16 years ago, at 9:30 a.m., my youngest child was born.
Small T joined two older brothers and was a wonderful kid.
Over the years she has blossomed into a lovely young lady.
Happy Birthday Princess!
I love you!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Prom 2013
Prom is tonight.
Big C and Jill.
Bobby and Small T. (it's raining, so her dress is held up high)
the crowd
Small T and Bobby
Big C getting a kiss from Jill and Small T.
Jill and Small T
Haleigh, Jill, Small T, Erica, Kelsi, and Rebecca
One Ball Baby Blanket - Stash Buster Project
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Yesterday was a good day! For the most part. I tell ya, I should get mad at someone more often because it's amazing how much housework and crafting I can get done when I'm mad. I ended up cleaning the basement and doing five or six loads of laundry last night. I also started and finished this One Ball Baby Blanket yesterday. Woo Hoo! I was 'ON A ROLL'. lol I've got to tell ya, I really, really like this little blanket. Since I used a baby yarn, it's so light and airy and I've been having people request the lighter weight blankets for the warm months to come. Anyway, here are the particulars:
Yarn: Bernat Baby Coordinates in White (I used about 1 1/2 skeins)
Hook: size I
Border: I added an extra row of sc before working the 2nd row.
**This is a Stash Buster Project since all the yarn used came out of my stash. :)**
Friday, April 26, 2013
One Ball Baby Blanket - Stash Buster Project
It's been a little while since I've worked on a Stash Buster project, so I figured it was high time I did so. I chose the One Ball Baby Blanket pattern from Red Heart (you can find the pattern here) and I'm using my stash of Bernat Baby Coordinates yarn in White. I have a full skein and about 3/4 of another skein of this yarn, so I'm hoping I have enough. Since I'm using a different weight of yarn that what the pattern calls for, I've adjusted my hook size down to a size I.
Catherine's Wheel Baby Blanket
I finished up the Catherine's Wheel Baby Blanket this morning. It's pouring down rain, and very dark inside the house, so my photo looks horrible. It is, however, absolutely lovely when viewed in person. I used this pattern http://peoplewebs.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekend.html . I started out with a beginning ch of 102 and a sc in 2nd ch from hook. The pattern is a bit tricky when you first start the blanket but is fine after that. I used 1 1/4 skeins of Blueberry and 1 whole skein of White Caron's Simply Soft yarn with a size I crochet hook. The border is 4 rows of sc in Blueberry with 3 sc in each corner.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Baseball Tonight!!!!
Big C has a baseball game tonight, and due to the weather (all this rain we've had), the game has been moved to OUR field at school!!! Woo Hoo!!! No traveling! We'll probably freeze to death once the sun goes down though. It's been down to freezing the last two nights.
Here's a highlight from the LAST game we had, which was over two weeks ago. You just can't play ball when the fields have water standing on them. This is Big C's last season of baseball, so we're trying to enjoy every little bit of it!
10 Things You Didn't Know About Me
Every now and then, I'll see where someone has shared things about themselves that most people don't know about. I felt like today was a good day to do this on my blog. Here are 10 things that most people don't know about me:
1. I'm not an affectionate person. I have to work at being affectionate. I am almost never the first to make the move towards a hug or kiss. I don't know why I'm this way.
2. I do not cry. In the last 20 years, I've cried less than half a dozen times. I think this is because I was raised to be a "strong woman" and it's warped my definition of what "strong" means when you are a woman.
3. I'm a homebody. I don't like being out and about all the time. Weird, right? We're always out and about with all the activities that the kids are involved in and the organizations that I volunteer with and for.
4. I do not like to cook. Nope. I don't. I hate it. The meals I do cook are either simple, fast, or in a crock pot.
5. I'm the first person to avoid housework and my house shows it. I was the oldest one at home (after the two older kids got married) so I was the one to "chore" instead of helping to keep house. Yep, my dad was a farmer as well as a businessman.
6. My dad is the one that taught me to cook. He was an adventurous cook too. Everything was made from scratch.
7. I have really bad allergies that end me up in the ER all the time and I hate having these. It's not uncommon to end up in the ER several times in a week. I haven't had hives in almost 2 years but I have anaphylactic reactions 98% of the time. With the food allergies, I'm almost scared to eat anything.
8. I love painting my toenails WILD colors with decals in the Summer!!! But I don't like to paint my fingernails with anything other than clear or clear with sparkles or a very light color that isn't noticeable.
9. My favorite movie is The Thirteenth Warrior. Right up there with it is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I also enjoy the Harry Potter movies.
10. I cannot sit down to watch TV without working on a crochet or knitting project. I also work on something while traveling in a vehicle. It's an obsession with me.
and a bonus....
11. I have a very thick skin and I am the first to understand about teenagers saying things that they don't really mean and it being a thing they do to either protect themselves or make others feel worse than they do, but I am deeply hurt by some of the things that my kids say to me, even though I never tell them this. I know they love me, but I honestly feel that I am not a good parent.
1. I'm not an affectionate person. I have to work at being affectionate. I am almost never the first to make the move towards a hug or kiss. I don't know why I'm this way.
2. I do not cry. In the last 20 years, I've cried less than half a dozen times. I think this is because I was raised to be a "strong woman" and it's warped my definition of what "strong" means when you are a woman.
3. I'm a homebody. I don't like being out and about all the time. Weird, right? We're always out and about with all the activities that the kids are involved in and the organizations that I volunteer with and for.
4. I do not like to cook. Nope. I don't. I hate it. The meals I do cook are either simple, fast, or in a crock pot.
5. I'm the first person to avoid housework and my house shows it. I was the oldest one at home (after the two older kids got married) so I was the one to "chore" instead of helping to keep house. Yep, my dad was a farmer as well as a businessman.
6. My dad is the one that taught me to cook. He was an adventurous cook too. Everything was made from scratch.
7. I have really bad allergies that end me up in the ER all the time and I hate having these. It's not uncommon to end up in the ER several times in a week. I haven't had hives in almost 2 years but I have anaphylactic reactions 98% of the time. With the food allergies, I'm almost scared to eat anything.
8. I love painting my toenails WILD colors with decals in the Summer!!! But I don't like to paint my fingernails with anything other than clear or clear with sparkles or a very light color that isn't noticeable.
9. My favorite movie is The Thirteenth Warrior. Right up there with it is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I also enjoy the Harry Potter movies.
10. I cannot sit down to watch TV without working on a crochet or knitting project. I also work on something while traveling in a vehicle. It's an obsession with me.
and a bonus....
11. I have a very thick skin and I am the first to understand about teenagers saying things that they don't really mean and it being a thing they do to either protect themselves or make others feel worse than they do, but I am deeply hurt by some of the things that my kids say to me, even though I never tell them this. I know they love me, but I honestly feel that I am not a good parent.
WIP's
I don't have a lot of "new" things going on this week, so I thought I'd share a few photos of my WIP's.
I laid the Striped Toddler Blanket out on the carpet last night and it's by far way bigger than a toddler blanket should be. It's going to end up being the size of a "throw" instead. Guess I didn't "guess" very well on the size when I was casting on the beginning stitches. I have a lot to learn about knitting yet. :)
The Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket is coming along nicely. I have more than 100 stitches on the needles now. In fact, I have more than 120 stitches on the needles. I should probably count them today.
And this is my own little corner of the sectional. It's covered with the three WIP's and my basket of yarn is sitting there waiting for some attention. It's where I put what I'm not working on at the moment so it's not messed up while it's waiting. This morning, I'm spending some time on the Catherine's Wheel blanket.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Catherine's Wheel Blanket
Sharing....
A friend shared this with me and I love it so much, I'm sharing it here. I do not know where this came from or I would post a link. Sorry.
25 RULES FOR MOTHERS OF DAUGHTERS
1. Paint her nails. Then let her scratch it off and dirty them up. Teach her to care about her appearance, and then quickly remind her that living and having fun is most important.
2. Let her put on your makeup, even if it means bright-red-smudged lips and streaked-blue eyes. Let her experiment in her attempts to be like you…then let her be herself.
3. Let her be wild. She may want to stay home and read books on the couch, or she may want to hop on the back of a motorcycle-gasp. She may be a homebody or a traveler. She may fall in love with the wrong boy, or meet mr. right at age 5. Try to remember that you were her age once. Everyone makes mistakes, let her make her own.
4. Be present. Be there for her at her Kindergarten performances, her dance recitals, her soccer games…her everyday-little-moments. When she looks through the crowds of people, she will be looking for your smile and pride. Show it to her as often as possible.
5. Encourage her to try on your shoes and play dress-up. If she would rather wear her brother’s superman cape with high heals, allow it. If she wants to wear a tutu or dinosaur costume to the grocery store, why stop her? She needs to decide who she is and be confident in her decision.
6. Teach her to be independent. Show her by example that woman can be strong. Find and follow your own passions. Search for outlets of expression and enjoyment for yourself- not just your husband or children. Define yourself by your own attributes, not by what others expect you to be. Know who you are as a person, and help your daughter find out who she is.
7. Pick flowers with her. Put them in her hair. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl and a flower.
8. Let her get messy. Get messy with her, no matter how much it makes you cringe inside. Splash in the puddles, throw snowballs, make mud pies, finger paint the walls: just let it happen. The most wonderful of memories are often the messy ones.
9. Give her good role models- you being one of them. Introduce her to successful woman- friends, co-workers, doctors, astronauts, or authors. Read to her about influential woman- Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie. Read her the words of inspirational woman- Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson. She should know that anything is possible.
10. Show her affection. Daughters will mimic the compassion of their mother. “I love yous” and Eskimo kisses go a long way.
11. Hold her hand. Whether she is 3 years-old in the parking lot or sixteen years old in the mall, hold on to her always- this will teach her to be confident in herself and proud of her family.
12. Believe in her. It is the moments that she does not believe in herself that she will need you to believe enough for both of you. Whether it is a spelling test in the first grade, a big game or recital, a first date, or the first day of college…remind her of the independent and capable woman you have taught her to be.
13. Tell her how beautiful she is. Whether it is her first day of Kindergarten, immediately after a soccer game where she is grass-stained and sweaty, or her wedding day. She needs your reminders. She needs your pride. She needs your reassurance. She is only human.
14. Love her father. Teach her to love a good man, like him. One who lets her be herself…she is after all wonderful.
15. Make forts with boxes and blankets. Help her to find magic in the ordinary, to imagine, to create and to believe in fairy tales. Someday she will make her 5 by 5 dorm-room her home with magic touches and inspiration. And she will fall in love with a boy and believe him to be Prince Charming.
16. Read to her. Read her Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. But also remember the power of Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost. Show her the beauty of words on a page and let her see you enjoy them. Words can be simply written and simply spoken, yet can harvest so much meaning. Help her to find their meaning.
17. Teach her how to love- with passion and kisses. Love her passionately. Love her father passionately and her siblings passionately. Express your love. Show her how to love with no restraint. Let her get her heart broken and try again. Let her cry, and gush, giggle and scream. She will love like you love or hate like you hate. So, choose love for both you and her.
18. Encourage her to dance and sing. Dance and sing with her- even if it sounds or looks horrible. Let her wiggle to nursery rhymes. Let her dance on her daddy's feet and spin in your arms. Then later, let her blast noise and headbang in her bedroom with her door shut if she wants. Or karaoke to Tom Petty in the living room if she would rather. Introduce her to the classics- like The Beatles- and listen to her latest favorite- like Taylor Swift. Share the magic of music together, it will bring you closer- or at least create a soundtrack to your life together.
19. Share secrets together. Communicate. Talk. Talk about anything. Let her tell you about boys, friends, school. Listen. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. She is not only your daughter, you are not only her mother. Be her friend too.
20. Teach her manners. Because sometimes you have to be her mother, not just her friend. The world is a happier place when made up of polite words and smiles.
21. Teach her when to stand-up and when to walk away. Whether she has classmates who tease her because of her glasses, or a boyfriend who tells her she is too fat - let her know she does not have to listen. Make sure she knows how to demand respect - she is worthy of it. It does not mean she has to fight back with fists or words, because sometimes you say more with silence. Also make sure she knows which battles are worth fighting. Remind her that some people can be mean and nasty because of jealousy, or other personal reasons. Help her to understand when to shut her mouth and walk-away. Teach her to be the better person.
22. Let her choose who she loves. Even when you see through the charming boy she thinks he is, let her love him without your disapproving words; she will anyway. When he breaks her heart, be there for her with words of support rather than I told-you-so. Let her mess up again and again until she finds the one. And when she finds the one, tell her.
23. Mother her. Being a mother - to her - is undoubtedly one of your greatest accomplishments. Share with her the joys of motherhood, so one day she will want to be a mother too. Remind her over and over again with words and kisses that no one will ever love her like you love her. No one can replace or replicate a mother's love for their children.
24. Comfort her. Because sometimes you just need your mommy. When she is sick, rub her back, make her soup and cover her in blankets - no matter how old she is. Someday, if she is giving birth to her own child, push her hair out of her face, encourage her, and tell her how beautiful she is. These are the moments she will remember you for. And someday when her husband rubs her back in attempt to comfort her...she may just whisper, "I need my mommy."
25. Be home. When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she will come to you; welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will run to you to share her news; embrace her. When she is lost or confused, she will search for you; find her. When she needs advice on boys, schools, friends or an outfit; tell her. She is your daughter and will always need a safe harbor - where she can turn a key to see comforting eyes and a familiar smile; be home.
25 RULES FOR MOTHERS OF DAUGHTERS
1. Paint her nails. Then let her scratch it off and dirty them up. Teach her to care about her appearance, and then quickly remind her that living and having fun is most important.
2. Let her put on your makeup, even if it means bright-red-smudged lips and streaked-blue eyes. Let her experiment in her attempts to be like you…then let her be herself.
3. Let her be wild. She may want to stay home and read books on the couch, or she may want to hop on the back of a motorcycle-gasp. She may be a homebody or a traveler. She may fall in love with the wrong boy, or meet mr. right at age 5. Try to remember that you were her age once. Everyone makes mistakes, let her make her own.
4. Be present. Be there for her at her Kindergarten performances, her dance recitals, her soccer games…her everyday-little-moments. When she looks through the crowds of people, she will be looking for your smile and pride. Show it to her as often as possible.
5. Encourage her to try on your shoes and play dress-up. If she would rather wear her brother’s superman cape with high heals, allow it. If she wants to wear a tutu or dinosaur costume to the grocery store, why stop her? She needs to decide who she is and be confident in her decision.
6. Teach her to be independent. Show her by example that woman can be strong. Find and follow your own passions. Search for outlets of expression and enjoyment for yourself- not just your husband or children. Define yourself by your own attributes, not by what others expect you to be. Know who you are as a person, and help your daughter find out who she is.
7. Pick flowers with her. Put them in her hair. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl and a flower.
8. Let her get messy. Get messy with her, no matter how much it makes you cringe inside. Splash in the puddles, throw snowballs, make mud pies, finger paint the walls: just let it happen. The most wonderful of memories are often the messy ones.
9. Give her good role models- you being one of them. Introduce her to successful woman- friends, co-workers, doctors, astronauts, or authors. Read to her about influential woman- Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie. Read her the words of inspirational woman- Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson. She should know that anything is possible.
10. Show her affection. Daughters will mimic the compassion of their mother. “I love yous” and Eskimo kisses go a long way.
11. Hold her hand. Whether she is 3 years-old in the parking lot or sixteen years old in the mall, hold on to her always- this will teach her to be confident in herself and proud of her family.
12. Believe in her. It is the moments that she does not believe in herself that she will need you to believe enough for both of you. Whether it is a spelling test in the first grade, a big game or recital, a first date, or the first day of college…remind her of the independent and capable woman you have taught her to be.
13. Tell her how beautiful she is. Whether it is her first day of Kindergarten, immediately after a soccer game where she is grass-stained and sweaty, or her wedding day. She needs your reminders. She needs your pride. She needs your reassurance. She is only human.
14. Love her father. Teach her to love a good man, like him. One who lets her be herself…she is after all wonderful.
15. Make forts with boxes and blankets. Help her to find magic in the ordinary, to imagine, to create and to believe in fairy tales. Someday she will make her 5 by 5 dorm-room her home with magic touches and inspiration. And she will fall in love with a boy and believe him to be Prince Charming.
16. Read to her. Read her Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. But also remember the power of Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost. Show her the beauty of words on a page and let her see you enjoy them. Words can be simply written and simply spoken, yet can harvest so much meaning. Help her to find their meaning.
17. Teach her how to love- with passion and kisses. Love her passionately. Love her father passionately and her siblings passionately. Express your love. Show her how to love with no restraint. Let her get her heart broken and try again. Let her cry, and gush, giggle and scream. She will love like you love or hate like you hate. So, choose love for both you and her.
18. Encourage her to dance and sing. Dance and sing with her- even if it sounds or looks horrible. Let her wiggle to nursery rhymes. Let her dance on her daddy's feet and spin in your arms. Then later, let her blast noise and headbang in her bedroom with her door shut if she wants. Or karaoke to Tom Petty in the living room if she would rather. Introduce her to the classics- like The Beatles- and listen to her latest favorite- like Taylor Swift. Share the magic of music together, it will bring you closer- or at least create a soundtrack to your life together.
19. Share secrets together. Communicate. Talk. Talk about anything. Let her tell you about boys, friends, school. Listen. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. She is not only your daughter, you are not only her mother. Be her friend too.
20. Teach her manners. Because sometimes you have to be her mother, not just her friend. The world is a happier place when made up of polite words and smiles.
21. Teach her when to stand-up and when to walk away. Whether she has classmates who tease her because of her glasses, or a boyfriend who tells her she is too fat - let her know she does not have to listen. Make sure she knows how to demand respect - she is worthy of it. It does not mean she has to fight back with fists or words, because sometimes you say more with silence. Also make sure she knows which battles are worth fighting. Remind her that some people can be mean and nasty because of jealousy, or other personal reasons. Help her to understand when to shut her mouth and walk-away. Teach her to be the better person.
22. Let her choose who she loves. Even when you see through the charming boy she thinks he is, let her love him without your disapproving words; she will anyway. When he breaks her heart, be there for her with words of support rather than I told-you-so. Let her mess up again and again until she finds the one. And when she finds the one, tell her.
23. Mother her. Being a mother - to her - is undoubtedly one of your greatest accomplishments. Share with her the joys of motherhood, so one day she will want to be a mother too. Remind her over and over again with words and kisses that no one will ever love her like you love her. No one can replace or replicate a mother's love for their children.
24. Comfort her. Because sometimes you just need your mommy. When she is sick, rub her back, make her soup and cover her in blankets - no matter how old she is. Someday, if she is giving birth to her own child, push her hair out of her face, encourage her, and tell her how beautiful she is. These are the moments she will remember you for. And someday when her husband rubs her back in attempt to comfort her...she may just whisper, "I need my mommy."
25. Be home. When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she will come to you; welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will run to you to share her news; embrace her. When she is lost or confused, she will search for you; find her. When she needs advice on boys, schools, friends or an outfit; tell her. She is your daughter and will always need a safe harbor - where she can turn a key to see comforting eyes and a familiar smile; be home.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Update - Striped Toddler Blanket
I haven't made a lot of progress on the blanket this week. I have 91 rows done on it now. I'm going to have to give myself a daily goal (again) or this will be hanging around for awhile, like the white knitted baby blanket did. I put 8 rows on it this morning and it's probably the most peaceful thing I've done today. I've been working on Big C's graduation announcements and party invitations as well as sewing clip after clip after clip onto Small T's hair pieces for Prom. My fingers are "KILLING ME". Arthritis, sewing and writing just do not mix well. I look forward to some more knitting time today/tonight. Thank goodness it's Friday.
Another Knitted Baby Blanket
Yesterday, while we were on the road again, I started another knitted baby blanket. I didn't work on the striped one because it's hard for me to be switching colors while in a vehicle. Strange, right? Anyway, the blanket I started yesterday is the Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket. You can find the free pattern by clicking here. The yarn I'm using is called "Funny Prints" and it's Bernat Baby Sport. I'm using a size 9 circular knitting needle. So far, I have 50 stitches cast on. Not bad, since I started with 5.
Rain
Wednesday, we received 4 1/2 inches of rain. Add that to all the other rain we've been getting and that equals "flooding" and lots of it. There are many road closures in the area and we had to make several detours yesterday to get where we were going. I hope we aren't going to have another year of massive floods. It seems like we are either in a drought or a flood. No happy medium.
My Nephew
At our school, the Sophomores (10th graders) have to take Child Development Class as part of their curriculum. My nephew and Small T are in the same grade, so I've been lucky to get a few photos of my nephew's experiences in that class.
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Small T is giving Awan some much needed support while he's wearing the pregnancy vest. This is one of my favorite photos right now. It's so cute that they are supporting his "belly" together.
And here he is this week, with his computerized Baby. They get them for 2 days of 24 hour care. At the end of those 2 days, they print out the feedback off the computer of how he did taking care of the baby. Once in a while, there is a student that actually has their baby "die" so I hope he isn't one of those this year.
Small T and FFA
Currently, Small T is away at the State FFA Convention. Since she's away, and I miss her, I thought I would share a photo of her and the Parliamentary Procedure Team that she has competed on this year. Small T is in the front row in the middle. They were all cracking up in this photo after a successful season of competition. :)
Baseball and Big C
I haven't done a Baseball photo of Big C yet this season. Probably because they have only had 3 games with 11 games cancelled due to rain. The photo shown above is of the Brunswick vs. Salisbury game which was a few weeks ago. Big C plays 1st base and he usually gets a lot of action. I missed getting a photo of him tagging the runner in the throat as the runner was sliding back into the base. It would have been a terrific photo for his book! This is Big C's last year of school and he only has a few days left so his opportunity for ball games is fast sliding away.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Finished!
I finished the baby sized version of the Living Room Afghan last night. It was a good night for crocheting as it rained and rained and rained all day yesterday. We ended up getting 4 1/2 inches total rain. *sigh*
The baby sized version was made by using a beg ch of 84 plus 2 (multiples of 6 plus 2 for the turning ch). Then I followed the pattern repeating the pattern rows until I had 52 rows of shells. (Make sure to do the 1st row of hdc and the last row of hdc.) For the border, I worked 4 rows of hdc around the entire blanket. The final row was the pattern....5 dc, sk 2 sts, sc, sk 2 sts, repeat. If you do it right, you'll have a shell in each corner stitch.
I used way less than one skein of Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn. In fact, I have about half a skein left and this baby blanket is pretty big. It's 30 inches wide by 33 inches long. I used a size I crochet hook.
I really like this blanket! I put a photo of it on my Facebook page and it's getting lots of compliments this morning. I would definitely make another one of these as I love the feminine look of it! If you'd like to make one too, here is the link to the free pattern http://sarahsprojects.blogspot.com/2010/05/living-room-afghan-pattern.html . It's a very easy pattern to follow and it looks great when it's finished!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Oops! (again)
Baby Ripple
The Baby Ripple blanket is finished.
It's more along the size of a crib blanket or a toddler blanket though.
I used Caron's Simply Soft yarn - about 1 1/2 skeins of Watermelon, 1 skein of Black and less than 1/2 of a skein of White. I also used an I crochet hook. The pattern is from Attic 24's blog and it can be found here.
10 Tasty and Healthy Foods That Don't Break the Bank
10 Tasty and Healthy Foods That Don't Break the Bank:
http://www.allyou.com/food/supercheap-meals/cheap-healthy-foods-00411000067834/page13.html
Peanut Butter This popular pantry item offers protein and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
Eggs Eggs are a good source of lean protein, and also contain vitamin B12, riboflavin and phosphorus.
Oats This grain helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Apples This fruit is a good source of vitamin C and is full of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Spinach This leafy green is loaded with vitamins (A, C, K and folic acid) and manganese.
Beans This tasty staple provides lean protein that’s full of fiber, calcium, folic acid and iron and other minerals.
Frozen Vegetables They provide fiber and an array of nutrients, depending on which veggies you buy.
Sweet Potatoes These spuds are very filling (because they contain fiber) and a source of vitamins A and B6.
Brown Rice Brown rice is a whole grain and a source of vitamin B6, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese.
Canned Tuna Fish This fish is a healthful lean protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids.
http://www.allyou.com/food/supercheap-meals/cheap-healthy-foods-00411000067834/page13.html
Peanut Butter This popular pantry item offers protein and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
Eggs Eggs are a good source of lean protein, and also contain vitamin B12, riboflavin and phosphorus.
Oats This grain helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Apples This fruit is a good source of vitamin C and is full of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Spinach This leafy green is loaded with vitamins (A, C, K and folic acid) and manganese.
Beans This tasty staple provides lean protein that’s full of fiber, calcium, folic acid and iron and other minerals.
Frozen Vegetables They provide fiber and an array of nutrients, depending on which veggies you buy.
Sweet Potatoes These spuds are very filling (because they contain fiber) and a source of vitamins A and B6.
Brown Rice Brown rice is a whole grain and a source of vitamin B6, magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese.
Canned Tuna Fish This fish is a healthful lean protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I Found It!!!
Guess what? Sunday when we were out of town shopping for Small T's birthday and for Prom, we stopped at Michael's (Hobby Lobby was closed...darn) and I found the Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn I was needing to finish the white baby blanket. Woo Hoo!!! So...I bought 2 skeins of it, just in case. Now I get back to work on the blanket.
By the way, I hope to update the blog a bit more this evening. I've been subbing at the school this week so my evening hours are pretty limited with having to fix dinner in a hurry and then zipping off to all the evening activities, plus...I've been needing to go to bed at a decent time so I won't be tired the next day. So, hopefully I have a good day/afternoon/evening and have time to get on here tonight. Have a good day everyone! :)
By the way, I hope to update the blog a bit more this evening. I've been subbing at the school this week so my evening hours are pretty limited with having to fix dinner in a hurry and then zipping off to all the evening activities, plus...I've been needing to go to bed at a decent time so I won't be tired the next day. So, hopefully I have a good day/afternoon/evening and have time to get on here tonight. Have a good day everyone! :)
Grocery Challenge - Week 15
For the week of 4/9 through 4/15:
Trip #1:
Gallon of Milk $3.89
Big Bucket of Ice Cream $6.99
Loaf of Bread $1.39
Package of Hamburger $3.24
Total (with tax) $16.20
Total for the week $16.20 ($58.80 under budget)
Trip #1:
Gallon of Milk $3.89
Big Bucket of Ice Cream $6.99
Loaf of Bread $1.39
Package of Hamburger $3.24
Total (with tax) $16.20
Total for the week $16.20 ($58.80 under budget)
Menu
For the week of 4/9 - 4/15.
4/9 - Away Baseball Game....so we ate at McDonald's on the way home.
4/10 - Hawaiian Chicken in the crock pot, white rice, veggie (recipe to follow)
4/11 - Carry Out Pizza & Breadsticks....we didn't get home until after 8 pm from all the after school stuff
4/12 - Another busy night after school. Frozen pizza night.
4/13 - Big Daddy grilled pork burgers and hot dogs outside.
4/14 - Leftover night (we were gone all day long out of town shopping for Small T's birthday and Prom)
4/15 - Hamburger Helper (for Small T) yuck.
Hawaiian Chicken Over Rice
http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/132431/slowcooker_hawaiian_chicken_over_rice?utm_source=pinterest
4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup water
12 oz can pineapple
Rice (I like brown)
Put chicken breasts, bbq sauce, teriyaki, water and pineapple into the crock pot.
Cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for about 3, until chicken is cooked thoroughly and shreddable.
Shred chicken and return to the crock pot while you cook the rice.
Cook rice according to package directions in a pot, or with a rice cooker.
Serve rice topped with chicken mixture and lots of sauce.
4/9 - Away Baseball Game....so we ate at McDonald's on the way home.
4/10 - Hawaiian Chicken in the crock pot, white rice, veggie (recipe to follow)
4/11 - Carry Out Pizza & Breadsticks....we didn't get home until after 8 pm from all the after school stuff
4/12 - Another busy night after school. Frozen pizza night.
4/13 - Big Daddy grilled pork burgers and hot dogs outside.
4/14 - Leftover night (we were gone all day long out of town shopping for Small T's birthday and Prom)
4/15 - Hamburger Helper (for Small T) yuck.
Hawaiian Chicken Over Rice
http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/132431/slowcooker_hawaiian_chicken_over_rice?utm_source=pinterest
4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup water
12 oz can pineapple
Rice (I like brown)
Put chicken breasts, bbq sauce, teriyaki, water and pineapple into the crock pot.
Cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for about 3, until chicken is cooked thoroughly and shreddable.
Shred chicken and return to the crock pot while you cook the rice.
Cook rice according to package directions in a pot, or with a rice cooker.
Serve rice topped with chicken mixture and lots of sauce.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Baby Ripple
Since I haven't been able to find any Lionbrand Pound of Love yarn yet, I started another blanket. This time, I doing the Ripple pattern (again). The pink, black and white combination was so popular the last time I made one, that I'm using it again. The yarn is Caron's Simply Soft and the colors are actually Watermelon, Black and White. I'm using an I hook. The pattern I use is the Neat Ripple off of Attic 24's blog.
Friday, April 12, 2013
New Crochet Hooks
I haven't talked about it much, but I have a definite preference when it comes to crochet hooks. My absolute favorite hook is a Susan Bates In-Line hook, size I. It's the top hook in the above photo. I've used it so much, the color is worn off in places. I have 2 of this type of hook, and have had them since I was a kid. I learned to crochet with the favorite I hook.
I found this great photo that explains the difference between the two hook styles. And this blog (Crochet Cabana) also has other great information about hooks. You can find it by clicking here.
But, back to the new hooks. I was at Hobby Lobby last Friday to pick up a set of knitting needles and guess what I found. A whole set of Susan Bates In-Line hooks. So what did I do? I bought it!!! Yep, I proud owner of 5 more of my favorite kind of hooks! I'm a LUCKY GIRL!!!
Update - Striped Toddler Blanket
I thought I'd post a quick update for this blanket. I haven't had much time for knitting or crocheting this week, but I'm currently at 67 rows. Last time I posted a photo, I was at 35 rows. So...I'm slowly adding to the blanket. I may have to set a daily goal again in order to make any significant progress, but at this point, I'm enjoying my time spent knitting on this.
Update on the "New Project"
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Life is so unfair sometimes. *sigh* I swear, if I was better organized, maybe it wouldn't be so much of a bummer. What, pray tell, am I getting at? Well, I ran out of yarn for this baby blanket. Yep. I did. Why??? Because I was using a different yarn than what I said I was. Unbelievable! I seriously thought I was using a skein of Bernat Baby Sport. I didn't realize until I was almost finished with the skein that it was Lionbrand Pound of Love. So...after searching through my stash, I realized that I only have Bernat Baby Sport. The baby blanket has sat there, staring at me, waiting somewhat patiently, since Wed. night. I guess it's a good thing I have to go to Wal-Mart this evening, otherwise it would be sitting there staring at me for a much longer period of time. Sometimes, I swear, I need a good smack in the head! I should have searched through ALL the yarn to make sure I had enough of it before starting a project. I wonder though...I have a learned a lesson from this??? Probably not. LOL
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
New Project
I needed a project to work on while traveling to the ball game last night, so I grabbed a skein of baby yarn, a hook, and a pattern and started this baby blanket. I'm not using a traditional baby blanket pattern. Instead, I'm using a pattern for a bigger afghan/throw and just shrinking it down by using a smaller hook and lighter weight yarn. In this case, the yarn is Bernat Baby Sport and a hook size G. Here's the link to the pattern http://sarahsprojects.blogspot.com/2010/05/living-room-afghan-pattern.html . It's one I've used before and I really like the look of it when it's finished. The yarn is from my stash, so I will get to count this is a Stash Buster project when it's finished. :)
Pretty In Pink Sweater - Free Pattern
Did you enjoy the "teaser" from yesterday? I hope so.
It was a swatch from my Pretty In Pink Sweater, which is my new free pattern.
size 3 months
Bernat Baby Sport yarn
H & I crochet hooks
1 pink button
needle and thread for sewing on the button
yarn needle for weaving in ends
1 pink button
needle and thread for sewing on the button
yarn needle for weaving in ends
with the I hook, ch 45.
switch to the H hook.
switch to the H hook.
1- hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
2- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st two sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 3 sts. (54)
3- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st three sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (64)
4- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st four sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (74)
5- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st five sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (84)
6- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st six sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 7 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (94)
7- ch 2, turn. hdc in first 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next. ch 6. sk 20 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st. (hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next) twice, hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, ch 6, sk 20 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts) twice. (62 sts plus 12 chs)
8- ch 2, turn. hdc in the first 10 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st) 5 times, hdc in last 2 sts. (80)
9- ch 2, turn. hdc in the first 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 12 sts, 2 hdc in next st) 5 times, hdc in last 2 sts. (86)
10 through 21 - ch 2, turn. hdc in each st.
22- ch 3, turn. (sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) repeat across ending with 1 dc in each of the last 2 sts.
23- ch 3, turn. work 3 dc in next st. (sk 2 sts, work 1 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, work 5 dc in next st) repeat across ending with 3 dc in last st.
24- repeat row 22.
25- repeat row 23.
26. ch 2, turn. hdc in each st across. DO NOT FASTEN OFF YARN....we are starting the edging.
ch 3, hdc evenly up the front of the sweater, ch 2, sc in each st around the neckline, ch 2, work 2 hdc, ch 2 (this forms the buttonhole), then hdc evenly down the edge, ch 3, join with a sl st to the 1st hdc of the bottom row. fasten off, weave in ends. sew on button.
Sleeves (two of them)
1- attach yarn in middle stitch of armhole bottom, ch 1, work 31 sc evenly around the armhole, join with a sl st to beg ch 1.
2 through 13- ch 2, turn. work 1 hdc in each st around, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch 2.
14- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 13 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 14 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
15- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 12 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 13 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
16- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 11 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 12 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
17- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 10 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 11 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
18- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 9 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 10 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
19- ch 1, turn. sc in each st around, join with a sl st to beg ch 1. (22) fasten off, weave in ends.
*As always, please don't steal my pattern and claim it as your own. Please give credit where credit is due. Thanks so much!*
7- ch 2, turn. hdc in first 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next. ch 6. sk 20 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st. (hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next) twice, hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, ch 6, sk 20 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts) twice. (62 sts plus 12 chs)
8- ch 2, turn. hdc in the first 10 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st) 5 times, hdc in last 2 sts. (80)
9- ch 2, turn. hdc in the first 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next 12 sts, 2 hdc in next st) 5 times, hdc in last 2 sts. (86)
10 through 21 - ch 2, turn. hdc in each st.
22- ch 3, turn. (sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) repeat across ending with 1 dc in each of the last 2 sts.
23- ch 3, turn. work 3 dc in next st. (sk 2 sts, work 1 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, work 5 dc in next st) repeat across ending with 3 dc in last st.
24- repeat row 22.
25- repeat row 23.
26. ch 2, turn. hdc in each st across. DO NOT FASTEN OFF YARN....we are starting the edging.
ch 3, hdc evenly up the front of the sweater, ch 2, sc in each st around the neckline, ch 2, work 2 hdc, ch 2 (this forms the buttonhole), then hdc evenly down the edge, ch 3, join with a sl st to the 1st hdc of the bottom row. fasten off, weave in ends. sew on button.
Sleeves (two of them)
1- attach yarn in middle stitch of armhole bottom, ch 1, work 31 sc evenly around the armhole, join with a sl st to beg ch 1.
2 through 13- ch 2, turn. work 1 hdc in each st around, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch 2.
14- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 13 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 14 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
15- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 12 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 13 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
16- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 11 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 12 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
17- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 10 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 11 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
18- ch 2, turn. hdc in next 9 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 10 sts, hdc2tog, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch2.
19- ch 1, turn. sc in each st around, join with a sl st to beg ch 1. (22) fasten off, weave in ends.
*As always, please don't steal my pattern and claim it as your own. Please give credit where credit is due. Thanks so much!*
How To Make A Basic Round Yoke For A Baby Sweater - Tutorial
How to make a "Basic Yoke" for a baby sweater.
But first, a few notes or explanations:
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Note: The beg ch 2 of each row counts as a hdc.
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Note: At the beg of each row, when you ch 2 then hdc in next st, sk the 1st st and hdc in the next st. This keeps the edge of the sweater straight.
This is an example of what it will look like.
Note: At the end of each row, your last st will be worked in the top of the beg ch 2 from the previous row.
This is what the final product will look like at the end of row 6.
The Basic Yoke pattern:
Bernat Baby Sport yarn
H & I crochet hooks
with the I hook, ch 45.
1- hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across.
2- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st two sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 3 sts. (54)
3- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st three sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (64)
4- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st four sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (74)
5- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st five sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (84)
6- ch 2, turn. hdc in 1st six sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 7 sts, 2 hdc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in each of the last 4 sts. (94)
This is the basic yoke pattern.
Then, it's on to the armhole row.
7- ch 2, turn. hdc in first 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next. ch 6. sk 20 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st. (hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next) twice, hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, ch 6, sk 20 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts) twice. (62 sts plus 12 chs)
You can go from this point and come up with any pattern for the body of the sweater that you want. OR you can go to my Pretty In Pink Sweater pattern and keep on crocheting starting with row 8.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Teaser...
I'll be posting a new crochet pattern soon for everyone to see. Until then, I thought I'd show you a little teaser of what some of it looks like. :) Enjoy.
What I've been working on...
I've been working on patterns the last few days...writing them out...
the Wildcat blanket...
the Harley Davidson blanket...
the Dragonfly blanket...
and the Alphabet Sampler.
Now I just need to find time to make them. :)
Grocery Challenge - Week 14
For the week of 4/2 through 4/8:
Trip #1:
2 bags of carrots $1.56
Bowtie pasta $1.00
Small shell pasta $1.00
Onions $1.26
Broccoli $2.38
Tomatoes $1.15
Bell peppers $1.08
2 pkgs. frozen garlic bread $3.76 ($1.88 each)
frozen peas 98 cents
3 bags of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts $20.94 ($6.98 each)
2 pkgs. fettuccine $2.00 ($1.00 each)
2 boxes of Jumbo shells pasta $3.36 ($1.68 each)
Picante sauce $1.98
Taco sauce $1.78
Rice wine vinegar $1.96
Teriyaki sauce $1.82
Sesame oil $3.48
Minced garlic $1.98
Bagels $1.48
Smoked white turkey (lunch meat) $2.50
Butter quarters $2.78
4 lunchables $6.32 ($1.58 each)
Cereal $3.88
Cereal $3.38
Cereal $3.68
Heavy cream $4.87
20 lb. bag of rice $11.48
2 bags Tortilla chips $3.24 ($1.62 each)
2 boxes of Rice a roni Family size Beef $3.36 ($1.68 each)
2 boxes of chicken fajita rice a roni $2.00 ($1.00 each)
Total $102.44 (over budget $27.44)
Trip #1:
2 bags of carrots $1.56
Bowtie pasta $1.00
Small shell pasta $1.00
Onions $1.26
Broccoli $2.38
Tomatoes $1.15
Bell peppers $1.08
2 pkgs. frozen garlic bread $3.76 ($1.88 each)
frozen peas 98 cents
3 bags of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts $20.94 ($6.98 each)
2 pkgs. fettuccine $2.00 ($1.00 each)
2 boxes of Jumbo shells pasta $3.36 ($1.68 each)
Picante sauce $1.98
Taco sauce $1.78
Rice wine vinegar $1.96
Teriyaki sauce $1.82
Sesame oil $3.48
Minced garlic $1.98
Bagels $1.48
Smoked white turkey (lunch meat) $2.50
Butter quarters $2.78
4 lunchables $6.32 ($1.58 each)
Cereal $3.88
Cereal $3.38
Cereal $3.68
Heavy cream $4.87
20 lb. bag of rice $11.48
2 bags Tortilla chips $3.24 ($1.62 each)
2 boxes of Rice a roni Family size Beef $3.36 ($1.68 each)
2 boxes of chicken fajita rice a roni $2.00 ($1.00 each)
Total $102.44 (over budget $27.44)
Menu
For the week of 4/2 through 4/8:
4/2- Away Baseball Game - we had hot dogs at the game
4/3- Walking Taco's in the oven (recipe to follow)
4/4- Fettuccine Alfredo
4/5- On the road....so fast food night....Burger King
4/6- Stuffed Shells (recipe to follow)
4/7- Beef and broccoli, rice
4/8- Pork chops on the grill, fried potatoes and onions, peas
Walking Taco's in the oven
Frito's
Hamburger
Taco Seasoning packets
Shredded Cheese
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, etc. for toppings
Taco Sauce or Salsa
1. Make your taco meat. Basically, brown your hamburger and drain it. Add the hamburger back to the pan/skillet and add taco seasoning (and water if required....check the back of the seasoning packet for directions). Simmer until finished.
2. Spread your Frito's in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Cover the Frito's with taco meat.
4. Cover the taco meat with shredded cheese.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F until the cheese is melted. Don't over bake. The Frito's will get hard.
6. Dish it up and top with all your favorite taco trimmings.
4/2- Away Baseball Game - we had hot dogs at the game
4/3- Walking Taco's in the oven (recipe to follow)
4/4- Fettuccine Alfredo
4/5- On the road....so fast food night....Burger King
4/6- Stuffed Shells (recipe to follow)
4/7- Beef and broccoli, rice
4/8- Pork chops on the grill, fried potatoes and onions, peas
Walking Taco's in the oven
Frito's
Hamburger
Taco Seasoning packets
Shredded Cheese
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, etc. for toppings
Taco Sauce or Salsa
1. Make your taco meat. Basically, brown your hamburger and drain it. Add the hamburger back to the pan/skillet and add taco seasoning (and water if required....check the back of the seasoning packet for directions). Simmer until finished.
2. Spread your Frito's in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Cover the Frito's with taco meat.
4. Cover the taco meat with shredded cheese.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F until the cheese is melted. Don't over bake. The Frito's will get hard.
6. Dish it up and top with all your favorite taco trimmings.
Beef with Broccoli
This was some fantastic food!!!
My husband couldn't quit raving about it.
I can't copy and paste the recipe here so click on the link.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Cowboys
This afternoon, I watched one of my favorite movies on TV...."The Cowboys", starring John Wayne.
I like the scene where they are talking about him being downright personable today and that it was because he'd been sleeping better and hitting the bottle before bed. LOL
Then the boys stole a bottle of whiskey and passed it around that night and were all sick the next day. Here they are getting their medicine. :)
Just goes to show that some things never go out of style with the younger generation.
At the track...
Even though it was nice outside today (a whole 66 degrees F at 11 a.m.), it was windy out.
Small T wanted to go walk the track and I was OBLIGATED to go. Dang it.
So here I am...getting ready to walk the track at the school. I'm glad I had my slouchy hat on. My ears were a bit cold. LOL
When I took this photo...Small T said, "quit being conceited, Mom". LOL She's the queen of modeling for photos that she takes of herself!
So here I am, on my first lap around the track. I managed to walk a mile and she ran one more lap while I ran about half a lap. By then, she was winded, and so was I, so she called it a day. I'm glad she did. LOL