What we’ve been up to…

Hello.

I promised some pics from this week so here you go:

I took the whole week off from work to hang out with the kids (Bubba’s on Fall Break) and let the hubby sleep.  We took a break from cleaning house to have some ice cream with Grandma.

Started a sock in some pretty sock yarn…

Turkey Day:

Mom was gracious enough to help her non-turkey-cooking daughter with the turkey and ham cooking while I prepared all the fixins.  I made mac’n'cheese, green bean casserole, turnip greens, and german chocolate cake.  And because she is awesome, she also threw in some rice, sweet potato, and made some of the cooked turkey into turkey adobo (our new Thanksgiving tradition).  Everything was perfect.  Thanks Mom!

Jim and Gordo joined us too. 

After lunch (we serve Turkey dinner at lunchtime because Jim has to go to work at 1), we took a drive to the lake to take some family pictures. 

(These were just some of the outtakes)

Mom and Gordon came along too.

After the lake, we drove back home.  It was warm enough outside (60’s) so we let the kids play outside.

We brought out the Barbie car so the little ones can take it for a spin…

Lai got nervous from Nacho’s driving skills, so she got off and rode the bike instead.

Ty and Bubba were tossing the football around.

This week’s been flying by. 

How’s your week?

-L

Giving Thanks

Thankful for family.

Thankful for our health.

Thankful for peace.

Thankful for joy.

Thankful for turkey.

Thankful for all the fixin’s.

Thankful for abundance in all things good.

Thankful for all the love in my life.

Today (and everyday) is a blessing and I am ever so grateful to God and His grace.

I am full and happy. Watching the kids play and football and some knitting.  This week has been so awesome. 

I hope all’s well with you.

 

I’ll be back with pictures…

-L

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dude, is that snow? and Flashback Friday!

We had some flakeage this morning.  And IT WAS C.O.L.D. 

I was checking my photobucket and found an album I forgot about.  Took me back.  Like way back.  Would you like to trip with me down memory lane? 

 Let’s go:

Yeah, boyeee!  That’s me Gords, and Glenn.  Check out that fly stereo system in the background.  That thing used to blast out some ABBA and Englebert Humperdink like nobody’s business.  Disco-fever at our house, baby!

Awww.

I remember that day.  Dad took us to Lion’s Park and snapped pics of us as we played.  I love this one the most. 

After church.   This pic reminds me of Ty’s “picture smile”.  My brothers and I knew that skill early too, being kids of a photographer. heh.

Let’s move on to the high school years, shall we?   The years where I was very ackward and shy.  Can you believe I was voted “Most Bashful” in my senior superlatives?  I know, right?  Hard to believe. 

This was my freshman year.  Yes, that is a uniform. 

That’s me.  With all that hair.  On your right.  Straddling the sign.    Yeah.
Carly made me do it.

Me and my best friend Marsh.  We’re in class, studying hard.  Ha

Umm… yeah.  Don’t know what’s going on here.  This is Marsh again.  In my kitchen. 

The seniors took a trip to the Fono (the “parliament” of Samoa) where we took a tour and had lunch with the Governor. 

Me, Clara, Carly and Alice goofing off during lunch.

Alice, Carly, Teuila, Marsh and me.  Junior year, Samoan Week. 
Every year our school celebrated the Samoan culture with a week of activities.  The entire school was divided into 4 groups.  They mixed all the Freshmans, Sophmores, Juniors and Seniors in each group and we elected leaders who organized the group dances, and competitions in Samoan activities (like coconut-husking and racing), and we even got to design a traditional Samoan outfit made with Flowers and leaves to be judged by a board of teachers, principals and others.  Monday to Thursday each team would gather for practice after lunch (instead of our usual 6th and 7th period classes) to prepare for the big event Friday.  On Friday, all the groups would compete in all the games, dances, and song-singing activities in front of the judges, bishop, priests, matai’s (chiefs), parents, etc.  It was a big deal.  These outfits were the traditional puletasi’s collectively designed by each group.    I remember this week being dreadful and very exciting at the same time.  All the practicing and bickering and getting out of class and getting to hang out with other people not in your class. It was a great time.

Senior year.  Baccalaureate Mass.
Margaret, Marsh, Carly, Nikki, Alice, me and Teuila.

 
Senior Prom. 
Mr. Matt. Our history teacher.
All the girls swooned over this guy. Poor Mr. Matt.

My senior picture.  I know, I know, it’s ghetto.

Just for kicks, here’s the hubby his senior year:

Isn’t he cute?

More to come.  This’ll be the new Friday ritual.  Quote Friday was kinda dumb.

Have a great weekend!

-L

Randomness and nostalgia

Happy Hump Day, y’all.

Random photo session:

I whipped out my camera yesterday and snapped some pictures of the inside of the train station at Riverfront.

The archways in the ceiling are beautiful, aren’t they?  It’s cave-like and gothic. Kinda spooky. But oh-so-cool. Now, the floor of the place was not nearly as pretty as the ceiling. It was linoleum, I think, but I don’t really remember it was so mediocre.  But who really ever looks down anyway, right?

A handful of people were huddled up to the heaters inside the station because it was freezing out…

The view from inside.  So colorful.

 Nostalgia:

My son sent me some pics from his cell phone.  These were taken on the weekend of Brennan’s birthday sleepover.

From the left:  Brennan giving Pat a piggy-back ride, Caleb, Ty, and 2 boys I have yet to meet.

Caleb, Justin and Ty

Goofballs..

This one is a better pic of Caleb and Ty.  I took this last week when I dropped Ty off at school.  You can’t really tell, but Ty is so embarassed here.  My poor kid is trained to smile his “picture smile” no matter how he’s feeling.  This is from all his years with a snap-happy mom around. heh.

I can’t believe I have a high-schooler.  Where’s my baby?

*sigh*

  Cherish your little ones, they don’t stay little long….

-L

* Did you see my avatar on the sidebar?  I chose the plus-size body, and she’s still skinnier than me.  haha.  She’s pretty hot though, right?  I think I did a great job.  Indeed I did. 

Who turned off the heat?

Brrr!

It was a crisp 30 degrees outside waiting for the train this morning. 

Yes, I know the northern folk have already had some snow and freezing temps, but I am still an island girl to the core and cannot get used to this cold.  I miss the beach….

Anyway, guess what I started?

 

Yes, another So You Think You Can Hat.  I’m making this for someone. 

And I wanted to share a full pic of the first hat:

So red and so pretty.

It is soooo soft.

And here’s a pic of Nacho when he and Daddy came to have lunch with me last Friday:

He’s getting so big.  You should have a conversation with this little guy.  It’s astounding and quite profound.

I have a video to share.  I have to figure out how to do that here.

Be back soon. 

-L

Birthdays

In honor of my siblings’ birthdays I am posting some old pics of good old times…

Lloyda:

Lloyda was born November 16th 1985 to a lovely family we considered our own.  We adopted her into our family just moments after her entry into this world.  I was so happy to finally have a little sister.

Life with my little sister has had it’s ups and downs, just as her life with me, I’m sure.  All in all though, she’s been a blessing.  She’s looked up to me, wanting to emulate me and impress me, like all little sisters to their older siblings.  But most of all, she loved me.  I couldn’t ask for more in a little sister.

Happy Birthday, Lloyda

Love,
Your big sis.

 

Glenn:

This picture made me smile to myself, because that’s how things were with us growing up.  My poor mom.  She had us 18 months apart.  As this picture shows, we were a handful.  So much so, that she hired a full-time nanny to help her.  Mind you, she was also a full-time teacher.  Anyway, this was us.  Me coniving and manipulating my way and my brother blatantly defying her in her face.  My mother is a saint.  Come to think of it, things are still kind of like this picture now.  My brother incessantly emailing for help, and me trying to help her keep her head above water while she worries and worries and worries.  Now, I am crying…

Glenn, it’s been a blast growing up with you.  You were such a spazz.  I remember vividly all the wild things you would do and say.  I was entertained, annoyed, delighted by, pissed off at, you name it.  It was never a dull moment with you around.  In all our years together, I can say that I was never afraid of you.  You never picked on me (like you did our little brother and sister).  I don’t know if it was because you were afraid of Dad and the wrath that you would feel if you messed with his little princess, or if you really liked me.  But I know that you loved me, just like a big brother should.  You protected me from the 5th grade bully, who turned his bullying to you when you stepped in.  You may not remember that, but I do.  On your day today, know that your little sister is here on the other side of the world, on your side, praying for you, thinking of you, loving you. 

It’s been 16 years since we’ve seen each other.  I hope the 16 years have been kind to you.  Enjoy your day and cherish this new year.  Let’s pray together that one day soon we can give each other a hug again, and sit and catch up on each others’ lives.  Until then, email will just have to do.

 

Happy Birthday Glenn!

-L

A new hat

I whipped this up this past weekend.  I lurve it.

We spent the weekend piddling around at home.  Watched some kid-friendly movies, some football, and ate some coco-rice (Yum!)  It was cold out so we decided to have family day at home.  It was really nice.  I feel well-rested today for a change.  

Details for the hat:
Pattern: So You Think You Can Hat (Ravelry link – it’s free to sign up)
Yarn:  Berroco Comfort worsted
Needles:  US 6, and US 7 circs and dpns (for decreasing)
Mods:  Cast on 108 (one extra pattern repeat) for a more slouchy hat.
Date started:  11/14/08
Date completed: 11/16/08

Yesterday was my little sister’s birthday and today is my big brother’s.  They are 36 and 23 respectively.  I haven’t seen my brother in 16 years and my sister in a month (? maybe longer).  One is purely because of location, and the other, well, I cannot discuss that here.  I’ll leave it in God’s hands.  I’m praying for the both of them as they celebrate another year.  Wherever they are, and whatever they are doing,  I hope for the best for each of them.  And that one day, we can all see each other again.  And hang out, just like old times…

Well, dear reader.  It’s another cold and dreary day here in the south.  It’s forecasted  to be a high of 48 today and tomorrow will be 44.  Brr.  Great weather for my knits! 

For family:
Tyler’s football season has come to an end.  Varsity lost their playoff game against Hillsboro.  Tyler did get to play though.  It was all very exciting.  Unfortunately I did not go.  It was too cold to take the babies out and my mom had to work early the next day.  He got to run the ball!  According to DH, he ran hard and got 5 yards!  I bet he looked so small out there… 

Bubba got his progress report.  He is still in the honor roll.  There was also a lovely note from his teacher commending him.  She also said that he was on his way to the Principal’s List (Straight A’s) Yay!  What a difference from last year.  Progress reports last year meant another request for a parent-teacher conference.  Big difference.  I think it’s partly because he is older and more mature now, but mostly, I honestly think it is the teacher.  I think Bubba either didn’t like his teacher last year, or she didn’t like him.  That was the impression I got on one of the conferences we attended (Bubba came with us).  But I am so glad that is over.  I’m happy Bubba’s found his grove as far as school goes.  We were really starting to worry he was going down the wrong path… 

Nacho and Lai are hanging out with Mom today.  DH will be getting his rest. 

That’s all.

Thanks for stopping by!

-L

One word meme

Where is your mobile phone? pocket

Where is your significant other? sleeping

Your hair colour? black
Your mother? awesome

Your father? far

Your favourite thing? yarn

Your dream last night? forgotten

Your dream goal? happiness

The room you’re in? stuffy

Your hobby? knitting

Your fear? tornadoes

Where do you want to be in 6 years? retired

Where were you last night? home

What you’re not? well-rested

One of your wish-list items? zune

Where you grew up? samoa

The last thing you did? eat

What are you wearing? jeans

Your TV? off

Your pets? none

Your computer? fickle

Your mood? sleepy

Missing someone? always
Your car? huge
Something you’re not wearing? smile
Favourite shop? yarnshop

Your summer? hot

Love someone? muchly

Your favourite colour? red

When is the last time you laughed? today

When is the last time you cried? movie

I could’ve gone so many ways with this one, but I am a good girl… today. Ha!

PEACE!

-L

Friday again

Some old pics of smiling babies… my babies

 Another weekend is upon us.  I so look forward to Fridays, even more so lately since work’s becoming more and more unbearable. But I digress.  We will go to the gym again tomorrow morning for my weekly dose of exercise. heh. Then the rest will be gravy.  No other plans.  Just some recharging and family bonding. 

I’ve cast on for 2 new projects.  I finished the other Felicity hat in tan.  No, no pictures.  I’m being lazy.   Surprise…..

Kinda feeling blah. Can you tell?  I hope it’s not the cold a coworker had for 4 days.  He was in the office yesterday hacking up a lung.  It sounded terrible.  Fortunately, he was not in today, it was quiet in the office.  So maybe tomorrow I can just sleep so I can nip this in the bud.  mmmm. That sounds like a brilliant idea.  I’ll check in later. 

Have a great weekend.

-L

A forwarded email…

I got this from my dad in a forwarded email titled “Crochet a Doll”  You may have seen this before, but I wanted to share it here. It made me smile:

 CROCHET A DOLL

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had
shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no
secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe
box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to
open or ask her about. 
 
 
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not
recover. 

 In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife’s bedside.

She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money
totaling $95,000.
 

He asked her about the contents. ‘When we were to be married,’ she said, ‘my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.’

The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two
times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

‘Honey,’ he said, ‘that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?’

‘Oh,’ she said, ‘That’s the money I made from selling the dolls.’ 

 
I see you smiling too!

Have a good evening

-L

Yellow

I meant to blog yesterday but I kept getting an error message about being blocked or something. 

Anyway, I’m here now.  It’s raining and dreary outside today.  I am wearing yellow to brighten things up around here, hence the title.

We’ve been indulging in some ice cream.  My family loves the stuff.  Hot weather, cold weather, any weather’s good for ice cream with us.  We do not discriminate.

Here are the kids enjoying some fruit popsicles while watching iCarly iGo to Japan.  Note the smiles. 

Nothing much else around these parts.  Knitting and reading here and there.  Watching movies more because it’s too cold (and wet) for the park.  Tonight’s Knit Night. 

I’ll be back tomorrow with the post I intended for yesterday.

-L

Nature photo shoot

Fall is so pretty here in the south.  I have been trying to capture the colors on “film”.  Here are some of the photos I took just fiddling around with the settings on my camera.  (I really should read that manual)

I also took some pics of the house.  This is with late afternoon sun just an hour before sunset (which is 5:00ish this time of year)

The new header at the top of the page is one in this set of photos that I took yesterday.

Enjoy.

-L

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…

It’s going to be a great week. 

Weekend report in pictures:

 

 

Remember doing this?

Of course the big kid had to try too!

Ah, the memories.

“Here let me help you…” (see her little hand pushing her by the tush)  hehe

We did our weekly grocery shopping…

And bought this movie (released that day).

THAT MOVIE IS AWESOME! If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.  You’ll love it!

On the knitting: 
I finished the Felicity hat.  Here are some pics:

Pattern: Felicity Hat by Ebony Butterfl
Yarn: Plymouth Encore worsted
Needles: US 6 and US 8 circulars (16 “)
Date started: 11/8/08
Date completed: 11/9/08

A fast and easy knit. 
Besides going up a needle size, I didn’t make any mods to the pattern.  I casted on for another one of these, but will CO more sts because the fit on this one is too snug for me.  (I have a big head!) 

I am still working on those socks, legwarmers, socks, baby hat, socks.  Adult ADD, anyone?  HA

Must focus.

Have a rockin’ week, ya’ll

-L

 

 

 

Ahhhhh, the weekend…

To the tune of the Iron Man theme song -”I am Iron man, I am Iron Man, I will never eat that Sloppy Joe!”
- Nacho (my 4yo)

It’s raining today.  It’s cold.  Feeling blah.

Last night was knit night.  There was food, there was sweet tea, there was laughter, and of course tons of knitting.  Chris and I are working on converting the gang to continental.  So far, we have 3 converts.  Besides Regan getting a stupid ticket, it was a great evening. 

I finished the hat for DH and started on the legwarmers Jess requested.  I am also starting the Felicity hat I’ve been wanting.  I’ve been itching to start some socks, but none of my yarn is calling out to me. 

This weekend we will be vegging out at home.  We’ll probably watch a ton of movies and have a dance party (my kids show their Asian side when the music starts, yeah baby!).  That means I will have a ton of knitting time.  Oh, and I need to clean my house. 

Have a great weekend!

-L

Tweedy brown

DH’s b-day came and went without a hand-knit item from me.  So, I hunted down the perfect yarn for a hat.  (That’s what he wanted when I asked him, even though I’ve already made him 6)

Anyway, here it is, almost done.

Indoors under flourescent light

Outside shots:

Pattern:  My own called “Make it up as you go”
Yarn: Plymouth Encore worsted Color 1444 (Brown, with specks of blue and cream)
Date started: November 3

Detail pics:

See the blue?  so pretty.

Me modeling:

Also, I wanted to share an old FO with you.  I finished this a year ago, maybe?  I really don’t know.  They’re funky and fun.  If you’re looking for an interesting but easy pattern try these.  It’s easy to memorize and isn’t too busy for variegated and self-striping yarn.  These would probably look great in a solid color. 

Pattern: Socks of Kindness
Yarn: Stash sock yarn (lost the label)

 

AND:

Mama got a new pair of shoes!

They’re by Chinese Laundry and so comfy and light.  It’s been a long time since I got a new pair of shoes.  (A year?)  New shoes always makes me happy.  AND I bought these at 40% off.  AND they were only $13.99 before the discount.  I KNOW, right? 

Today’s a great day.  The sun’s shining, it’s a high of 78 outside today and sunny all day.  AND tonight is KNIT NIGHT.  DH is sweet enough to take care of dinner and picking up Ty from football practice so I can go and hang out with my knitting buddies.  I am a happy girl. 

-L

How I spent my sick day…

I spoke briefly to Jess Sunday and I decided to just take the day off Monday and go see her.  DH decided to come along and hang out, too.  So, off we went.  After my longer-than-expected visit to Dr. Skinner, we headed to the Hill to see Jess and her beautiful kids: Bos and Mira.

One of Mira’s facial expressions.

Whee!

Good times with cardboard and a hill!

Jess.

These kids are pros.

So handsome

He warmed up to us after a few trips down the hill.

 

Makes me want to make a hill behind our house so I can keep the kids busy for hours while I get things done around the house. hmmm.  Future project for the DH?

The girls wanted to have their turn on the beauty chair.  Check out the brushes in hand.

 

This is her sad face. 

 

And the new ‘do:

Thanks again Jess!   You so rock.

-L

A great weekend…

This weekend ended up being a 3-day weekend for me.  I called in yesterday for a 10 am appointment and decided last minute to pay a visit to Spring Hill and my favorite hairstylist: Jess K.   Yes, I got my hair did.  It is awesome.  YES. IT. IS.

Anyway, Halloween was so fun for my kids.  Mom and I took them to Opry Mills Mall for trick-or-treating.  I figured it would be a better place to do that since it is indoors  (heated) and no cars and scary wooded areas.  I think it will be our new tradition for Halloween.  About 75% of the stores participated in passing out candy, so the kids made out with a lot of it.  Nacho kept saying “Mommy, Halloween is so fun! I like Halloween!”  That’ll change as soon as Christmas comes around.

PICS!

A superhero and a princess.

A ninja!

TRICK OR TREAT!

Stopped by to see my brother, the footballer (wearing Ty’s uniform from last year)

Grandma and Ninja Bubba

Grandma and her little princess

DH went to Ty’s game while we were at Opry Mills.  Varsity played Northwest and won 35-13. We tried to go to the game afterwards, but mom wanted to go home so we just stopped by and stayed outside the gate during halftime and left after saying hello to Ty thru the fence.  Ty didn’t get any playtime anyway. 

Saturday we drove to Trousdale County for Ty’s bowl game (Freshman team). 

In case you are wondering, we were the guests.  heh.  It was a good game.  The Freshman team is UNDEFEATED this year.  That’s because they are A.W.E.S.O.M.E!

The gang after the game.

Sunday was a day for relaxation and play-time at the park:

 

I’ll post Monday’s fun later.

-L