

…Something had grabbed his hand. He struggled to pull his hand out, but he couldn’t break free. Instead of trying to pull his hand out, he picked up the jar, and smashed it on the counter. He saw what was grabbing his hand, “What is that???” he yelled. It was another hand, but not just any hand. It was very bony and a weird shade of green. Its fingernails were long and sharp as if they’d never been cut.

“Oh! My God! It looks like it had just been ripped off!” said Wayne.

After a few seconds, he realized that he’d ripped it off, and that it also had an owner. “Where’d that hole come from?” He was speaking of a strange hole where the cookie jar was. He’d never noticed it before, but it seems to have been there a long time. He opened the bottom cabinets and saw that there was nothing there but a little door in the back. “Hey, I think I see a light in the door!”

As he went to open the door, he heard a beastly shriek. He jerked away, but went back to opening it. He placed his hand on the doorknob. It was warm, as if someone were just touching it. He opened it, the light went off, and it was pitch black. He stared into the darkness of the doorway, and something reached out and grabbed him. He was being pulled in! “Help!” he screamed, but there was no one to help him.

“Wayne, I’m home,” said his mom, as she walked in the door. Seeing his game still paused, she figured he was in the kitchen. She looked, and he wasn’t there. She looked everywhere and couldn’t find him. She looked, and looked, and looked but still couldn’t find him, not yet aware, that she never will.

Third place
Skaterboy
8th grade

Forgive Me For Bragging But....

Ms Thang totally made me proud on Awards Day. I think everyone (regulars anyway) know already that she is deaf. She has...for the last several years....been in the Learning Disabled (Special Ed) classes because she was beginning to struggle in the regular classroom and we were afraid she would fall behind. This year is her last one in elementary school and everyone (myself, teachers and therapists) agree that she is ready to move back into the regular classroom setting. She has really come a long way the past few years...thanks to some awesome teachers...we want her to start off in middle school being as "normal" as possible. I hate that word and I hate to use it that way but it's the best way to explain it to those who don't understand. She is as normal as it gets....she is deaf but that hasn't stopped her from doing or trying anything! She has played softball...she's taken dance (performed in the recital like a pro...couldn't tell she couldn't hear the music...YGG!)...she played little league baseball WITH THE BOYS...she can swim...ride a bike...you get the picture. She won't be told she can't do something. She has worked so hard this year and this is what she has to show for it.....

A/B Honor Roll...okay she always gets this one and is not at all impressed anymore. She knows this one is coming. lol It always impresses the family though.
*I (poorly) edited these photos to remove real names*

She had the privilege of serving on the Student Council this year. She helped the little kindergarteners plant flowers earlier in the year and made a few new friends in the process. I was really surprised they chose her....there's still an amazing amount of bias towards kids with disabilites and in her case they assume that she isn't smart....just cuz she can't hear which means she can't "talk"? ( we do sign) PULEEEZ! Do not underestimate my child. (All my kids are smart. :P)

She also received this nice little award with her certificate. It will go on the shelf with her sports and dance trophies.

This one was totally unexpected. The school administrators choose only 3 kids from the two grades to receive this award...not even the teachers knew who would get it. Her interpreter was so excited. Ms Thang was announced second so we can't even tell you who the third child was. lol
I was blown away that they even considered her given the assumptions about the kids in LD (Learning Disabled) classes. I shouldn't have been too surprised...I've walked around the school with her and practically everyone knows this girl. She speaks to everybody...the head custodian is her buddy....the little kids are fascinated watching her sign. It still blows me away though....every time.


Her Citizenship Award pin. I'm really proud of the progress she's made....sorry for bragging but at the same time....I don't take any credit for her achievements. She had the most amazing teachers and the best interpreter ever! She has a classroom full of wonderful kids who accept her as she is and want to look out for her and help her out when they can. We're really gonna miss those kids. I encourage her to do her best and I don't allow her to slack off even when she fakes a headache, tummyache....whatever.....but she did this herself. She's just a great example of what you can do if you put your mind to it...even when there's obstacles in your way.

I will have both bags ready tomorrow for those sweet boys in her class. I can't wait to see the look on their faces!

Hugs!

A Long Week....

I think it must be the excitement of the end of school approaching....kids are busy with end of year stuff and everyone is making plans for the summer....makes the last weeks of school just seem to drag along.

We spent Memorial Day at my sister's house enjoying the pool and my BIL's awesome grilling. He can grill up some seriously good food! Ms Thang's photo pretty much sums up their feelings about summer vacation.

Then we had field day at her school. It was more like "Field Morning" this year. It was over well before lunch which is not typical of the past years. I have no idea why the change but she wanted to hang out at school with her friends rather than leave early. Some of her friends won't be going to the same school with her next year so these are the last few days they will have to see each other.

This is actually after the event was over....they were racing back to the starting point to join back up with the class. Can you believe it was COLD that morning?! I'm so glad we decided on jeans and added the thermal shirt underneath. (I figured if she got hot later...the thermal could be taken off) The kids with just the t-shirts and shorts were freezing. We even had a blanket to cover up with. By afternoon it was sunny and hot....weird weather for May.

This is the latest bag...changed up a little more. Ms Thang gave her bag to her BFF at school. BFF wanted one after seeing the teachers' bags so Ms Thang gave her the one she had. She liked this one better anyway. Now I have two more to make before I can continue with ours...AGAIN. Two of her friends asked me to make them one...both little boys which I thought was strange. When I questioned them....they both said they wanted to give one to their Moms. Awwww....how can you say No to that? They both are very sweet and so protective of my daughter. It's like she has two big brothers with her at school every day so I thought it was the least I could do to say Thanks. They requested their Moms' favorite colors...both pink with blue on one. Now, I just need them finished before next Wednesday. :P

In awesome goodies news....another awesome parcel came from South Africa. Shirl sent these yummy yarns and candy for our tasting enjoyment. I'm talking lots of candy....Jelly Tots, Smarties, Sour Jelly Tots, Sour Bones and the absolute most delicious chocolate ever!! I would have posted photos of the candy but the packages didn't last long....we ripped right into that stuff. Most of them are now in Ziploc bags. lol Well, except for the chocolate which has been entirely consumed. Thanks so much, Shirl and George, too!! We love you!

Off to get this bag off the needles to start the bags for the boys.

Hugs!

Halloween Fun

Here is my baby who is no longer a baby. :( She wanted to be a nurse for Halloween but she looks more like a surgeon. My sister, who is a Medical Lab Tech, gave her the lab coat to complete her outfit. "Ms Thang" insists that she wants to be a nurse when she grows up. I think she would make a very good nurse. She tries to be so helpful and always wants to do a good job and please everybody. She just got her report card and is getting 2 awards...one for writing. This is a major accomplishment for her since writing is one of the hardest things for her. Being deaf makes it difficult for her because sign language is a little different than spoken English. It's hard for her to always get the words in the right order. She is in a self-contained class where she can work on each subject on the grade level that is appropriate for her and she is doing great.

This is "Ms Thang" and her friend "Critter" (Christopher) out Trick or Treating. "Critter" is the son of my best friend/knitting buddy/partner in crime, Froggie (Amy-lynne at Frogiez Place). They had so much fun walking around and getting candy. Froggie's neighborhood is a nice, friendly and safe one so we were able to Trick or Treat the old fashioned way. I so did not want to go into town and fight the awful crowds at all the big events going on. We just don't get any Trick or Treaters in our neighborhood since there aren't many small children, we're too far out in the country, and the houses are too far apart. Cows don't give out candy so nobody's interested. lol

The surgeon/nurse in action. I just thought this was a cool photo with the wild effect the lights made. You can also see the relective strip Froggie put on the kids' pumpkins. She also made sure they had the glow sticks so they would be visible to us and any cars that may pass by. She's a pretty smart Frog...lol

And, last but certainly not least...................

This is a photo of "Major Cuteness" after winning a costume contest. He took first place in the 0-3 year old group. Was Elvis ever this cute? Thank you, thank you very much.

This photo was taken by Nathan Gray of the Anderson Independent Mail. Yay Killian!!!!!!!!

No More Yucky Spider

Okay, enough of the yucky spider. I thought I would post a few photos of cuteness for a nice little change until I have some more knitting to show. This is that cute little nephew of mine playing some basketball in the front yard. He will do this for as long as you will let him. He never gets tired. He tries so hard and he actually does get the ball in from time to time.

He so much cuter than the spider...no offense to the spider but he does creep me out. EEWWWW. Here's some major cute for you, Kandie. I know the spider gives you the creeps too. lol

The Cure For 100 Degrees & Humid

This is my kids' version of the cure anyway. I have to say I agree with them. We are missing one child...my oldest doesn't like the heat and won't get out even to get in the pool. As soon as school got out, we changed into our bathing suits and rushed over to my sister's house where the cooling off began. I tried to get my oldest to come this time but he wasn't having any part of it. At the age of 13, I think he just enjoys hanging around the house with Grandma where it's quiet. Grandma stays in her room most of the time so he has the whole house to himself. I can't say that I really blame him...peace and quiet don't come along that often around here. He missed a lot of fun though. Except for some very eager bees and more than a few frogs, we had a blast. My sister is so afraid of the frogs...I've never seen her run so fast. My youngest daughter loves them and she is our "Frog Whisperer". She is in charge of rounding em up and sending them back into the grass. lol

I always take some knitting along though for breaks. I've started another of Mandy's Candy Bags. My sister wants one to give to someone she works with. I've been taking it along so she can see it "come to life". I will post photos when I get it finished. This one is done in a variegated but it isn't the striping yarn this time. I'm also thinking of changing it up a little so it doesn't look exactly like the other one. Although she isn't a knitter and would never know the difference. lol

This is my nephew again. It's been a little while since I posted a photo of him...he's so cute. He gets his Mommy in the pool every day he can. Can you tell he likes having his picture taken? He's a ham! I couldn't leave him out. He jumps in the pool too...just in the shallow end with Mommy waiting to catch him. I don't think it will be long before he is totally over his fear. He had a good time watching the big kids jump.

When I turned around to look behind me so I could safely back out of my sister's drive-way, this is what caught my eye. I had to take a photo...I do this randomly as the urge strikes (whenever I can remember to take my camera with me). lol I really don't think the photo captured what I was seeing but it was so pretty with the sun setting behind the trees.

Snake Bath Puppet

This is the snake bath puppet I just finished for my nephew. He loves to take baths and uses washclothes I knit for him. I thought this would be more fun than the washcloth. It's designed by Brian and is a free pattern available on his site. There's a link in my side bar if anyone is interested. (BrileyKnits) It's under free patterns...Brian's Designs. I can't wait to give it to my nephew and see how he likes it.

My snake turned out a little "beady eyed"....please don't blame the designer. No where in his pattern does it say "beady eyed" snake. I am just not skilled at sewing on eyes. It was another first for me. I think it adds to his "cuteness". That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

This little guy was fun to knit. I really enjoyed watching him come to life. It was also good practice for me at picking up stitches. I'm pretty comfortable knitting in the round but I've only done one other pattern that required picking up stitches. I will be making more of these for Christmas presents...and it'll give me more practice as well. Brian also has a frog and a duck pattern available. Thanks for sharing these with us, Brian. There are so cute.