An Award: Kreativ Blogger

 I feel honored to receive an award of this magnitude, thank you to Robin from Rockin' the Loom for nominating me for this award. It gives me a little poke to blog a little more about the Kreative aspects of my life.

Here’s what I have to do:  The rules of this award are to list seven things I love and then pass it on to another seven KreativBloggers.

Seven things I love:
1) Swimming
2) Cycling
3) Running
4) Eating (especially after the above 3)
5) Knitting...playing with yarn
6) My children
7) Hanging out friends and family and enjoying #4 :)

The seven bloggers that I nominate to receive this award  are(many of them do not read my blog, but I enjoy their creations and information).

1. MizFit Online (her information just rocks and keeps me motivated)
2. ChefMessy (she loves to create things with her son and it gets me pumped to do the same with my children)
3. Pioneer Woman Photography (her photography is just amazing!)
4. Girl Who Knits (her knitting is fabulous, the best I have ever seen)
5. Susan B. Anderson (she is a designer, a mommy, a runner, and I met her in person)
6. PlanetJune (when I learn to crochet, I'll make every single one of her patterns)
7. BrooklynTweed (well, he is BrooklynTweed, his designs are the best in the industry and his photography gives more beauty to all his amazing designs.)

Again, thank you Robin for the nomination. I promise to post more crafty things soon.

Addicted...

It is no secret, I have a new addiction. FACEBOOK, most specifically my Fluffy Page. I have a little pet whom I call Draconian (not very imaginative). He is a cute little dragon and when I first started my page all I had was Draconian, now I have some other little pets in there to keep him company. You can feed it and pet it and you can RACE him. Well, yesterday, I raced him a couple of times, I lost many of the races and then BAMMMM a win of 2400 munny--not real money just fake munny that you can buy Fluffy food. I was able to get enough fluffy food to feed him for a month. Anyways, I am addicted to going to feed my Fluffy Draconian everyday, but the addiction has spread now even to my kids! They want to go see "my pet" and give it food. They each have adopted a pet within my pet's habitat--Boyo has the husky and little Ny-Ny has the little elephant (she has a thing for elefantes). So if you cannot find me on the couch or on the road cycling or running I am probably feeding Draconian! Isn't he the cutest! Me loves my fluffy!

Christmast Twilight--a Spoof

I had such a great laugh with this video that I had to put it here so you can too get a good laugh. If you haven't seen the movie, I don't know if you will get it but it is still funny. Enjoy!

When you can give forever, who do you give to?

Christmas Edition MeMe

A friend sent this to me via email and I thought it would make a fun way to give you a hint of the type of person I am.  Feel free to copy the questions and answer them on your blog.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping Paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? 

Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree?

A day or two after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down?

After January 6th

 5. Do you like eggnog? 

Only if it has rum but can't have that so I do not touch the stuff

6. Favorite gift received as a child? 

A little broom and mop

 7. Hardest person to buy for?

Husband--he always says "don't get me anything!"

8.  Easiest person to buy for?

My children

9. Do you have a nativity scene? 

Yep, 1.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Neither

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Can’t think of one.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? 

It is an oldie movie (black and white), can’t remember the name. My hubby probably knows the name to it....EDIT: I remembered: It's a Beautiful Life

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? 

All year long!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?  

No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? 

Pozole, Tamales, Enchiladas, Atole…anything Mexican

16. Lights on the tree?  

Yes

17. Favorite Christmas song? 

Silent Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

I prefer to travel but we tend to stay home. I like it when we get to go to NY for Christmas.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?

No (I know, I am pathetic!)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Neither. We have a little Logan Temple on the top of our tree.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas Eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

I dislike that the stores start putting Christmas decor around October and as soon as November rolls around, they start playing the music.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

My current favorite ornaments are all the crocheted ornaments I purchased from this one lady at the Novemberfest show. Every year since Sam and I got married we would go to Novemberfest to pick up one or two ornaments. I went this year and the lady wasn’t there. Sam said that she probably passed away. I was distraught. Anyways, I love those ornaments. I also love the ones we picked up at Disney and the NY Taxi one.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? 

Mexican food all the way: tamales, pozole, more tamales, more pozole. 

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? 

I certainly do not need anything but I would love to have a new vacuum, a pair of dumbbells in size 12.5 lbs and 15 lbs, a Livestrong cycling jersey, some new cycling socks…but most of all, I just want to spend it with my husband and children. I want to see my children’s faces when they open their presents.

26. Who is most likely to blog about this? 

Dunno.

27.  Lights, blinking or always on?  

Always on.  Blinking lights give me a headache.

We Saw It...We Loved It.

Midnight show. Lots of girlfriends. Awesome show. Great times! Now, where is my bed...I am tired. Can hardly wait for the second one to come out!!! In the meantime, we'll go see this one a couple of more times. It made me wish I was 17 one more time...just for a little bit.

Me in Artwork

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Non-conformist, Visionary, and Independent

Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which exists independently of what may appear to others as visual realities. Western had been underpinned by the logic of perspective and an attempt to reproduce an illusion of visible reality. It allowed the progressive thinking artists to show a different side to the world around them. By the end of the 19th century many artists felt a need to create a 'new kind of art' which would encompass the fundamental changes taking place in technology, science and philosophy. Abstract artists created art that was diverse and reflected the social and intellectual turmoil in all areas of Western culture.

People that chose abstract art as their preferred artform tend to be visionsaries. They see things in the world around them and in people that others may miss because they look beyond what is visual only with the eye. They rely on their inner thoughts and feelings in dealing with the world around them instead of on what they are told they should think and feel. They feel freed from the tendancy to be bound by traditional thought and experiences. They look more toward their own ideas and experiences than what they are told by their religious upbringing or from scientific evidence. They tend to like to prove theories themselves instead of relying on the insight or ideas of others. They are not bound by common and mundane, but like to travel and have new experiences. They value intelligence, but they also enjoy a challenge. They can be rather argumentative when they are being forced or feel as if they are being forced to conform.

Take What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test at HelloQuizzy

Halloween Wreath--the cheap way!

For the past few weeks, I have been on the hunt for an inexpensive Halloween wreath but after hitting TJMaxx for a few weeks, I didn't have any luck and I wasn't willing to fork out what they were asking for a "leafy wreath". That's when I found Just A Girl blog and this post on her Extreme Makeover. I couldn't help myself but try it out.

First I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a wreath for $1.50.

Then, I spray painted it black. Added a little bit of poly fill to mimick spider webs (I didn't have anything else on hand and I wanted to make it the cheapest way I could. I told hubby that maybe I should just go around the house scrapping all the "real" spider webs off the ceiling corners, but he laughed at that idea!).

Then the kids helped me put a few little spiders on the painted, spidered webbed wreath. The spiders are made out of foam and had a sticky back so they were fairly easy to stick on.

To hang it up from the door knocker, I added some black ribbon.

Final product:

Approximate cost: $2.50!!

And I love it! If I find the correct spidery web stuff, it will look even better, but for now, I am happy. :)

Friday Fill Ins

1. Oh, I can't wait until I have a Polar RS200sd to track my workouts.

2. The yogurt is the first thing I see when I open my refrigerator.

3. I never leave home without my cell phone.

4. If I were a condiment, I would be cumin because I love its smell.

5. Patronizing is really high up on my list of pet peeves.

6. The last thing I thought of before I went to bed was the triathlon this Saturday.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to picking up my Mom from the airport, tomorrow my plans include a triathlon early in the morning then a full day with my Mom and little brother and Sunday, I want to spend the day with my entire family, especially my Mom!

Because I am still sick and need some distraction

I found this over at Stacey's blog...couldn't help but take the little quiz. I thought I would be more on the evil side but I guess living in Utah has rubbed good morals on me ;-P. Oh, yeah, I am still sick and I am still on the same To-Do list from yesterday's post-Nyquil here I come.

You Are 34% Evil

A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well. In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil.

How Evil Are You?

Friday Fill-Ins

On the run as we are getting ready for a major garage sale to benefit the Saunders family. We have a garage chuck-full of stuff and more items just keep showing up! We are so excited for the support we are receiving and we are so looking forward to raising lots of funds and to present the check to the Saunders family.

Now for the Fill-Ins:

1. getting a new bike for my son is high up on my bucket list.
2. My favorite quote is "Pain is temporary, it may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."; it's from Lance Armstrong.
3. Mim inspired me to start blogging.
4. Strawberries are best covered in chocolate.
5. My children and my garden were in the last dream I remember having.
6. The most enjoyable time to go for a walk is when is not too hot, probably in the evening.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going to Summerfest with hubby, tomorrow my plans include the super-garage sale and a bike ride with my peeps Sunday, I want to go to church and listen to my hubby teach a lesson during Sunday school!

Picture of the week!!! My little boy is truly growing up. He has lost 2 front teeth. Unfortunately for him, he takes after me and his permanent teeth are coming behind his "baby teeth" so he had to go to the dentist's office and have 2 teeth pulled out. He was such a great trooper! He got up early and was all happy about visiting the dentist...he came back crying and so sad...it hurt he said as he cried in my arms. But by mid-day he was happy as nothing else, playing with his new Tongue Window :).

Swap Goodies and A Funny

I took part in Marisol's Kitchen Knits Swap and it was super! My pal Raquel spoiled me rotten! She sent me the most delicious treat...filled with Dulce de Leche--helllooo!!! Let's just say that you cannot only have one! Luvvv them!  Not only did she send me yummy treats to eat right away after opening the package but she included 2 recipes--one for Flautas (my favorites!) and one for Chile Verde...yummmy! These two will definitely get used as we are a hard core Mexican Food eaters in this house. I will try the Chile Verde recipe when my home-grown peppers grow.

When I say that I was spoiled by this swap, I wasn't kidding. Raquel knitted 2 beautiful washclothes for me. They are so beautiful that I do not want to spoil them by washing my face with them...they belong on my front table! She also sent me some Euroflax yarn for some more washclothes and some really cool patterns that I will be trying out soon--probably before my next sporty event. She also sent me something for my kitchen:  a small wooden mortar which both hubby and I were admiring because of the wood work (we are suck dorks!), along with my package came a bottle of spray to use on linens--finally something that I can use when ironing my table runner, I used water last time but this is going to leave it smelling all nice. THANK YOU Raquel! I loved my package! I enjoyed the treat sooooo much...you really can't imagine how much I like those treats! Love them!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for the funny. I saw this over at my friend's Jo's blog and I have to share it with you all. It brought a huge laugh. But before I post it, I have to say that my hubby has passed most of these "tests" so he is not in hot water (he reads the blog at work so I don't want him thinking that he is in some sort of trouble). If you have a minute, go over to Jo's blog, some jerks stole her bag on Monday and she needs a little pick me up.

Continuing Education Classes for Men

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.

Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself? Round Table Discussion.

Class 3
Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?--Group Practice.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.

Class 5
Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink? Examples on Video.

Class 6
Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other. Help Line Support and Support Groups.

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things--Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming. Open Forum

Class 8
Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health. Graphics and Audio Tapes.

Class 9
Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost--Real Life Testimonials.

Class 10
Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While SheParallel Parks? Driving Simulations.

Class 11
Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife. Online Classes and role-playing

Class 12
How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion. Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.

Class 13
How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late. Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.

Class 14
The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used. Live Demonstration.

Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

Friday Fill Ins

1. Idle hands are a huge problem for me on Sunday's when I am at church. I can't stand sitting down not doing anything. At home, I either knit or type when I am sitting down. If I have nothing for my hands to do, I get really anxious. I can already see in the future, I am going to have to bring my knitting with me to church...just to survive. Currently, I just grab one of the babies from my friends and that keeps me occupied.

2. I love to be hugged in the shower.

3. My favorite time of the day is when I am outside running.

4. The last tea I drank was Herbal Green Tea.

5. I like to go hiking in the Summer.

6. My mother always said that I have sad eyes.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to dinner and picking up my packet for Little Red RidingHood, tomorrow my plans include riding the Little Red Ridinghood Tour, which I still haven't decided on a distance (36, 46, 62, 80, 104 miles) and Sunday, I want to sleep all day and recuperate from my bike ride!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. For me sitting around is the opposite of creativity.
2. The Alchemyst was the last excellent book I read.
3. I like fill-ins because they provide me with insight into my friend's lives.
4. In nature I like looking at flowers, waterfalls, mountains, and rocks (I have a fascination with rocks).
5. Dolores should win the US elections (have you read her fibery platform).

6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was yesterday when I was doing Wondergirl's hair and I was drying it. She was so cold that I warmed her up by directing the hair dryer to different parts of her body. At one point, she turned her tushy towards me and told me to warm up her bottom. She wiggled it and she just squealed and then we just laughed together non-stop.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with my cycling gals, tomorrow my plans include riding a 60 mile loop (it makes me cringe just typing that number! My butt is going to be sore!) and Sunday, I want to rest!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. On my laziest day I like to sit down and watch movies!
2. exercising makes me feel like I'm being productive.
3. I love little babies and big dates with hubby.
4. This summer I want to go to the beach.
5. Keeping track of my Needle Knitting made me start my blog.
6. Red strawberries and orange smoothies.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to scrapbooking some family pictures, tomorrow my plans include running and sneaking out with hubby to see Indiana Jones, Sunday, I want to go on a walk with my family!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. The pozole had an extra secret ingredient; it was bay leaves!
2. I can see the rain through my window.
3. Right now, I need breakfast.
4. To the movies (Ironman) and dinner (Indian Food) is where I went Thursday night; it was fabulous.
5. Why does my left calf hurt so much?
6. All I can think of is the half marathon coming up on May 17th.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying home and watching some movies, tomorrow my plans include a 10K race in the morning and then a 30mile bicycle ride and Sunday, I want to sleep!

Currently Knitting:

Baby bootees for a friend who just had her little baby about two weeks ago. Pattern comes from Easy Knitted Socks by Jeannette Trotman. The book has easy to follow patterns for the new knitter. Socks done on two needles, booties done on two needles, or socks done with dpns. The Textured Baby Bootees are easy as it comes. All the parts are done separately on two needles and then all the little panels are seamed. The approach is different but easy and they create a pair of cute little bootees!

Wise words

What planet should I rule?

I am still working on the loom knitting book. I am exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally. My kiddos are driving me bananas and the never ending mountains of dirty laundry are getting to me. I wish I knew someone to come clean my house...someone whom I wouldn't feel guilty for seeing my mess and the terrible housewife that I have become the past few days. After the book stuff, I have to work on the LKC magazine, quick and fun. It should be up by Friday or Saturday the latest, but I am shooting for Friday.

On an upside note: I am so looking forward to my Mom's arrival. I am hoping that she can help me potty train little NyNy. Crossing fingers she has more patience than I do, hehehe.

Also: career-wise (if you call what I do a career): I have been asked by one of my publishers to come to the KnitOut in February! I am excited to go and share a bit on loom knitting. If you are near, come see me, I'll be the one with the looms :).

And now, the little fun quiz on what planet I should rule:

You Should Rule Mercury

Close to sun, Mercury has very long days - and is rarely visible to the rest of the solar system. You are perfect to rule Mercury, because you live for the present - and can truly enjoy a day that goes on forever. Like Mercury, you are quick and elusive. Your wit is outstanding, and you can win any verbal sparring match. Some people see you as superficial, but in truth, you just play many roles and have many interests. A great manipulator, you usually get what you want from people. And they're happy to give it to you.

What Planet Should You Rule?

Baby Shower Prizes

Thank you everyone who helped me come up with different activities for the baby shower. The big day is today and I am so excited and I still a gazillion things to get together and I am hoping in my heart that my friend is surprised and really happy about it all.  I am going to make guacamole and churros because those are two of the favorite things she likes to snack on lately....hope she is the craving for them.

Since you all helped me so much, I have some little somethings to share..since you can't come to the baby shower and be a part of the fun, I have decided to share some party favors--no they are not baby related, but knitty related.

1 person will get a $10 Starbucks gift card that I got in the mail for participating in a survey. I would use it but I don't drink coffee, so it is up for grabs.

2 people will get a set of stitch markers.

Activities that I have chosen for today's fun:

• Coloring Onesies. I picked up 30 onesies and some fabric markers and we are going to make some original little shirts for the baby.
• Binkie Necklaces: Little binkies hanging from ribbon and everyone will get one and the person that say the word "cute" loses their necklace to the first person that catches her saying the word. The one with the most necklaces at the end of the night wins.
• My water broke: put water in a plastic cup, place the baby and freeze it. Everyone gets a cup when they get to the party. The cup that thaws faster wins. I am planning to put some blue food coloring in the water.
• Everyone gets 3 papers and writes a boy name on each to give to Mommy.
• Everyone gets a diaper and a piece of paper and writes something inspirational for Mom. Mom gets all the diapers to use when baby comes.

We are an active bunch so I hope that the above are activies that we can do while chatting and visiting with each other.

All you have to do to win any of the above 3 prizes is leave a comment in today's post. Nothing specific, just let me know you are out there reading. I will post the 3 winners on Wednesday--winners will be chosen randomly. Again, thank you for helping me out with the baby shower. I am so happy about it and I hope everyone has fun...especially the Mommy to be :).

Baby Shower Ideas

I am in need of help. I am planning a baby shower for a dear friend and I am running dry on ideas for baby shower activities. Do you know any? I need at least two of them. I have been to only one baby shower--my own, lol, so I know very little of activities. If you have any activities in mind that are fun, drop me a comment! Pleease...your help will be greatly appreciated ;).

Happy Halloween: Pumpkin Carving: A ball of string and sticks--an original artwork

Pumpkin Carving: an artwork in itself. Our Halloween party brought together about 30 ripe, orange, gorgeous pumkins. I sat in front of my pumkin pondering what it will become, one thought remained constant: I am a knitter! I should shout it to the world and let the light shine. Off I went with my idea of the ball of yarn and needles sticking through. My skills in pumkin carving are small, almost non-existent but my passion for knitting is big and thus my ball of string and sticks came about. I present you, my ball and string--art on a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Sheep for You! May you get lots of treats and even some tricks :)

Pictures of our October fun

• Pumpkin Carving (guess which one is mine)
• Halloween Party
• Corn maze
• Pumpkin Walk