Idle Hands Lead to a Giveaway!

When Bryan's dad was in the hospital several years ago due to complications related to open heart surgery, he learned to knit. The skill was acquired out of a basic necessity to keep busy; hours spent days on end in a hospital waiting room will do that to a person. The events of earlier this month caused him to revive the habit, resulting in this:






Bryan thought it would be a good idea to do a giveaway of one of the scarves as, obviously, we are quite saturated. I wanted to take his picture with them but he was, for some reason, resistant. He is, contrary to his general nature,shy about this skill. I just don't get it, what woman wouldn't love a randomly crafty husband? I had a great time trying to get him to comply.

Bryan trying to take up entire frame of the picture, scarves in background nonetheless:



Bryan trying to snatch away the camera:



Bryan throwing a scarf at me in an attempt to impede my efforts:



Me trying to be sneaky and take a picture over my shoulder. Ineffective.:



During this process, Bryan stated that he would agree to the picture, but only if said scarves were wrapped around his ding dang. Since we didn't have enough scarves for that, I had to come up with my own arrangement. I can assure you that all of the scarves are ding dang contact free.




So if you would like to have one of these handmade beauties for your very own, post a comment to this blog. Please note any color preference you may have should you be chosen as the lucky winner. All of the scarves are roughly of the same width and length, but for the pink and purple striped one which came out a bit on the short side. Bryan will be reading the comments as well and would enjoy any Muppet or other similarly furry creature references. (Disclaimer: Despite the fact that he is pictured and despite the fact that Bryan would more than willingly allow him to take up residence in a new home, Arthur is NOT one of the giveaway options.)

All posts in by Tuesday, February 3, 2009 made by 11:59 p.m. will be in the running. Good luck and thanks in advance for helping me avoid a takeover of my home by furry knit objects.

Snow Day

Jonathan's school was open today as was my office, but my boss decided to let us leave early before the ice started accumulating. I picked up Jonathan and we came home and made white chili. That would have been happy enough, but then Bryan had the idea to make cupcakes. YUM!




I've been really bad about taking pictures lately, even in spite of the fact that I have a new camera! I'm trying to take at least one a day, though, since my Dad FINALLY has email at work; I'm going to attempt to send him one new picture a day because he is nothing short of crazy about this kiddo:

Ready for Summer

I am already thinking about warm weather, despite the fact that there is a lot of winter weather left. Just a few minutes ago, I remembered that I had Gymbucks to redeem, so I purchased this ensemble (the link is to the shirt; I got the swim trunks and the hat, too. Have I mentioned I have a Gymboree addiction?). I can't wait to see my little cutie sporting that pouty fish shirt.

Now back to my regularly scheduled flannel pajamas.

Positive Thoughts Needed

Please keep Bryan and his family in your thoughts and prayers. His father is in ICU right now and the prognosis is not good. Vic is on a ventilator and has suspected brain damage. It is a frustrating situation because the doctors cannot seem to pinpoint exactly what the problem is at this point. We are in a holding pattern of sorts and it is a painful process, as I know that many of you are well aware from your own personal experiences. I am trying to do what I can to help Bryan and his mother get through this but it's hard and something that is outside of the realm of anything I have ever experienced. All we can do right now is hope for the best, even if "the best" is not what we necessarily want.

Edited on Friday, January 16--Bryan's dad passed away this afternoon. Thank you to everyone for the kind words and thoughts. Please keep them coming as we will continue you to need them during the days and weeks ahead.

How can you tell when a three year old has had too much coffee?

When he starts to look like this:



OK, not really, but it IS what Jonathan looked like after he rediscovered last year's Halloween novelties. And it's just as funny now as it was in October.

I may be almost thirty-one...

...but this is currently my favorite album right now. Am I embarrassed about this fact? A bit. But more embarrassing is that Jonathan can now sing most of the words to "Womanizer."

Ten on Tuesday--2008 Year End Edition

1. Arthur had an abscessed anal gland last week. He was really good on our trip to WV and now we know why. I had to wipe his behind Saturday night. Ick.

2. I received some really great Christmas gifts this year but these are two of my favorites. Thank you wonderful husband!



3. I am totally addicted to spinning. I would go every day if I had time. In fact, when Jonathan goes to WV again for a visit with my parents, I think that I WILL go every day. I can't explain it, I just love it. The new shoes and the Sigg water bottle make it that much better. I may venture into outdoor cycling come spring but I'm not sure if it will be as much fun when I'll have to face the elements.

4. One of the presents I received this year was this. In fact, I received two. Odd.

5. Jonathan received a gigantic fire truck, among approximately one million other things, from my sister this year. It shoots water because a remote control and sirens are not enough. Despite the fact that the package said it was for ages five and up, Jonathan is able to operate it like a pro.

6. Jonathan and I go to Walmart every Sunday for our weekly grocery shopping. This week, I almost peed myself in the cereal aisle when he pointed to a box of Fruit Loops and asked if he could have some "hoop-a-loops." The kid can say toucan but not Fruit Loops, go figure.

7. Why can I not remember to take my reusable shopping bags in with me during aforementioned trips to Walmart? I bought some super cute ones at Whole Foods, thinking I would put them in the trunk so they would always be with me. But I NEVER get them out of the car. Anyone have any ideas on how to get in the habit?

8. I think my MIL may have an addiction to QVC, an ailment that has not been at all helped by the fact that she was home bound due to a recent outpatient surgery.

9. Jonathan is spending the night at my MIL's tomorrow night and I am SO excited to have a child free New Year's Eve.

10. My birthday is nine days away. Wicked is in town and Bryan and I are going on my birthday. Not as adventurous as skydiving, but a lot less risky!

Happy New Year's to everyone! See you in 2009!