Knitting Knurse

2011-01-08T18:23:00.001-08:00

It's been waaaay too long since I've posted on my blog page. A resolution for 2011 is to return to blogging. I need to take some pics and get a few things organized and then I will be up and running. It's been fun to look back at the pictures I've posted in the past . . . they have jogged my memory! WOW, have my kids changed!

WOW!

2009-10-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

WOW! It's been over three years since I last posted to this blog. Where has the time gone! It's fun to see the pictures from "way" back then. How little Mr. Rockstar was!

Bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth . . .

2006-06-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Ha! I didn't, but Carrie, I bet you've taken me off your bloglist! :0 I've just been crazy busy and haven't had a chance to do my blog.

What's happened in the last month:

Morgan got an expander. . .
   OUCH!!!

We got a puppy and have been diligently potty training . . .

The little guy's name is Rocky a.k.a. "Rockstar." We picked him up last Saturday at a friend's brother's farm.

Went to the zoo for Mother's Day . . .


We went to Minnehaha Falls for Memorial Day . . .


Walked the AIDS Walk (6.2 miles). I went with my sister, Rose, and my two cousins Dayna and Lynn.

I've mowed my lawn at least 3 times and was hit by shrapnel last night (I'm okay, but my ankle is sure going to be pretty in a few days!)
Spent an afternoon getting to know my neighbors and their two kids
Getting the kids ready for the end of school and planning the summer activities -- 5 more days left and I'll have a 4th & 5th grader!

I'm sure there's more but I can't think of anything else right now

Going to Girl Scout camp this Saturday with Morgan -- overnight -- will update with pics -- if I remember to bring my camera! :-)

2006-04-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

I read too much Martha Stewart!

Grass

2006-04-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

In celebration of spring and since I had to mow my lawn this week for the first time this year, I thought I'd post a picture of something green! These are chives that I grow in my front yard -- I also have rosemary. I use them for cooking. Last year I had basil (thanks mom & dad) and I'll probably get some again this year since I used it more than the chives last year.

Today was gloomy -- it's supposed to rain until Tuesday so I spent the day organizing papers (finally!), making homemade chicken & dumpling soup and bread (o.k. I cheated with the bread machine) and just putzing around the house. Tomorrow is piano lessons and I'm probably going to make the cookies that I never got around to doing today.

2006-04-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

I know, I haven't blogged in like FOREVER -- it's amazing I still remember my password! I'll try to update this weekend -- and with some pics!

MN Aids Walk

2006-04-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

This year's AIDS walk is scheduled for Sunday, May 21. My sister and I will again be participating in memory of our two cousins, Kerry & Kevin and hopefully we can get a few cousins to join us. It is a 6.2 mile walk and we have had beatiful days to walk in the two years that we've been doing it. Last year, Morgan joined us on her rollerblades . . . Aunt Rosie & I ended up pulling her most of the way! So, I'm dusting off my walking shoes and getting ready to help raise money for AIDS research. Wish me luck . . .

HaPpY EaStEr!!!

2006-04-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

We went to Faribault today to have easter with my folks. The kids had their annual egg hunt -- and I forgot my camera. Go figure!

Yard

2006-04-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Most of the day was spent raking the yard and cleaning out the flower bed in front; however, I did find time to color Easter eggs with the kids. Nathan and I left ours in while we ran to the store to get salad fixins for tomorrow and the dark ones were the end result!

And there's no way JSG has been with the clinic since it opened -- otherwise, he'd be in his 90's!

Tonight, we're watching H*rry Pott*r IV and making popcorn -- it's supposed to storm -- PERFECT!

My First Twins Game

2006-04-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Lilli's first Twins game - Lisa, Craig, Lilli & I went to the home opener. It was a good game, but Craig and I spent more time eating than watching the game! How can you go to the dome and not have a chicago dog or nachos?

Before the game, there was a tribut to Kirby Puckett. 'nuff said.

Good news

2006-04-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

I was asked today if I would work for one of the more senior providers at the clinic. He's been there since it opened or pretty darn near close. His nurse wants to change her hours to part-time which means she wouldn't be available to work for him. They asked if I would do it and of course, I said yes. I feel there's more security in working for one provider although I have enjoyed being a float and will still be able to do that once a week as he is off on Friday's. Bonus -- no more Thursday nights til 7:30 or Friday nights til 6:00. Timeline is to start mid-may. We'll find out if we're good to go soon.

Quello

I should've known

2006-04-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

When you go to the grocery store to get a ribeye steak because you're really craving one and they're all out (yes, all out of ribeyes -- settled for a family steak) and you go to grill it -- make sure you have enough propane 'cause chances are you'll go to flip your steak and the fire will be out. Reminds me of a saying I once heard -- Once you've settled for something you end up with less than you settled for.

Maybe...

2006-04-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

Maybe...
We are supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Maybe...
When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.

Maybe...
It is true that we don't know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

Maybe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Maybe...
The brightest future will always be based on forgotten past; after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures and heartaches.

Maybe...
You should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of and want to do.

Maybe...
The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had. We should all have one.

Maybe...
You should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too.

Maybe....
You should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone.

Maybe...
Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.

Maybe...
Happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.

Maybe...
You shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.

Maybe...
You should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

Maybe.....
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Maybe...
You should try to live your life so that when you die, you are the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Question

2006-04-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

This was my answer to the question at the Club Libby L*u table on Saturday . . .

What's new

2006-04-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

O.k. -- better update on the weekend. Morgan & I took a visit to the ER Friday night. She was hit in the eye with a ball at PK on Friday and she said her eye was sensitive to light and her vision was blurry. So, on hold went the plans to go to Faribault to see the folks and off to the ER for a 2-hour wait we went. Eye's fine.

Faribault on Saturday for lunch . . . Club Libby L*u for Morgan's party in the afternoon . . . Sunday was a birthday party for Morgan's friend Emily at the bowling alley -- it was a lot of fun -- and it was someone else's kids' party!

Nathan didn't feel well on Monday -- sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, ear pain -- and since the kids are rarely sick (knock on wood), I kept him home. Monday p.m. out to dinner with a friend and Tuesday night was the usual night at home with homework, dinner, laundry, etc.

Tonight was Morgan's last skating lesson. She passed to advanced beginners and wants to take lessons again this summer . . .

And sorry about the blogging faux pas -- I went back and updated from last Saturday with pictures. I went back to a my blog from last year -- hey, I still haven't finished the project I blogged on April 2! Ooops!

Time

2006-04-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

Today at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't happen in my lifetime again !

Princess

2006-04-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Morgan is 9! Here's the cake from Grandma & Grandpa Karp's:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!!!

And the girl's after Club Libby L*u on Saturday . . .

From left: Audrey, Emily, Courtney, Shacara, Shawna, Sadie, and Darby. In front: Morgan

ViQueens

2006-03-29T18:05:00.000-08:00

My favorite team of all time announced their fall pre-season schedule. Their first game is August 14. I can hardly wait! That's a little more than 4 months away!

In the meantime, I have our local baseball team to root to victory -- I get to go to the opening game on the 11th again this year with Lisa -- and her new Lilli is joining us for her first baseball game!

It's MY turn!!! :-)

2006-03-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

Every once in a great while, if we have too many nurse's scheduled at the clinic for the amount of providers we have, one of us gets to go home. Today it was MY turn! They sent me home at 2:00. I picked up a few things in my garage, hung a new flag . . . (Picture to go here once I run to the store to get batteries!)

brought some still-unpacked boxes from my move into the house and now I'm just putzing around waiting for Nathan to come home from his weekend at the Dells with Alex. This is so fun! I feel like I'm playing hookie -- BUT I'M NOT!!! :-)

2006 Bloggies

2006-03-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

The 2006 Bloggies are here . . . Check it out!

Flower Show

2006-03-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Friday night a group of us from work went out to celebrate one of the nurse's turning 21. I barely remember when I turned 21. It was half my age ago!

Yesterday, Annette & I went to the flower show at the 8th floor auditorium downtown at Marshall Field's. It wasn't as spectacular as I was expecting, but it was still pretty.







After the flower show, we had dinner at her house -- grilled salmon, asparagas, spring rolls, roasted potatoes and wine. As Carrie says "uber yum."

Today, I finally downloaded songs onto my iPod. I've only had it for 14 months! It's about time, huh? Oh, and I went shopping for Morgan's birthday. Shhh! ;-)

I've been Tagged

2006-03-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

Seven things to do before I die:
1. Finish all my knitting, sewing, quilting projects
2. Travel to all of the states in the union
3. Get my RN degree
4. Fall in love and stay there
5. Win the lottery
6. Declutter
7. Go on a cruise

Seven Things I cannot do:
1. Whistle with my fingers
2. Play the tuba
3. Apply makeup correctly
4. Sing on key
5. Spend a whole day at home without turning on the TV
6. Drink tequila
7. Eat pickled herring

Seven Things that attract me to my mate:
1. I don't have a mate, mate!

Seven Books I love:
1. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
2. Gerald's Game by Stephen King
3. Winter Prey by James Sandford
4. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
5. My Friend Leonard by James Frey
6. Nathan's Baby Book
7. Morgan's Baby Book

Seven Things I say:
1. 'hey there'
2. 'do you take any medications?'
3. 'sweet dreams, sweet dreams, sweet dreams, sweet dreams, sweet dreams'
4. 'I love you more no rainbow block backs one count one enter'
5. 'Are you serious?'
6. 'Hi, my name's Mary'
7. 'how was that for you?'

Seven Movies I've Loved:
1. Serendipity
2. Must Love Dogs
3. Pirates of the Carribean
4. Shrek I & II
5. Pulp Fiction
6. Crash
7. Superstar

March

2006-03-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

I've decided I like March. It's one of my favorite month's because we can get HUGE snowstorms and it doesn't last long. hehe! I was hoping for another snow day for today, but it didn't pan out. We received about 4 inches overnight -- on top of the "a lot" we got sunday/monday and we have winter again!

Happy belated Anniversary to Carrie & Kyle! :-) I hope you two enjoyed your 9th!

And, welcome home, mom & dad!

Look what happened overnight . . .

2006-03-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, there wasn't a speck of snow on the ground -- and look what happened overnight! The kids' school was cancelled. Unfortunately, I still had to work (they stayed with Steve in a.m. and went to friends' house in afternoon). Isn't it beautiful?

I have a kind neighbor that lives down the street. He has a cat and goes to all the houses near the end of the work-day and plows out enough of the driveways that aren't already shoveled to get in the garage. Isn't that sweet???

And, in keeping with our snow day tradition, Morgan and I made chocolate chip cookies tonight.

Thunder Snow

2006-03-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today's forecast is for "thunder snow." Huh?

I went to a greek festival last night with my friends Annette & Jimmy. What a blast! The food was awesome -- catered by "It's Greek to Me," the dancing was very entertaining and the people I met were friendly and nice. I love my greek friends!

Friday night a group of us from work went out to Friday's for happy hour -- one of our nurse's, Gloria, is getting a new knee tomorrow morning so we went out one last time before she's out on leave.

Nathan went to the high school hockey tournament with Grandpa Quiggle Friday night. He had a good time -- they went to a "fancy restaurant," the hockey game and then Nathan stayed at his house! What a fun night for him!

This week -- Monday night's quiet, Tuesday night is a work dinner, Wednesday night is ice skating for Morgan and Thursday night is CPR training for mom. Next weekend will be here before I know it!

Maestro Morgana

2006-03-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

So long Kirby . . .

2006-03-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

Kirby Puckett is gone. I can't believe it. I saw him play in the first game of the 1987 World Series. I met him over a year ago while I was doing my nursing preceptorship. He was a great guy -- dedicated to his sport and had such a BIG heart! It's a sad day.

Miss Lucy

2006-03-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

Boring update . . .

2006-03-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

I don't even remember what the date is today! I had the crud this week -- again. Morgan had ice skating lessons Wednesday p.m. Morgan had a friend over last night and Nathan is having one tonight. Morgan & I had piano lessons today. I finished my last book and am starting another one and starting another baby afghan. Otherwise, we've just been putzing around the house. We're watching Lucy this weekend -- Sandy's (Steve's girlfriend) dog. I'll have a pic tomorrow. Otherwise, pretty boring.

It's Official

2006-02-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

I had my kick-off show and my manager gave me my badge . . . so, it's official! I'm so excited! I had a great party yesterday and already have three shows booked and a lead on a possible "boutique."

(Sorry about the poor-quality picture. The lighting wasn't good, but I wanted to get this picture blogged.)

Weekend . . . so far

2006-02-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

Last night a small group of co-workers went out for happy hour. It was supposed to be reading group night, but it was a bad day at work -- people just seemed very edgey -- so we decided a beer was in order. After happy hour one of the gals, a friend of hers and I went out. They danced -- I shot some pool with a friend that I ran into and haven't seen in quite a while.

Today was spent running errands -- who thought you could spend an hour "shopping" at a hardware store -- cleaning, cooking and picking up GS cookies!

No better way to end the night than a candle-lit warm bath and a good book!

Ice Skating

2006-02-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

I snuck a pic of Morgan at her skating lesson this week!

2006-02-22T02:43:00.000-08:00

Just a pic so this blog isn't so wordy! This was taken at our recent trip up to Ely. It's a classic look for both children, don't you think?

Insomnia

2006-02-22T02:39:00.000-08:00

Any cures for insomnia? I've tried cleaning, watching t.v., casting on a new knitting project, surfing the net, sending away for info on accelerated RN programs, making a shopping list. Nothing is working.

GREAT DAY!

2006-02-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

This Morning: Awesome morning with the kids. The were smiley and happy and ready for a great day!

Today: Fantastic day at work -- was able to work with one of our P.A.'s and the day was interesting, but not too busy!

Tonight: Dinner at Ciatti's for a "nurse's educational evening." Learned about Restless Leg Syndrome. Quite interesting and the food, of course, was fantastic. Seafood Canneloni & Tiramisu -- can't beat that, huh? Last time I was at Ciatti's was in August . . .

Pit Stop: Remembered my friend Annette throws darts at Bumper's on Tuesdays and stopped in for a quick hello and ran into Bekah, whom I haven't seen since about last September.

Bedtime: Now I'm home to watch the last of the women's skating for the olympics and call it a night!

It was a GREAT day!

Reading Group

2006-02-19T17:58:00.000-08:00

We have our second Quello Reading Group meeting Friday p.m. I finished the book this afternoon -- started it late Friday p.m. It was awesome! Honeymoon by James Patterson. I'm sure one could read it in a day if they didn't have anything else on their plate.

Frigid Sunday

2006-02-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

The weekend has been spent mostly inside. We only left to go to piano lessons yesterday and to drop Morgan off at a friends to go swimming at the Y and to pick-up Nathan from spending Friday night at Alex's house. Today, we're just hanging out, cleaning, reading and doing laundry. Perfect things for a COLD Sunday afternoon in February. P.S. It's 18 degrees outside -- got up to a balmy 10 degrees yesterday. Mom & Dad -- miss Minnesota yet??? Can you take us with you next year???

GS International Festival

2006-02-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

It was the GS International Festival tonight. The girls didn't want their pictures taken, so I took a picture of Joelle, our GS leader. The International Festival is an outing where each troop picks a country and they do a project for the outing. It can be food, a hands-on art project or something that teaches the other troops about the country they've chosen. Our troop picked the patch booth -- the girls from all troops can decorate a patch and one is chosen to represent the outing for this year.

4th Grade Performance

2006-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Nathan had his fourth grade performance tonight. They sang a variety of songs about the United States, then we all went to the classrooms to look at the floats and A-Z projects the students did on the various states. They were all wonderful and the singing was fabulous! I also had lunch today with Morgan and a couple of her friends. It was a great day!

Update on secret admirer #2

2006-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

The secret admirer has been located. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the beautiful flowers on Val Day!

Future Olympian

2006-02-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

Morgan started figure skating lessons tonight. Her dad bought her this beautiful skating outfit to wear. She didn't want any pictures of her skating at her lesson, so I'll try to sneak one for next time!

Update on my secret admirer

2006-02-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

O.k. The neighbor girl thinks she saw a yellow Jeep-like truck pull into my driveway last night. Hmmm. I don't know anyone with a yellow Jeep-like truck. This really has me puzzled. Do I have a stalker or a secret admirer? Secret Admirer, please stand up!

'Fess Up

2006-02-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

O.k. Someone left these flowers at my house between 6:00 when I went to the grocery store and 7:30 when my friend picked me up to go out for Valentine's Day. There was no card. Who was it???? You tell me what kind of wrapping it was in and I'll believe you.

P.S. Thank you VERY MUCH!!!! :-)

Happy Heart Day!

2006-02-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's Day . . . Happy Heart Day to you all!

Lilli

2006-02-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

This is what I got to do yesterday -- watch Lilli for the afternoon! She's such a cutie-pa-tootie!

Post Secret

2006-02-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

Thomas gave me a book for Christmas -- Post Secret. It was one of my favorite presents this year (go figure, considering . . . ) It's a compilation of people's deepest secrets -- some funny, goofy, sad, depressing and outright scarey. I have enjoyed reading it; laughed, cried, cringed.

The book has given me food for thought, which is one good thing Thomas was also good at. "What's your favorite thing in this room?"

Carrie gave me this link to Post Secret's website. Check it out!

Nathan & Steve

2006-02-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

Nathan had his Boy Sco*t blue and gold banquet tonight. Here he is being goofy with his dad.

Then went out with Jimmy . . . P.S. Thanks for the pizza and wine -- and wonderful conversation! :-)

Socks

2006-02-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Carrie made me this great yarn for Christmas -- she dyed it with Cool-Aid and she's teaching me how to knit socks. We spent the afternoon together shopping at a local yarn store and working on our projects.

And thanks for the tips on picture taking, Carrie!

Here's Miss Carrie with her project . . .

Bump's

2006-02-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

I went out to Bumper's for the first time since Thanksgiving. The more things change, the more they stay the same. So much to gossip about! Was home in time to watch the end of the opening cermonies, though!

Nathan

2006-02-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

Here's Nathan with his float. He had a big school project due this week -- had to make a float and an A to Z book on a U.S. state -- he picked Hawaii -- and he has his new glasses on -- isn't he adorable???

5 Guilty Pleasures

2006-02-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

5. Beringer White Merlot or Big Fat Frog Chardonnay
4. Food Network
3. Sleeping in
2. Millstone Chocolate Velvet coffee and the sunday paper
1. Talking in my "big" chair

Tam

2006-02-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

Went to a party to watch the final game of the season -- here's my friend Tam -- her team didn't win :-( but we still had fun! :-)

My favorite . . .

2006-01-31T22:15:00.000-08:00

Pet

He's awesome . . . knows when I want to cuddle, knows when I don't feel well and always knows when my tootsies need to be kept warm!

Warning: Long Update!!!

2006-01-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

Nathan had his Pinewood Derby last Friday night. It was fun, but his car didn't do that well this time around -- something about the wheels and graphite. I, unfortunately, didn't get any good pictures at this year's Derby -- just one of Nathan sitting with his friends . . .
(Mine's the handsome guy in the front with the gray/white/blue striped shirt!)

I took the kids to Ely last weekend. I checked out the yarn shop and finally purchased some yarn -- took me three trips to Ely to finally figure out what to buy, but I got some great yarn to make some "convertible" mittens -- glove/mitten combo.

I won't be starting that project for a while, but at least I can say when I finish them that they are special because they are made with "Ely" yarn. Saturday night, we went out with the Murawski clan for dinner and then back to Roger & Deb's for a Christmas celebration -- and Sue's 60th birthday.

Sunday we went to the Wolf Center. One of the gentlemen that works there was able to "lure" the wolves to the glass for us to see them up close, but I have to admit Carrie's picture that she posted on her blog turned out much better than ours. This "little guy" is Malik.

On the way out of Ely, we ran into an accident -- o.k., not literally, but I did pull aside and offer help. Hopefully all that were involved in the accident are now o.k. Then went to Fortune Bay Resort on Lake Vermillion for a nite of arcade and swimming action. Threw a quick $10 into the slots with no luck. (Big surprise!)

Monday we slowly ventured home and stopped at Embarrass -- a.k.a. "The Cold Spot" This year's record low: January 17, 2005 -54
All-time record low: February 2, 2006 -59

Biwabik -- home of "Honk the Moose" and stopped for lunch

and the Wellstone Memorial --

Friday night I had my work's first reading group get-together. It was a blast -- ended the night disco dancing -- yeah, we got a little crazy!

Last night I went to Annette's for dinner and gossip and today Morgan and I went to lunch.

And, I've changed positions at Quello -- I will now be what we call a "float." I will be assisting a variety of providers -- basically filling in where needed.

Yesterday it rained -- today it snowed. Minnesota winters are so fickle.

Tonight it's laundry and Gr*y's Anatomy -- tomorrow night Morgan and I start piano lessons.

BTW, if any of you want Girl Scout cookies -- they're available. Give me a call if you're interested.

Weekly Update . . .

2006-01-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

This last week Morgan was "Special Person" in her class.
Steve, Sandy and I went to her class Friday and watched as she presented pictures of her from birth-to-now to her classmates and answered questions. We then joined her for lunch.

Nathan is reading Eragon (did I spell that right) and really enjoying it. He's been reading it every night!

It was a slow week for me at work. Dr. Jones was hospital doc so I "floated" a couple days and worked with some other providers the other days.

Today, I've been putting away Christmas decorations, doing laundry, trying to sneak a bit of the playoff-game in and preparing for company tonight -- the menu? Linguine with white clam sauce (one of my favs), ceaser salad, bread, wine, and tiramisu cheesecake. Yum, yum!

I did it all by myself . . .

2006-01-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud of myself! All I need to do to finish is touch up the paint from where the old thermostat was.

Had the clinic holiday party last night. It was a blast! We had dinner, a comedy act and then a dj. I won a door prize -- gift certificate to Applebe*'s.

A rare sibling moment . . .

2006-01-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

The kids were watching a movie and I snuck a pic!

Book Worm

2006-01-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

The book on the right is the one I finished last night -- awesome! The book on the left is the one I'm starting tonight -- I've had my eye on it for a while and received it as a gift today. Thanks, Carrie & Thomas!

Plate & Jam Jar

2006-01-03T05:06:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this new plate I bought at a hobby store in Mankato recently. It goes so well with the handmade jam jar that my mom made many years ago . . .

Isn't it beautiful together?

Update on the felted needle-case -- I received an e-mail, to which I promptly replied, from the magazine today asking me some questions regarding the project. Maybe they'll have some ideas forthcoming. I really need to finish the project before I can start on the socks that Carrie bought me supplies for as a Christmas gift.

Today was back to work for me and back to school for the kids. To bed early tonight, I believe . . .

My favorite . . .

2006-01-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

Potato Chips! Never go to a grocery store hungry -- you'll end up with an expensive bag of potato chips that just so happen to suddenly become your favorite! Just enough black pepper to make them a little spicey, but not overwhelming.

Carrie's Christmas Present

2006-01-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is Carrie's Christmas present. It's going to be a felted needle-case for her knitting needles. I know, I'm not done yet and Christmas is over, but I ran into some trouble. I'm half done and running out of green yarn. It's supposed to use two balls for the whole thing and I'll need twice that. I checked with the magazine that the pattern came from and they don't have any updates to the pattern. I also checked the local yarn shop and they are out of that color green. Onto Plan D. I'm going to switch colors to the hot pink and make it a two-tone needle case. I'll post a pic again when it's complete.

P.S. Thanks, Carrie, for putting the buttons back on my blog!

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great new year's eve -- I went to three parties and spent the night at Annette's so I didn't have to drive with all the crazies out there! The kids and I have been watching movies today and the last football game of the season for our favorite team.

Tomorrow is the last day of winter break for the kids -- hmmmm, what should we do?

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow . . .

2005-12-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to this morning. Isn't it beautiful??? Don't you miss the snow, mom & dad?

My wonderful neighbor snowblowed my driveway this morning for me. What a nice surprise!!!

Things

2005-12-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Things a person shouldn't do the day after Christmas:

-work
-shop -- unless you need groceries
-be in a hurry
-be sick

Things a person should do the day after Christmas:

-sleep in
-put your fuzziest socks on, cuddle under a blanket and grab a good book or movie (catch up on Netfl*x!!!)
-have a fire, bottle of wine and a good meal

Merry Christmas

2005-12-25T15:03:00.000-08:00

I've had a great Christmas and it's hard to believe it's almost over for another year. The kids and I were able to spend yesterday afternoon with Sue, Steve, Carrie and Kyle. We had a good time opening gifts, eating food and chatting. The kids and I then came home and had our little Christmas here and then went to bed to wait for Santa. He came about 2:00 this a.m. and boy, did he have a hard time eating 8 carrots, about 5 cookies and a glass of milk in the middle of the night! He was kind to us, though, and we had fun opening Santa gifts this a.m. and eating cinnamon rolls. Steve has the kids this afternoon and I believe they are having a traditional turkey dinner -- I must be hungry. I keep talking about food!

I received a call from the folks in Hawaii and they are enjoying a nice warm day with fresh bananas and relaxation. Mele Kalikimaka!!!

I'm off to make seafood enchiladas -- have a new recipe! Have a great rest of your Christmas everyone! May you have received everything you wanted, made good memories with your friends and family and will Santa please bring the Vikings a win?????

My favorites . . .

2005-12-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

My favorite Christmas decoration . . .

A Department 56 replica of the 1992 St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Palace. This was purchased for me by my ex-father-in-law and I have loved it ever since.

My favorite Christmas ornament . . .

This year, it has to be the new Chicken Little ornament and the mini-sweater and mini-sock that Carrie knit.

Christmas Get-to-Know-You

2005-12-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

My friend Kahle sends me these cute little questionnaire's every now and again and this one was particularly fitting for the Christmas season . . .

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog -- as long as it's Steve's Grandpa's
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? He wraps them, of course!
3. Colored lights or white? Depends on what works when I plug them in!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, maybe I should.
5. When do you put your decorations up? When I get around to dragging all the decorations in from the garage -- usually about 2 weeks before Christmas.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Stuffing at Karp's; rumaki at Toensing's.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Following fishing line all over the house when the one end was attached to my present and my dad bringing me mom's gifts from Santa to wrap for him.
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? usually
9. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? spritz
10. Snow . . . Love it or Dread it? love it unless it's a lot to shovel
11. Can you ice skate? yes
12. Do you remember your favorite gift? Department 56 Ice Palace
13. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? spending time with my family
14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? cookies
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? spending time with my family playing games that we got for gifts
16. What tops your tree? This year -- a star
17. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? giving -- especially when I find the "perfect" gift!
18. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
19. Candy Canes, yum or yuk? Yuk. Yuk. Yuk.
20. Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Christmas Eve -- 'cause my kids go to their dad's Christmas Day!
21. Chocolate covered cherries or peanut brittle? how about my mom's macadamia nut brittle?
22. What was your most unusual Christmas gift ever? Hmmmm.
23. Eggnog or wine? wine.
24. Real or artificial tree? artificial -- I hate vacuuming up pine needles in July
25. Favorite "getting ready for Christmas" activity? making cookies
26. Which side of the family is more fun to be with on Christmas? mine!
27. How long do you leave your Christmas tree up after Christmas? til I get motivated to take it down
28. What makes you cry at Christmas? kids figuring out that Santa's not real
29. What makes you the happiest at Christmas? being with my friends and family . . . and eating cookies!
30. Lefse or lutefisk? Yuk. Yuk. Yuk.
31. What is your ultimate wish for the world this Christmas? that everyone can take a few minutes to celebrate Jesus' birthday and the true meaning of Christmas.

My how time flies!

2005-12-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

Has it really been nine years, Sue & Steve, that we first me at Cherokee? It seems I've known you all my life and I guess in a way I have -- I'm so glad I finally made the decision to find you and that you were so easy to find. I hope your life has had peace since we have met and become not only parents and daughter, but friends as well. I love you guys. XOXOX

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2005-12-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Grandma Karp. I hope you are enjoying the warm weather in Hawaii. The kids -- and I -- miss you and Morgan is reading Win Dixie and enjoying the book. And Nathan is practicing his keyboard skills -- and singing on the microphone.

My elf name . . .

2005-12-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas Elf Name

My Christmas Elf Name is

Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Thanks for the fun website, Carrie.

Check out this fun website!

2005-12-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Make your own snowflake!

You have to give them your initials, state and e-mail address, but it's fun!

Saturday

2005-12-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

I am so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. It has been an absolutely crazy week. I'm too old for this.

Thanks, Jenny, for the fun, relaxing Christmas party tonight. I need to finish my Christmas shopping this weekend, make some more cookies, figure out what I'm doing for Christmas cards/letter, clean my house, finish the laundry and wrap Christmas gifts. Please, don't anyone call me before noon tomorrow. I need to rest before I get all this done. And, I hope my friend Jolie comes through with a ticket to the MV/PS game. Please, please, please! :-)

Congratulations!!!

2005-12-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Steve, you bowled a perfect 300 game tonight. I'm proud of you!!!

I have way too much to do for Christmas.

We had snow this week -- lots! It was fun to finally get a storm worthy of snowblowing (thanks Dave)!

BTW -- miss you Pete & Mom & Dad -- you left just in time!

Perfect Saturday

2005-12-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning "procrastinating," went to Faribault to pick up my sister and then to Mankato to shop at the hobby store. Stopped at the grocery store for some goodies, came home and took a nap and made one of the best meals I've made in a long time . . . with a little help from the "big fat frog." This is a pic that I took at my sister's. If you look hard enough, you can see a big fat cardinal waiting for me to leave.

Miss Lisa & Princess Lilliana

2005-12-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

Last night I went over to Lisa's house and got to hold Lilliana for a while. She's so beautiful! I can't believe my kids were ever this little.

Test

2005-11-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

I'm showing Pete how to Blog . . . just testing.

What kind of drink am I?

2005-11-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

This reminds me of the game that my family played last Saturday at my folks' house.

You Are a Margarita

You aren't just the life of the party, you are the party!
You mix a good drink, bust out some great music, and know how to get down.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

Crud

2005-11-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

I'm home with the crud today -- chest congestion, body aches, chills, pain in the back and sides of the neck (no funny comments, please) and headache. Since I decided I'd better not be prone all day, I surfed a bit and found this -- what do y'all think? Does it sound like me?

Your Birthdate: June 13

You're dominant and powerful. You always need to be in charge.
While others respect your competence, you can be a bit of a dictator.
Hard working and serious, you never let yourself down.
You are exact and accurate - and you expect others to be the same way.

Your strength: You always get the job done

Your weakness: You're a perfectionist to a fault

Your power color: Gray

Your power symbol: Checkmark

Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Early Christmas

2005-11-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Karp's was early again this year. Here are three of my nephews opening their Christmas goodies.

And Jon being silly with the raccoon grandpa shot . . .

Skol Vikings!!!

2005-11-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

Nathan and I were able to go to the Vikings game this last Sunday, thanks to Grandpa Woods! The seats were awesome and Nathan & I had a great time rooting on the home team to victory!

Mmmmmmmmmm

2005-11-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

Gobble, Gobble!

2005-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Highlights of the week:

-made Christmas cookies all day with Mary last Saturday
-had a friend over for dinner and then went out for a couple drinks, a live band and a little dancing
-delivered Thanksgiving meals to the poor on Sunday with the girl scouts then had them over for a pizza party & Uno
-worked late Tuesday for allergy clinic
-Pete's going away at Bump's last night
-kids are off school til Monday
-work tomorrow
-caught up on laundry
-finished my book . . . A Million Little Pieces

Sunday's Pizza Party

The Gourmet Chef

2005-11-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

Oysters Labukas

2005-11-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Neighbor Pete is moving to Florida soon and I'm over here tonight setting up a blog for him so that he can keep his crazy Minnesota friends updated as to his goings-on. The rum is flowing, the tropical gourmet meal is on it's second course -- Oysters Labukas (I'm done setting up his blog and he still has three courses to go -- he, he) and The Allman Brother are on the CD. What a perfect way to spend a Monday night . . .

November

2005-11-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's been a month since I updated. I went back and updated my blog . . . not to make it look like I've been actually keeping it up-to-date since October 8 (we all know that's not possible), but to put everything in order. So make sure you go back to the end of October for a complete overview!

It's been a great fall for bonfire's -- have been to two in the last month but haven't perfected pictures in the dark yet!

Chinese Lantern

2005-11-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

Morgan and Aunt Rosie

2005-11-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Making Christmas cookies!

Nathan is 10!

2005-11-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you . . . Happy Birthday to you . . . Happy Birthday to Nathan . . . Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!

Madeline Louise Sevcik

2005-10-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world Madeline Louise Sevcik!

(Pics of Madeline forthcoming.)

Bus Trip to Wisconsin

2005-10-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Mary and I went on the third annual bus trip to the casino and Pine Creek, WI. We had a blast. There were about 30 people on the bus and great fun was had by all. The bar we went to in WI is a p*ck*r bar (i just can't say it) so Mary and I made sure were wore our ViQueens gear!

Charli*'s Angel's

2005-10-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Some of the clinic nurse's and ma's went to a dinner at Enj*y! tonight. There was a talk about allergies. The food was really good and the talk was interesting. My friend Tamara and I had to play Charli*'s Angel's because Tamara left her key at home. When I went to drop her off afterwards, we realized we were locked out. We went to a friend's house to borrow a ladder and Tamara climbed over her mom's patio and onto hers to get in through the door. It was quite interesting -- one of those things where you had to be there to really enjoy the hilariousness of it all.

Wolf Center

2005-10-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

While we were in Ely the kids and I stopped at the Wolf Center. We spied three of the wolves . . .

Those weren't it . . . here's one!

The End of the Road

2005-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went up to Ely October 14-16 to help celebrate my birth-uncle's 50th birthday. We went to dinner at a restaurant at the end of the road . . . literally. If you wanted to go any further, you'd have to hike. Can you see Canada???

Morgan and Steve

2005-10-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here's Morgan and her Dad at the SO Third Grade performance. They did square dancing and Morgan got to pick a partner to join her . . . she picked her daddy!

Happy Birthday to you . . .

2005-10-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my birthdad . . .

and Lilliana Ruby Carpentier . . .

Born 10-11-2006

Sloth

2005-10-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've been a sloth today. It was a topsy-turvy week -- two nights late and three days early for work. One of the doctors left the clinic so there was a going away for him last night at Bob's. It was fun. The people I work with are a riot! I'm off to the MOM this afternoon with Lisa to do a little window shopping -- we both decided we need to get out of our respective houses and get some walking in!

I searched for Bon Jovi tickets today. They're playing 11/11 and I thought for S&G I would see if there was anything good available. Well, if I want to go by myself I can get a crappy ticket, but there was nothing for two or more people to sit together. Unbelievable! How can an 80's hair band still be so popular???? Wait . . . I was looking for tickets wasn't I?

Knitting update: Been working on one of the 8-hour baby afghans. Want to finish the Walk in the Woods sweater so I can wear it in Ely next weekend. All I have to do is sew the sleeves in!

Mouse count: 5

Faerie House

2005-10-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is my new faerie house that I bought at the RenFest this year. I love faerie houses but they're a little on the spendy side. This is my second faerie house and it's in my front garden right in front of my sedum. The sedum blooms a red-copper color and looks great with the copper colored faerie house in front of it!

My kids have spent most of the weekend with play dates -- we have had additional children with us all weekend. I need to put the kibosh on this one -- quickly! Yesterday we went to Faribault to harvest our pumpkins. I forgot my camera so I have no pictures to share. Then we went to my sister and brother-in-laws for a bonfire. Didn't stay long -- unruly children prevailed!

My October knitting goals:

1. Finish my "Walk in the Woods" sweater
2. Finish a belt I'm making out of ladder yarn
3. Knit a Vikings hat
4. Make two eight hour baby afghans
5. Work on the "Play Time" baby blanket I started a while ago

P.S. Carrie -- I got a kick out of the "Free Mullet Removal" sign you have a snapshot of on your blog!

Tucker

2005-10-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

Tucker died. Of course, this isn't him now -- this was him some time ago. We will have a formal ceremony tomorrow. May he rest in peace.

Nathan

2005-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

This is why you don't see many pictures of Nathan on our blog. He sees a camera and . . .

Rose

2005-09-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Rose

This rose was left at my house on Sunday by a friend (hmmmm). It is a beautiful peach color and still had dewdrops on it when I found it.

I have not been smoking for 9 days 22 hours. I have saved $21.70 and added 18 minutes to my life.