Hanging Ornament

One last Christmas picture while it's still 2006....

I did get my ornaments finished! I tried several different things for the top and finally settled on the ribbon bow hanger. I'm quite pleased with them!

Third Time's The Charm???

Last night I decided to cast on a new sock and reached for one of my sock kits. Finished the ribbing and one pattern repeat and while it's not my new favorite pattern or yarn color, I do think it will make very practical socks.

Today I sat down to knit some more and realized that this sock was going to be ginormous! Now I am not a dainty person at all and I have feet to match, so I had opted for the size medium on this pattern. As I tore this sock out and rewound the yarn I puzzled over my big feet in a size small sock.

This evening was the perfect time to cast on and start again. Keith and I looked for a movie on pay per view and decided on Disney's Cars. I figured that I wouldn't have to pay close attention to a cartoon movie and again finished the ribbing. Upon examination it still looked large to me. Then the light bulb finally came on - the pattern calls for size 2.0 mm needles and I grabbed my size 2 needles! I laughed, tore the stitches out and rewound the yarn again. Now to hunt through my stuff and look for the right needles. ~ sigh ~

Bacon Bubbles

So here we are back to work after a wonderful Christmas. Kind of hard to get back into the work mindset, but I'm sure soon enough we'll settle into the normal routine.

And in fact, I actually went to my knit group last night at the coffee shop - woohoo! It's been three loooong months since I've been able to go and I feel like a new woman. :) I had a childlike glee last night and kept wanting to jump up and down in my chair clapping my hands and saying "I'm here, I'm here, I'm here - oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!" Had such a nice time and it just seemed so normal.

The picture of Keith and Joe was taken during our family Christmas on Saturday. James, Loni and Xena got Joe some Sizzlin' Bacon and Chicken Barbecue flavored bubbles! Joe and Xena both had a lot of fun chasing bubbles and eating them and as you can see in the picture Joe was perfectly happy licking the bubble wand.

~ Elizabeth

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. - 2 Corinthians 5:10

Christmas Tree Cat

I just had to get a picture of Meeko under the tree. You see, he loves it and spends most of his time under it. I was fortunate that when I decided to take a picture he was sleeping in the front of the tree where he was very visible.

Right now he's pretty irritated at us as we have rocked his kitty world by putting presents under the tree. He's lost his favorite sleeping spot to a bunch of boxes and he's taking it pretty hard.

But he doesn't just enjoy sleeping under the tree...he also finds chewing on the tree highly amusing. And the vision of a certain cat in the movie Christmas Vacation always comes to mind. So we don't leave the tree lights on when we're not around - just in case you know.

A Moment In Time

Always a retriever, Joe nabbed the tissue box and brought it to us. Thus we felt reassured that he was keeping an eye on things.

My Beloved and I have been off work all week and have thoroughly enjoyed it. We've done some serious Christmas shopping, some leisurely walking around shopping and following these, some lazy napping. It's nice to be able to face all the holiday "to do" lists without the accompanying frenzied feeling.

We now have the tree decorated and the garland and lights up in the living room. The glow of the lights on the panelling is just such a warm feeling. Very late last night I sat in the living room with only the glow of the Christmas lights and was struck by how beautiful it was. I almost went to get the camera and take a picture, but then I realized that it wasn't really a photo of the lights that I wanted. What I truly desired was to totally capture that moment in time and place it in a very special place to be brought out any time I might need to feel comforted. The beauty of the twinkling lights and the peace in that room was so perfect.

I just sat for some time reflecting and praising. It was almost like time stopped and there really was nothing else I felt I must do right then other than what I was doing. Shortly thereafter the dog came in and sat at my feet and the cat came and sat on my lap, purring his contentment as well.

These are the stolen moments of time that make all the running around worthwhile. May we all have moments that are this special sprinkled throughout the craziness of our day to day lives.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - Luke 2:6-7

Glitter Ornaments

For some strange reason I woke up at 3:00 in the morning and never did manage to get back to sleep. Rather than waste that time I finally decided to just get up and put it to use!

Besides some boring things I accomplished - some laundry, picking up, etc. - I finished my glitter ornaments. These were so easy to make and are sitting in their little box just filled with bling. All they need now is a coordinating jaunty bow at the top and they will be finished.

No Cards From Me

Very strange thing happened yesterday. I sat down all ready to get the Christmas cards addressed and in Monday's mail, but almost immediately started getting a headache. Didn't stop to give it any real thought until Keith walked into the room and asked what smelled so bad. Upon further investigation we discovered it was the cards! Apparently the glue underneath all the glitter was smelly - it had a very petroleum-like smell to it. And the foil-lined envelopes were rather pungent as well. We set the whole mess outside to try the airing out method and opened the house and got the fans going to try and get the "fragrance" out. I checked on them this morning and could still smell it, so they are headed to the trash.

So for family and friends that are reading this blog, you will not be getting a Christmas card from our family after all this year. And believe me, it is for the best.

~ Elizabeth

Christmas Table

For some reason I am in love with red and white this year and it has shown up on my Christmas table. We usually choose very deep greens and reds and have a floral centerpiece, but I was in Kohl's this year and saw these jolly placemats and just fell in love with them. Even better they were on sale! I gathered up an armload and walked around a bit and then discovered the candle with the same color and similar characters. I suppose it was fate at that point, so it came home with me as well.

One of the side benefits of this arrangement is that in the past I would see the table each morning with pieces of the floral centerpiece strewn about and bits of cat fur on the table. Meeko is so old and large and really I have only seen him on the table one time, but obviously he must be stealth cat and jumps up in the dark of the night. Apparently the candle centerpiece is very boring to kitties as I have seen no evidence of him on the table this year.

We do have our tree set up, but no decorations as of yet other than the lights that came on the tree. This year with Keith and Lynne' in school at night and me not being able to lift anything has really slowed down our decorating! I'm not worried though - we'll either get it done this weekend or this will be what we have this year. There really is more to Christmas than just decorations, though I will be disappointed if we don't get the rest of the stuff up.

And today is my first day of physical therapy - woohoo! I have no idea what to expect, but I'm excited because it means that I am still healing and getting better. I have got to get these arms in shape before next summer because I'm looking forward to lots of grandbaby holding time! :)

Gratitudes
1. I'm now able to lift a cup of coffee with my left arm to get a drink!
2. I work with some really fun and silly ladies that make it enjoyable to get through the day.
3. A friend that shares her daily Bible reading schedule with me, which makes every day so blessed.

~ Elizabeth

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The Lord be exalted!" - Psalm 40:16

Tumbling Tuesday

As I was cooking dinner tonight I realized that I never posted a picture of my super simple cross stitch project. Obviously I haven't done the finishing on it, but the cross stitch portion is complete and I'm pleased with it. And since it's probably not real clear in the picture, let me point out that I set it on the "counter" at the side of the grill while we were grilling burgers tonight for the Kodak moment. Because nothing says beautiful cross stitch like a grill in the background....

Last night was another night of way too much excitement around our home. We heard sirens, a normal sound around here, but this time they kept getting louder and we saw a fire truck fly down the street. Never one to sit and wonder, I went out on the front porch to check it out - wearing my flannel pj's I might add. But I was not alone as there were pj-clad moms coming out from several houses. Lots and lots more sirens, then a police car flew in and blocked off the next block over. We started hearing chainsaws and such, so my neighbor told me to go get shoes and a coat and she was going to do the same before we headed down the street.

Lynne' joined the group walking down the block and we counted 4 large fire trucks, 2 fire chiefs, 2 ambulances and 6 police cars. We joined the huddle of neighbors across the street from the fire and watched for a bit, then came home. The garage was totally destroyed by fire, including the vehicles inside. Luckily nobody was injured, including the firemen and officers.

We talked as we were walking home as to whether or not it's a good idea to be a nosey neighbor. It was rather sad and sobering to be standing around with that many neighbors and watch a sad event. I suppose that it's always true that tragedy brings people together though.

Houston, We Have Knitting!

OK, not a lot of knitting, but it is something! Saturday morning after I saw Keith off to work I just wanted to do some handwork, so pulled out some needles and yarn and cast on for a scarf. There are only 18 stitches and 4 rows of garter stitch here, but it seemed like it took forever. And I do have to admit that after this was finished I took an hour nap - LOL!

But for that period of time I felt peace even more than shoulder soreness. While I adore my wonderful wooden Lantern Moon needles, sometimes it's just nice to use the aluminum needles and hear the rhythmic clacking. That sound is such a comforting sound and I was glad to hear it again, even if for a short time.

People that don't craft might think this all sounds silly - and maybe it is. But my hobbies bring such comfort and joy to me and it's good to see that maybe soon I'll be able to enjoy them again. Tonight I think I'm actually going to try - gasp! - cutting paper and making a card!

~ Elizabeth

Movies and Dogs

Another picture of my pooch. Honestly he just makes me laugh so much, from the tail wags that move his entire back end to the way he whines and snivvels when the cat gets too close. And he has just been loving the last month with friends coming to visit me after surgery. Or in Joe World, friends coming to visit HIM and pet him and bring him gifts. Goofy pup.

One such visit was this morning. Dawn and I have been looking forward to the movie The Holiday since the movie trailers first started appearing on tv and today was the big day. She came to pick me up this morning and had to come in first to bring a treat to Joe. I suppose that might have just a little to do with why he's happy to see my friends!

When we pulled into the theater parking lot we had a bit of a surprise and then lots of laughing - the parking lot was virtually deserted and this NEVER happens! Of course, we were seeing the 10:25 showing and I guess that one doesn't have a big turnout. Dawn did point out that perhaps we could get the senior citizen early bird special that early, which would have been nice considering how costly movies have become. Or how "old" I'm becoming to start noticing that sort of thing!

The movie was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think one thing that I loved was my lack of embarrassment over "those kinds of scenes" if you know what I mean. At one point the couple on screen were talking about...um...hitting the sheets and the next thing you saw it was the next morning - woohoo! I do not need to see every detail of that sort of thing plastered on the 40 foot movie screen!

Gratitudes
1. Having friends to play and laugh with!
2. Having friends that know they can call me during an emergency and that I will drop everything to be there for them. She has been in my prayers all evening.
3. Having a husband that fully understands that I'm still not able to do much around the house, including cooking dinner, so he just asked where I wanted to eat tonight!

~ Elizabeth

For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. - Psalm 37:28

Back To Work

A wonderful picture of my Joe dog to start the blog entry - does it get any better than that?

Today was my first day back to work since my shoulder surgery. I had been cautioned that it would be difficult, but I don't think I realized just how tough it would be. My arm hurt, I was tired and I started getting very down again. Then it hit me that we do not have to face these things alone, even when we feel very lonely. Not only do I have a loving God to turn to, I have Christian girlfriends that I can always count on for prayers. I hesitated to ask for prayer at first because it just seemed like such a silly reason. But I swallowed my pride and sent an email, then went out to my car and took a nap for my lunch. When I came back in there were some very warm and loving emails waiting for me. How honored and humbled I felt to have these wonderful women praying for me.

And the afternoon did start getting better. One of the coolest things is that I (?) suddenly realized that if I would raise my chair then my arm wouldn't be resting on my desk at such an odd angle and wouldn't hurt so much. Again I'm going to use my grandmother's quote - "It's not odd, it's God!" The power of prayer is awesome indeed.

I do know that we feel the most vulnerable when we are tired and hurting and that's when Satan reaches in to get a foothold. As time passes and my shoulder continues to heal and I get more used to the work routine I know it will get easier for me. And knowing that I have friends that are praying for me makes it even better.

Gratitudes

1. Friends and loved ones that care enough to listen, really listen.
2. Grandbabies-to-be! I got to see the ultrasound picture today of that precious baby.
3. Thankful that even with as much as my shoulder is hurting, that we have modern medicine and surgeons that are able to fix things.

~ Elizabeth

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. - Hebrews 4:16