Cardigan in Raspberry Sherbet

My darling children gave me knitting lesson for Christmas. I have been knitting for 45 years off and on, mostly on for the last 6 years. I have knitted miles and miles of scarves, and afghans. Then I got brave and figured out how to read a pattern and make baby sweaters. I expanded my horizons and made a pair of socks, some hats and hand warmers. I also have become a yarn snob, and a needle snob. It is true. Good yarn does make a difference, and needles are a valuable tool. I love my Harmony wood needles.
So, I arrived at my knitting lesson at the Fuzz shop and met Libby, who happens to be a good friend of my kids. She is adorable. Early 20's and bubbly. We had a blast figuring out what kind of sweater I am going to make to fit ME!! I decided on a cardigan with a lacy pattern and 3 quarter length sleeves. I picked out some scrumptious alpaca, silk blend yarn called raspberry sherbet. Yum. It looks as good and it's name and is knitting up so lovely. I have knitting homework! I have 2 weeks to knit up to my armpits. (I told Libby that that sounded like a good country western song title). My next session I will learn how to fashion the top and sleeves, then I will have another 2 weeks to work on that part, the 3rd session I am putting on the finishing touches. I am way excited to get this done. I rush home from teaching school so I can knit. I knit in the morning before school. I resent it when I have an interruption, like making dinner! This sweater is taking on a life of it's own. Watch for pictures to follow!

Thanfuls

I have lots of thankfuls this year. Kasen is home for the first time in two years, Steven is living with me this year while he student teaches, Anne is off on her own adventure in Kazahkstan. We are all well and healthy. We get to spend the day with my Dad in McCall where the snow is deep, temperatures cold, but the hearth and hearts are warm.
Thankful, also for a healthy attitude and outlook on life. I was able to lose 51 lbs and regain some energy and a healthier lifestyle. Living with less stress and being able to do my job at school has been an incredible blessing. Anne will join us for Christmas in a few weeks. This year will end happily and set up 2011 quite nicely. The best is yet to come!

The Burden of a Sigh

145 Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire : 2 — Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.
I was singing this song in Sacrament meeting recently. This particular verse spoke to me clearly, that when I am too tired or weak to pray formally, my sighs and tears have been acknowledged as prayers. How dear these penned words are to me. It is a miracle and blessing to know that my burdens have been carried by my Savior, that my sighs are less frequent and deep. My tears are now more tears of joy than sorrows. Yet, those tears are prayers as well. My Savior has held me closely, has caught my tears in his hands and has comforted me and given me the peace and serenity I so desperately needed. I give thanks to Him daily in both word and deed, sighs and tears.

Follow Me

A cook follows a recipe
An architect follows blueprints
A pharmacist follows prescriptions

To have a positive outcome, the meal will taste better, the building will stand and patients will get the correct medicines, if the directions are followed with exactness.

A disciple of Christ will follow him with exactness. Learn of him, follow him.

As I start a new school year, I need to lead with exactness. The students follow me in my directions and instructions. I can only give them what I know. I need to be the best that I can be to help each of them reach their potential. I pray for guidance and patience in this journey.

Follow me

Technomamma

Recently I have been accused of being a "first adopter". I got a Nook as soon as they came out. Then I got an IPAD. Now, after teaching 21 years. I am updating my skills to use a SMART board. I was even willing to change rooms for it, which is no easy task. My principal was happy I took the dive into tech world. So, happy me, off to clean and get ready for the new school year.

Revolving doors

Summer bliss is ending. I was so fortunate to have been with my Dad and brother all summer. One day, we got to have all 5 siblings and my Dad together. It's been ages since that happened. I left McCall the 29th of July, left the serene and peacefulness to come home to a revolving door. First to arrive home was Mad Man Steve, he will be living at home with me while he student teaches this year. It will be fabulous to have him home. He is so easy going, loves Football and likes to cook. He is such a great guy, I love hanging out with him. My dear, wonderful son, Kasen got home from his mission on August 3rd. He looks so happy and excited to be home. It was fabulous to hug him and really be with him. He had a great welcoming party. My terrific daughter got home on August 7th. She has wrapped up her teaching career in Las Vegas and now is headed for teaching overseas in an International school. We had a wonderful time as a little family for 5 days, then off she flew to Kazakhstan for 9 months. Kasen leaves tomorrow and I get to get ready for school to start. Steve will take Kasen up to Moscow and get him settled. I am so happy for all my kids. The are so wonderful. Each one is their own, unique person, yet they blend so well together. We had a marvelous time. It ended with Kasen and Steve giving Anne a blessing. As I sat there and listened, I could feel John in the circle. He was part of it all. He loved his children best of all. It is as it should be, letting go of grown children is hard, but they must go on to fulfill their lives with dreams and hopes and experiences that will enrich them and those they come to know. The revolving door has stopped whirling, and I am left to reflect and be grateful to have such incredible kids come in and leave apart of themselves in my heart forever.

Surrounded by Blessings

After spending a most wonderful summer with my Dad in McCall, I returned home and back to reality. I kind of had a mini- panic attack, feeling much better now that I am surrounded with my blessings known as Anne, Steven and Kasen. Greeting Kasen at the airport was fabulous. He is so handsome! His report and homecoming talk went well. The only glitch was a trip to the emergency room, but nothing life threatening, just a follow up with a surgeon tomorrow, but his abdomen is much better. Anne is always full of energy and fun! She is getting ready to fly to Kazakhstan in 2 days.. Steven has moved home to do his Student Teaching this year. Kasen leaves for Moscow on Friday.
Fall is full of changes. Am looking forward to new adventures.