Four Day Weekend

Four day weekend, already? Geez, we just started school.

It has been a nice couple of days, last night we went to the drive-in and saw "Star Wars: Clone Wars" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." We love the drive-in, popcorn, peanuts, and hot dogs. We back into a space and open up the back of the van. The kids lay on their blankets and pillows and watch the movies. D and I sit in our lawn chairs.

Since we didn't get home till after midnight from the movies - everyone slept late today. Then we did some grocery shopping and went to the book store. I love being able to spend unstructured time with my family.

Fall Semester

Dear Friends,

I want to apologize in advance for my behavior during the following 4 months. I have a heavy work load ( 6 classes, 16 hours plus field experiences) at school plus all my other commitments.

I may become stressed out, irritable, unresponsive, angry, sad, irrational, exhausted, among other negative states of being. Please be patient and calm with me.

Thank you in advance for your kindness.

The Many Faces of S

One of the kids favorite pastimes is making short movies of themselves or taking super close-up pictures. Here's a photo montage of S from the baseball game Friday night.

Stitch 'n Pitch

Shelly, the families and I had our own personal Stitch 'n Pitch last night at the Wingnuts game. It was very hot, that's why we look so shiny. The game was rather exciting with the Wingnuts scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the ninth to win the game.

T was so happy to spend his allowance on a little silver bat and get it autographed by one of the players.

Shel was working on the September Sock-of-the Month - it's fabulous and made of Tofutsie and that's all I can say about that.

First Class of Semester Canceled

If your bored between classes you can try to guess The 100 Most Common English Words in 5 minutes.

Since I joined Ravelry sometimes I forget to post pictures of my finished objects. This is Shalom Cardigan. I used Cascade Eco Wool. I'm happy with the finished project and think it will make a great gift for a special someone who is rumored to be returning to Kansas for a visit soon.

My published pattern

Check it out: my Sake Sock pattern in on Knitting Pattern Central.

First Day of School

I'm trying to keep myself busy since the kids started school. I have worked in the front garden, went to the recycling center, cleaned out the kids closets, scrubbed the inside of the fridge, done countless loads of laundry, helped out at the shop, and knit.

Jewelry

I don't wear much jewelry but the things I do wear are special and above all simple.

I always wear a charm which reads "Create your own Destiny" from Amy Peter's Studio. I bought it for myself after my first multi-sport race which was a duathlon in Manhattan, Ks in October of 2006. It reminds me that all things are possible, I rode that race on a mountain bike (everyone else had super fast, super cool road bikes) and it was freezing cold; I had to run to the mall, the night before, and buy a long sleeve top to wear. I really had no idea what I was doing but I made it through and I won 3rd place in my age group. I wanted to hold on to that feeling forever.

I also wear a bracelet made from a bike spoke with a iron girl charm on it. This reminds me of my friends. Angelique gave me the bracelet at Christmas and I got the charm in Vegas with Lia and now they have both moved away. I wear them to keep my friends and the things they have taught me close to my heart. They remind me to follow my heart and my dreams, be brave and make life an adventure.

I didn't mean for this post to get so sappy, really I just wanted to share my newest jewelry find. Lisa Leonard Designs makes hand stamped jewelry from sterling silver. I love how simple and personlized the designs are. I think the stackable rings with my kid's names could be a good addition to my regular jewelry.

Walk this Way

Back before my half-marathon, 5K's and triathlons, it all started with walking.

About 5 years ago, D and I would push the kids in a stroller and walk 3-5 miles every evening. It had many benefits, it was a great way to connect with each other, it was free, the kids liked it and most importantly it built the base for the rest of my fitness life.

This summer I have been sorely lacking on my fitness practices and goals. I have lots of excuses for not working out but they are just excuses.

So I'm going back to my roots, where it all started, WALKING. If you see me out walking in your neighborhood give me a little toot, toot on your horn.

Wake-y, Wake-y Eggs and Ba-cey

It's so hard to wake the kids up in the morning when I am exhausted from staying up late watching the Olympics.

D and I were on our feet last night watching the Men's 4X100m free relay. Wow, what a finish.

Summer is winding down for us, D went back to work this week and the kids start next week.

Yesterday, I took the kids to Great Plains Nature Center and for a little "hike" in Chisholm Creek Park.
All these pictures were taken but the kids on the little half mile trail. We also saw a deer but it was too far away to get a picture.

We saw a bunch of turtle and they swam right up to the bridge we were standing on.

Since we were already on the East side we made a stop at World Market. S and I got some Hot Coffee Ginger Chews and T got a Yorkie Bar. He was so excited that it said "It's Not for Girls." He decided that if a girl ate a Yorkie Bar their head would explore. We begged him for a bite but he was concerned about our safety. He didn't what our heads to explore.

Natural Kansas

I just found the Natural Kansas website. It's a great resource for hiking trails, bike tours, and horseback tours in Kansas. I dream of hiking in Yosemite or Yellowstone but I have to start locally. Lake Scott State Park was listed in National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 50 state parks in the U.S and it's only a few hours away. I'm planning a camping trip there for the fall.

Clipmarks

I often find things little things on the web that I want to remember or I think is interesting. In the past I had bookmarked the page or printed out the page and put it in a notebook.

That was before Clipmarks. Clipmarks allows you to "clip" text, pictures, or video from websites and keep them on your Clipmark page or share them on your blog or through email. I clip recipes, quotes I like, and anything else I think is interesting or might be useful later. I have added my clipmarks to the side bar.

S's EPS

I know I promised more pictures of S's EPS sweater but I want to take the pictures outside and the temperature has been 100+ everyday. I just can't bring myself to force her to wear a wool sweater outside for a photo shoot. If you are on ravelry you can see more pictures and info, here. If you aren't on ravelry, where the hell have you been??

Sock of the Month

I created the Sock of the Month for August. It's the Sake Sock.