Woo-hoo! It's Friday!

Finished the majority of my shopping today. Just need to pick up 1 or 2 more little things. I am happy! My socks for Ansley are going very well and I hope to have the first pair finished tonight and the second pair started. I have so much to do this weekend to get the house cleaned for Christmas. I am not expecting anyone, but I still want things to be clean. I have several knitting project started and in process and I am mailing off a swap package this weekend. Busy, as always. I think that Mom is doing a little better since the DR changed a couple of her meds and added some additional vitamins. I hope she continues to improve. I want to get back on our regular schedule. I like routine and structure and we have not had that for quite some time now. til next time~~

The Holidays

Well, it is December 11 and I can't tell you what happened between today and August 28. That was the last time that I posted. My Mom's dementia is getting worse every day. I am amazed at how fast she has regressed. It is a full time job just taking care of her, and I still work full time. So, needless to say, I have been a little busy. But, I need outlets for my energy and creativity, little as there is, so I am going to try in January to start blogging at least once a week. Just to keep up with all my blogging friends and to feel sort of like a normal person. The holidays are here and I have done very little decorating. As much as I love the season, I am just not inspired to go all out. We had Christmas with our children and grandchildren, 4 of the 5 anyway, this past weekend and it was the best weekend I have had in a very long time. Peaceful, noisy, friendly, warm and inviting. It was wonderful! All that we have left now, is company parties and hopefully they will be over this weekend. We will be home free after that. I think it will be a little sad on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that it will only be the 3 of us, but we will make the best of it, and hopefully, get some needed rest. I am off to start my day! Take care~~~

I Can't Believe It!

I can't believe that it has been almost 2 months since I posted! Where did that time go? I just can't keep up, it seems. Work, home, Mom, grandchildren, just one thing after another. Ansley is almost 4 months old! She is so pretty. Anna is starting Pre-K next week and I can't believe that my baby girl is actually going to school. Brian is back in school, big 2nd grader and doing fabulous. Lucas and Colin are growing like weeds. Colin just got his 4th haircut! Michael moved to Sacramento into apartment with 3 roommates and is working for Direct TV and Benjamin is hanging out and being a comedian, something he is very good at. That's the update for today!

Colin and Lucas - Super Cousins!

We have Lucas this week, while his Mom and Dad are on vacation. He is so adorable. Never still a minute, but happy and healthy. He is 18 months old and so curious about everything. He is jabbering constantly, but only he can understand it. I have always felt that the time between 1 and 2 is the best time. The babies are independent, but always needing help, learning, discovering things around them and constantly changing. Poppy took him to play at the park with Colin. They are only 3 months apart and they are so sweet together. Colin has a laugh that is just contagious and he is always smiling. He got his 3rd, I think, haircut last week and this time he got a short boy cut. He is too cute for words. Here they are at the park:

Grandkids, the best thing that ever happened to Grandparents! I think they are God's reward to us for working hard and raising our families!

Where Did June Go?

Is it really June 23? I can't believe it is! Isn't it funny how time passes and you are left wondering where you were during that time? That's how I feel most of the time. Work, home, responsibilities, they all keep you in a whirlwind of activity and the days just fly by and you are hanging on for dear life, just to keep up. Here in Atlanta, I think that we skipped spring altogether and went straight to summer. The weather has been unusually odd the last couple of years. We didn't have any really cold weather this winter and now we have gone to the 80's and 90's like a bullet. Haven't had time to do the Dare over at The Bright Owl, but I like the one she has posted this week, so I am going to try and get it done. I have been drawing some, not as much as I would like, but I do get some in. I am also knitting a blanket for Ansley and I have a pair of socks that I just finished, which I need to post on OPAM. Mom has been having numerous health issues and we have been running to the doctor. It just seems to be one thing after another with her. I guess that is how it is sometimes. I never know from one day to the next how she is going to feel or what the day will hold. Working at home 3 days a week does lighten that load. I can take care of her and still get my work done. I work for the best company on the planet and I am very blessed.

Ansley!

Sweet Baby Ansley! What a joy she is! Did not do the Dare over at The Bright Owl this week. Sometimes, time just does not permit me to do the things that I would like to do. Busy week with work and Mom. Every day is different with her. I just never know what the day will bring until it happens. Working at home has definitely made a big difference and I am thinking that I should consider working at home all the time. The problem with that is I have things that must be done at the office. Oh well, I guess I will jump off that bridge when I get to it!

Ansley

Cory and Ivey took her to the doctor today and she weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces! She has gained a pound in a little over a week! She is growing like a weed! We are so proud of her!

Party Time!

What a great day we had yesterday! The weather was perfectly awesome! We grilled burgers and dogs and played with babies all day. Cory and Ivey brought little Ansley and Colin and Lucas were here and it was a fun time! I couldn't help but laugh at Cory, Parker and Jason. They were having a conversation about baby formula. When they all lived at home, I would never have imagined this scene, since all they ever talked about was sports and video games! Now, they all 3 have a child and they are very different than they were before they became Daddy's. Randy was like a whirlwind all day going from cooking and helping me to prepare lunch to running around chasing one of the boys, to giving Ansley her bottle. ] Our newest addition, Ansley, was so sweet and slept most of the day. We all carried her around and I can't believe that she slept as well as she did with all the noise and activity, but she did great! Mom had a great day too. She was feeling fairly well, and really enjoyed the babies. She even held Ansley for a while and did very well. I am happy that she had a good day. I want to say a heartfelt Thank You! to all the troops who protect and defend our country so that we can have family days like this and many others. You are always in our hearts and in our prayers. Happy Memorial Day!

Zendala Dare #58

I am late posting the Dare this week! I like it!

She's Here!

Ansley Addison Perry - Born May 17, 2013  at 6:59 am.  She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and is 20 inches long!

She is perfect!  My family is so blessed!

Ansley Addison Perry

Today is finally the day, I think! Ansley Addison Perry will be born today, barring any problems. Ivey is in the hospital and almost ready to go to the delivery room. I am headed to Greenville this morning, once I get Mom up and going. I am so excited! My second baby girl is about to make her entrance into the world! The doctors thought that Cory and Ivey would never be able to have a baby because of various problems that they both had and so they decided to stop worrying and going to doctors. And, then, it happened! God is so good to us! They will be such wonderful parents! Anna will now have someone to be her best friend and partner in crime! More news later!

AAAARRRGGGHHH!

I changed my layout and I did not mean to. I accidentally hit "Apply to the Blog". I am so mad, because I can't get the old one back. I have been fooling around with it for about an hour and I can't even customize the one that is on here now. banging her head against the granite counter and mumbling incoherently

Dare #54

I liked this week's dare. It was different than any I have done. I had a hard time deciding what to draw, but I think it turned out pretty good. And, a big Thank you to Erin! I won a 2013 Tangle a Day Calendar on the website!

Walt Disney World - Here We Come!

I have a confession to make. I did the Dare this week (#53), but I did not like it, so I did not post it. Hoping for better luck next week! We are heading for Disney World tomorrow morning, bright and early with Brian and Anna. I have been shopping, packing and getting stuff together most of the day. They do not know that we are going. Their Dad is bringing them tonight, for what they think is just a few days with us. We are going to surprise them. Richard is going to California tomorrow morning to work on his film and also to visit his brother, my oldest son, Chris and his family. I have really needed a break for a while and this is going to be the perfect one! Will post all the news and pics when we return on Sunday!

Zendala Dare #52

I feel about this one. On the one hand, I love it, it was so much fun. Then, on the other hand, I don't think I did a very good selection on the tangles. I will tell you this, I just love, love, love the challenge that comes with this. It is exciting, inspiring and so much fun! I am not sure how

Toe Up Socks!

I finally got the heel done on the second sock. I pulled it out 4 times, and I still have a couple of mistakes. I guess that is how you learn though. Both socks are now in the home stretch...knitting the cuff. Since I used Wendy's basic pattern, it had just a plain stockinette cuff, so I am doing it in a 3/1 ribbing. I can't wait to wear them! The color is so nice and bright. I hate that I have the boo-boo's, but the next pair will be better. At least I didn't knit a million socks learning the technique, as I did when I first started learning to knit socks. I can knit cuff down socks with my eyes closed now, and I hope to be able to do the same with toe up soon.

Zendala Dare #51

Zendala Dare #51 from The Bright Owl. This is not my best work, but it was fun! Thanks Erin!

Zendala Dare #50

Well, so much for all my talk about posting everyday! :) Here is my Zendala Dare for this week!!!!

Vision Walk

We got the proof for our VisionWalk t-shirts today and they look great! The screenprinter said they would be ready by Friday for Randy to pick up. We have raised over $2000 which is pretty good considering that we have not had a chance to do as much fundraising as we wanted to do. I am excited that the walk is almost here. I love doing this with my family, I just wish my Cali bunch could be here too! I have had a rough couple of days. A week ago last Thursday, my beloved Shih Tsu, Max went to be with the Lord. He was very sick and he was almost 14 years old. I just can't seem to stop thinking about him and missing him. He was my best friend and constant companion for so many years. I feel like there is a big hole in my heart that needs to be closed, but I don't know how to close it. Headed to my small group tonight. I love those guys! We are studying a book called "The Christian Atheist" and it is a really good book. I have learned so much and we are only about half way through it. Working hard on my toe up socks! I love them and they are going to be so beautiful! Til next time~~~

Dare #49

I missed posting yesterday, but I had company and lots going on. So today, I am posting The Dare #49 from over at the Bright Owl. I am not that pleased with the design, but it was fun to draw!

Socks Rock!

My first pair of toe up socks are coming along great! I am so happy with them. I have finished the first one, just needs top ribbing and bind off. I am about half way up the foot on the second one, and feel it will be even better than the first one. I do have an error in the first one. When I did the wrap and turns on the heel, I did not knit them correctly. I know the mistake that I made now, so I won't make that mistake on the second sock. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Sheperd Sock and it is a dream to knit. I am using the basic pattern from Wendy Johnson's book, Socks from the Toe Up. Wendy writes great patterns and instructions. Once these socks are finished, I am going to make a pair with a pattern. I really do like toe up much better than cuff down. Let's face it, folks, I am a sock junkie! Til tomorrow~~~

Catching Up

I intend to make this my last "Catching Up" post. I am going to post everyday, somehow. I have so much on my plate, but I am going to find 15 minutes to post from now on. Ok, here is the catch up: My last post was February 22. That means I have not posted in about 21 days. Since that time, I have completed the first toe up sock to about half the calf, and started the other one. I have started a pair of mystery socks with the Yarn Garden gang. I have had Brian and Anna for the weekend. I have started cleaning my borders and small gardens, getting ready for spring. I have done 1 Zendala Dare. I am still taking care of my mother and working full time. Our family is planning to walk in the Atlanta VisionWalk for my grandson, Brian, who some of you know, was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2010. The walk is so much fun and we have such a great family time. It is held in Piedmont Park here in Atlanta and is a 5K. We raise money for The Foundation Fighting Blindness to fund research. RP and several other genetic eye disorders are incurable, and research is needed to help find a cure. They are making great progress in several clinical trials that are going on right now. I would love for anyone who is here in Atlanta to walk with us. The walk will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 3PM. Donations are so gratefully accepted and are 100% tax deductible. Please click on my homepage here Lynn Herrin and donate. Any amount, large or small is appreciated. I will post pics from the walk the week after. Here are couple of pictures from the 2011 Walk. We did not get to participate in 2012 because of a scheduling conflict, but we are rockin' this year.

Zendala Dare #45

This is my first dare in several months, and I had so much fun doing it. Thanks for a great design, Erin!

This was a great weekend, all things considered. We went over to Columbia, for Anna's 4th Birthday, and we had such a good time. We kept missing the snow that they were getting in SC. As a matter of fact, shortly after we left to come home, it started snowing at Richard and Kate's house. I couldn't help but laugh. This is a picture of Anna with her cake. It was beautiful and delicious! Here she is opening presents....she had a great birthday! We kept Lucas this weekend too and we took him over to the party. He was so good and everyone loved him. Here he is with his Uncle Richard: And here with Poppy and Anna: And of course, here is my best bud, who is in a growing spurt right now. He is getting so tall and thin. He will be 8 in May. I finished a pair of great socks over the weekend. I have started another pair of top down, but I am getting ready to start a pair of toe up. I have been trying to learn toe up for a while now, and I am ready to strike out and go for it! Knitting socks is my most favorite knitting, and I am determined to become an expert. Will post pics tomorrow. My long weekend is almost over and it is back to work tomorrow, but I am ok with that. It gives me a break from home! Til next time~~~

Catching Up

It has been a crazy couple of weeks! The Falcons lost to the 49er's and the rest is history. I have been trying to work on my art and knit, but other things seem to always take precedence. We did have Brian and Anna last weekend, and we had such a good time.

This is Anna, chasing a bird in the azaleas. She really thought that she could catch him. She is the cutest!

And then she realized that she couldn't! :)

Brian has lost his first tooth! He is now a snaggletooth, as my Dad used to say! We had a great weekend, but I was exhausted on Sunday night. I have been printing the dare from The Bright Owl, but never seem to get around to doing it. I love to do them, but haven't had time lately. I have done some art recently, mostly late at night, after everyone is in bed and I can have some time to myself. Have not been able to sleep much, so I take advantage of the free time, since I have so little.

These are some of my latest drawings. I have been knitting some too. I am trying to finish up a few UFO's and I am still trying to learn toe-up socks. Til next time~~~

Football and Babies

What a game! The Falcons and the Seahawks! I felt a lump in my stomach for quite some time. The play-offs are stressful for us, so I can just imagine how the players feel. We had Lucas this weekend and what a wonderful time we had! He is so sweet and such a good baby! We played and played. I love my grandchildren so much. I hope to have Anna and Brian weekend after next, if I can get it worked out. Since they live so far away, it isn't as easy as it used to be. Crossing my fingers. Well, I have tried and tried to draw Phicops and I just can't get it! I can't make it work. I am not giving up though, I will keep trying until I figure it out. Hoping to start working on the Dare after dinner tonight. I am not really feeling well today and I am not sure why.

This is the top down sock I started earlier in the week. It is going very well and I am enjoying the dpn's. Haven't done socks on dpn's in quite a while. Til next time....

This Week's Dare and Diva Challenge

I just finished printing out this week's dare from over at The Bright Owl. Erin has given us a great pattern to work with this week. I also printed out the Phicops tangle instructions from the Diva. I am going to see if I can draw the Phicops. I have been away from both for a while, but I am back and ready! I have several new drawings, but the last time that I scanned them into my computer, they just didn't come out good. I know I need a new printer with a better scanner. I have had this HP for about 8 years, and it is so outdated. I am knitting socks and trying some new recipes. Randy and I are trying to eat healthier and I have been cooking all of our meals from scratch. The most difficult part is going to the store so often, but other than that, it is pretty cool and I think, well worth it. I am adjusting to having my Mom here and things are better, though still extremely hectic and stressful. It seems like I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop......

Home Sick (Written on Tuesday)

I am at home today, very sick with a sinus infection. Went to the DR yesterday and she gave me the usual, steriods and a z-pac. I feel as if my head may explode any minute, and the ringing in my ears is so loud, it is annoying. She said I had fluid in both ears, so that is probably why. I decided to take a few minutes to blog while I was up getting something to drink. The toe-up socks are going pretty good. I am using a worsted weight yarn since it is easier to handle. I am surprised at how different the patterns can be written though. I have tried several toes and I am hooked on Judy's Magic Cast-on and knitting in the front and back on the increases. It looks great, it is smooth, and make a beautiful toe. My sweet DIL asked me to knit her another pair of socks and she loves the chunky ones, so I think when I do those for her, they will be my first pair of toe up. I am looking forward to OPAM2013, which will begin the end of January. I am going to work hard to finish more items for my list this year, and I am going to try and do more embroidery and quilting. I have not done much of either the last couple of years, and I am anxious to try and get back to it.

Knitting and Zentangle

Now that the holidays are over, thank goodness, I am having a hard time deciding if I want to knit or tangle. I am doing both now, and loving it! I need more time though, and I just can't seem to find it. I have not been doing the Dare over at The Bright Owl, nor have I done the Diva's Challenge lately. I have been drawing,but I have also been learning to knit toe up socks. I can't believe that I have been knitting socks all these years and never tried toe up. I just love doing them. I am almost ready to attempt making a pair. The training ones are going really well now, and I think I am ready. The holidays were a whirlwind, to say the least. Lucas turned a year old on December 29 and we had a big birthday party for him. Randy, Mom and I stayed around here for New Year's and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. Rest was much needed by all of us. Mom is doing well, though her memory fades more each day. It seems to be going quickly. It is surprising to me. She gets upset all the time about it, and I can't seem to get her to stop, but I really do understand how she feels. I would think it is terrifying not to understand what is going on in your own head. Will try to post more in 2013. I am working on a schedule to get more things done and still trying to find a way to retire early....