One Saturday in the Sewing Room

Todd took Ryan to his belt test this morning and he is now a blue belt! While they were out and Colin played with his Cars, Andy and I played in the sewing room.



First, we made so- called "brag vests" for their Scouting patches. Ryan let me make his. thanks. I printed out this pattern. I bought some of the quilters Tru Grid and ironed it onto heavy weight sew in interfacing. I transferred the grid from the paper pattern and cut out the fabric one. Andy traced the edges with chalk, cut it out and sewed the shoulder seams. I had to help with the grommets - they were tough. All that was left was to thread the lace and sew on the patches!



Next we got to work on his Hungary Caterpillar quilt. He wants to show it in the guild quilt show. He finished the last two blocks, bordered the squares and assembled the top. I showed him how to spray baste the quilt sandwich. I need to get some more thread and some more time alone with Andy to quilt it. I'm going to show him how to quilt by machine and by hand. I need to track down some more of the Eric Carle fabric for the binding. I don't think I have enough left. Here it is ready to be quilted!




Next on the sewing agenda is to get more batting for my blue and white quilt so I can get that done in time for the show.

Green Belts

On Nov. 1, Andy and Ryan tested for their green belts. Their first real belt tests. They actually needed to KNOW stuff for the test. They did great.



Daddy is looking at getting his brown belt around Christmas time.

Another Random Recap

Kids:
Saturday, we took the kids to Devon Day. there were rides, ice cream, popcorn, magic show, and, of course, face painting. Andy got a Praying Mantis (his favorite bug. he actually found one hanging out in my veggie garden a couple of weeks ago. Good bugs.. we like that!)

Ryan got a Hermit Crab (or so he called it) "tattoo" on his arm. No, he's not like his dad AT ALL...




Colin's vocab is just EXPLODING! new words every day. I forgot how amazing this phase is.

The boys filled up the marble jar and were rewarded with a shopping spree at the book store. I've never seen them so overwhelmed with options.. not even at the toy store!

This is week 2 of Karate Camp. The boys had So much fun last week, that we didn't need to think twice about sending them to the additional week.

Knitting:
I am making slow but steady progress on my Anniversary Shawl. I've gotten this beading thing down, so the pace is picking up now. It still looks like a mess of seaweed, just with pearls in it now. Once I finish this tier, I'll try to pin it out for some pictures.

Since Ryan liked Todd's socks so much, and I had so much yarn leftover, he is getting a pair too. They are my current commuter knit.



I finished my shorts, short of weaving in the ends. I'm not loving them. I need to force myself to sew in the ends, try them on and give them a change before I decide they are an UGH! and yes, I will take pictures of the monstrosity for your amusement.

Assholes:

We had a great streak going there for a while.... but this asshole blew it last night. Just when I thought people were getting the picture...


Injuries:

According to my doctor, my leg is healing well. I think it still looks pretty nasty, but hey, he went to Med School... I didn't... I'm back on my bike, but not without pain when I pedal. It is still better than driving or taking the cab.. I think I've become addicted to my daily rides. There are worse things....

As far as the legal action, I was contacted by the drivers insurance company and referred them to my lawyer, so I guess that ball is starting to roll...

oh- and it isnt' just me, see!

Just keep knitting

Well that certainly was a "fun" weekend.

I've blogged about Todd's BiPolar recently. We (that is his Dr and I) decided that I've had enough, he's had enough and he needs to be in a place where he can be monitored. So, he is in the hospital. No major crisis, but we felt it best to avoid one which I am sure was imminent. His med levels were low, so that is good news - an easy fix. I miss my hubby. I'll be glad to have him back to himself and back home.

While Todd was on his way to the hospital, I took the boys to their first karate tounament. They are SO proud of themselves! They should be! They both did a great job and were great sports.

first up was sparring. Ryan beat Andy to win 5th place. Andy came in 7th. (Andy is in yellow, Ryan in Blue Camo).



I didn't get pictures of Sweeping, but Ryan got a "Great Job" trophy and Andy came in 3rd. He doesn't like being taken down- AT ALL!

Last up was the joust. Ryan came in 8th. Jousting is easily Andy's best event. He has a technique that works for him - usually. One kid did outsmart him. He came in 2nd!

The Father of one of the boys he beat actually called him a bully. Anyone who has actually met my eldest child knows how laughable that is. He has PTSD. He is literally afraid of his own shadow! He is SO far from being a bully. I wanted to say somethign to the dad, but Andy didn't hear him and I didn't want to ruin his moment, kwim? I guess this guy didn't like that his kid lost or didn't understand the rules - basically he wasn't listening when Sabunim was speaking before the event. I know that if Andy were not following the rules or being unsportsmanlike, Sabunim W would have warned and then disqualified him.

with the whole Daddy in the hospital thing, I didn't think to get pictures of them with their trophies. I will! I promise!

Sunday was Andy's soccer game. I do'nt know why we went. He hardly played- and when he did he totally ignored his coaches (which is why he hardly played). though, I didn't medicate him because he was medicated all day Saturday for the tournament.

For Mother's Day, the big guys got me flowers at the school plant sale and Colin slept in until 9! we went to my parents for lunch- made by my Dad! Colin LOVES pasta!


Between the kids Karate Tournament, a Soccer Game and my huband being in the hospital, I got a LOT of lace knit on my Zaftig.


now I need to try it on. Hope it fits. See how much longer it needs to be. The lace is a horseshoe lace. I increased from a US4 to a US6 for the first 4 repeats and then switched to US8. I may go up again...

TGIF - Leap Day

Before I get to my TGIF, I want to wish a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Capo & Ron!

This week, I'm grateful for:

• snarky bitch friends that crack me up
• finally achiving the state of Goddessness
• 2 Cammo blet Kartate Kids (Ryan graduated yesterday!)
• salsa
• fabric sales
• kick ass female engineers (the train kind - but the other kind rock too!)
• heated seats
• my inner Diva
• old firends keeping in touch
• new friends
• small talk
• hand knit wool socks
• tea and digestives at bedtime
• turning the heel and onto the home streatch

Add your TGIFs to the comments if you'd like to share!

The Newest Karate Kid

A little over a year ago, soccer ended and I was looking for a way for Andy to get some exercise and social interaction. He got a flyer in his backpack for "Karate Club". It actually took some convincing to get Todd (who will be testing for his blue belt soon!) on board.

The first class, he REFUSED to participate. The second class wasnt' a whole lot better, but he did try. He continued to get better, but he stayed in a fog. I went to watch one week - 60 kids in Karate PLUS another 50 or so in the YMCA after school program. There was a LOT of noise - no wonder!

The instructor suggested we move him to the "Little Dragons" class at the community center near our house. Immediate improvement! He was now really learning. Not just karate, but also how to stand still and how to listen. Last year, Karate did more for him than any therapy the school provided.

Now, he is medicated and really starting to excel in everything- including martial arts. He is starting to get bored in the LD class. We talked to the instructor and decided it was time for him to move up to the Kids program.

Friday was a big day for Andy. He was supposed to be testing for his red/black belt. He got his camoflage belt. He was quite suprised! At first he was confused. Sabunim began his speech about the camo belt. Andy looked down at his belt - with the 3 stripes on it - and looked like he thought Sabunim forgot that he was testing. then, Sabunim said that his brother was in the class, his dad helps teach the class and mom even takes the self-defense class. the light went on- and he was excited!

He was SO proud of himself - and we are so proud of him too. He has come so far from the kindergartener who would not participate!