Stripe Study Shawl

Introducing my Stripe Study Shawl. A fabulous pattern by Veera Valimaki. I used Cascade Yarn in Heritage Solids, one skein in a gray and one in a plum colour, with size 4mm needles. I wasn't sure if I was a shawl wearing type of person...but this I know I will definitely wear! (I even bought a shawl pin!)

School starts tomorrow for us. Two in high school, (grade 10 and grade 8), and one in grade 4. I'll be working at the same school as my youngest, and we are both looking forward to that.

Hope your summer was enjoyable and that the beginning of the new school year gets off to a great start!

What We Did This Summer

Since the start of school is just around the corner, I thought I had better write up a post about our quick, fun filled family trip that we did this summer. We are originally from Ontario and i usually head back ever summer to spend a long weekend with my parents. It's been 4 years since the kids were there so it was time for a family trip back east.

Usually we land in Toronto and catch a connecting flight to our home town, but this time we landed in Ottawa first. Ottawa is a neat city, such that it's big but doesn't have that big city feeling. We toured around museums, visited the Parliament buildings, and took in this great light show called Mosaica. The back drop was the Parliament buildings and a historical sound and light show was presented on it. A simple, quick and entertaining show told you all about Canada's history!

We spent some time in our home town, and the mister then headed back to Vancouver. The kids and I ventured on to Toronto and took in all that we could in 2 days. First on the list was the CN Tower.

Then the Hockey Hall of Fame, and on to the Art Gallery of Ontario.

On the next day we drove to Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and then on to visit a university friend. All of our Toronto sightseeing could not have been possible without my fantastic friend Allison and her wonderful husband Mark. Thanks so much you guys.

Family trips are always an adventure for both parents and kids. As the kids get older there are issues that arise that would not have been issues a few years back, and then there are instances that happen that make us extremely proud of how our kids can handle any situation that is presented to them. Lots of great memories were made on this trip with family and friends and I'm looking forward to the next family adventure whatever it may be!

fifteen

Last week was Natalie's 15th birthday. We spent the day biking around Bowen Island, which is approximately a 15 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. We packed a lunch, rode around on some trails, up a killer hill which the locals actually call "Killer Hill". Headed to a quiet little beach and just took in the amazing scenery.

Happy Birthday to the best 15 year old girl I know!!

I have quite a bit of catching up to do with our summer activities....so hopefully I will get it done before school starts next week!

Enjoy the rest of your week.

What's Happening

Summer is moving along at a quick pace once again. My oldest brother and sister-in-law, who are from Nebraska, just spent a few days visiting with us after finishing their Alaskan cruise. We are now getting ready for a trip to Ontario, visiting Ottawa, Toronto, friends and family!
While at a knitting store in Vancouver a while back, I noticed one of the ladies with her knitting out on the table. She had the neatest looking stitch markers, which were actually those tiny colourful hair bands that you can buy at the dollar store. I am now the owner of 750 tiny colourful hairbands!
Hope you are enjoying your summer so far!

Radian Yoke

My Radian Yoke is completed! It was waiting patiently after being block for a chance to have it's picture taken, unfortunately though, the weather was not co-operating with us. While most of the country is experiencing a heat wave, our weather on the west coast has been on the cool and rainy side. Similar to fall weather, I heard someone say.

I'm pleased as to how my Radian Yoke turned out, even Natalie (who will be 15) wants to wear it. I loved knitting the lacy bit. A fun little knit for summer!

Pattern: Radian Yoke, from Knitscene Summer 2011

Size: 36

Yarn: Berroco Pure Pima, colour# 2225

You can make one too...there's still time.
Have a wonderful day!

summer knitting

I've been doing some summer knitting and I'm almost done, all I need to do is block it! The pattern is the Radian Yoke in the summer issue of Knitscene. It's been a fun little knit that's knit from the top down. I used Berroco's Pure Pima in colour #2225, which is a pretty robin's egg blue. More to come after blocking.....see you soon!

things that made me happy today

Hello! How are things going? Things here, and I'm sure as in every other household this time of year, are spiraling into extreme business. To prevent myself from drowning in this extreme business, I'm trying to remember all the good things that happened and make it all worthwhile. Today Amelia participated in the District Track and Field Meet, for small schools, and came in 3rd in Triple Jump! Yay for her! I made chocolate chips cookies, some with just chocolate chips and some just walnuts. The walnut ones were an instant favourite. Somehow I scored the last one tonight and am enjoying it with some tea as I write this. I painted my toes blue. Hockey Toes I'm calling them, in honour of the Canucks who are playing in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Boston Bruins. Are you watching the finals? If so, who are you cheering for?
Hope you have a happy day!

Dear 16-year-old Me

I was diagnosed 11 years ago with melanoma. The month of May is Melanoma Awareness, I didn't know that until I watched this video. Take a moment to watch...it has a good message.

13

Ben turned 13 today, and we now officially have 2 teenagers in the house. Ben created a cartoon character called "Bob-zee-cow", which of course is a cow and wanted a "Bob-zee-cow "cake. This is how he wanted the cake to look. When he went to bed last night I asked him if he could be any age when he woke up, what would it be...he said 2. What age would you pick? Happy Birthday to the best 13 year old boy I know!

Simple Yet Effective Shawl

Here it is, my Simple Yet Effective Shawl. I totally enjoyed knitting this pattern, it was an easy one to tote around with me. Love the colourway of the yarn, which is Marks & Kattens Fame Trend colour #651. I think I might be hooked on shawls now, and currently have my eye on the Study Shawl. Have a wonderful week!

Catching Up

May is flying by already!
Amelia celebrated her 9th birthday. She invited 4 of her friends over for a party. We made individual pizzas, had chocolate cake with purple icing, and the girls had the best time playing and then they tried to settle down for a sleep over! Pancakes and strawberries for breakfast...lots of coffee for mom and dad...Happy Birthday to the sweetest 9 year old girl I know!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Hope you had a wonderful day.
Thanks mom for everything....you are awesome! ox

Royal Wedding....Are you watching?

Wow, this week has just flown by. I keep thinking today is Wednesday, but it's actually Thursday and that makes tomorrow Friday! Yippee!Tomorrow is the Royal Wedding....are you getting up to watch it? Natalie and I are getting up at 2:00am (darn that Pacific Time zone). I just made some scones and we are having the Wedding Blend tea from Murchies to go along with them.
Enjoy your weekend!

Easter Chicks!

Look what I found in my backyard....Easter Chicks! Aren't they the cutest? You can make them too. The tutorial can be found on Myrtle & Eunice. This little guy was hiding in the pansies.

This little blue guy is saying "Hi" from way over there on the rock.

Here he is again, hanging around on a branch!

I think these two like each other....

Here's some more.

You still have time to make some of your own for Easter! Have fun!

Shawl Knitting

I have a friend who has made several shawls. I like the idea of shawls, but have never made a shawl and I'm not even sure I'm a shawl wearing person. I thought I would give it a go, make one and see what happens. I decided to make the Simple Yet Effective Shawl using Marks and Kattens Fame Trend yarn. So far so good! It might just be the perfect thing to wear on those cool summer evenings sitting in the back yard. Have a wonderful week!

Not Quite There

I hate to dwell on this, but our weather is still crummy. On Sundays I run through the trails buy our house and the trilliums there are just starting to bloom...about 3 weeks late, along with everything else. Hopefully things will turn around soon.

We had one nice day this past weekend and everyone took advantage of that...even Chester our cat!

The Mr. put in another window, 8 down and 17 more to go. It's amazing how windows can change the look of a room. Where ever you may be, I hope you have a wonderful week. Cheers!

Billy Elliot the Musical. Seattle

Billy Elliot the Musical. Seattle, a photo by Rosemary In Time on Flickr.

Natalie and I had a great time in Seattle. We drove to Bellingham Washington to catch the Amtrak to Seattle. However due to the huge amount of rain we have been having in this area, mud slides covered the tracks in some areas and buses were provided. Not as fun as the train, but at least we got there. Billy Elliot was fantastic, we laughed and cried.
Happy April....I hope you become more spring like soon. Have a great week!

We Are Covered

I have made some hats to cover the heads of the girls in our family and mine too. I used the Chunky Knit Beanie pattern with Cascade Magnum yarn. The size of the the ball of yarn makes me laugh, it's so huge!

Natalie and I are heading to Seattle to see Billy Elliot the Musical....we are SO excited!

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Ski Vacation

Last week was the beginning of our much anticipated March Break. We spent 9 days in Vernon B.C. skiing at Silver Star with family that meet up with us from Ontario. This is the amazing view from our rented house that held all 11 of us. Many memories were made, lots of laughter and always lots of food. I'll post some ski pictures over in Flickr. Thanks to everyone for such a great time!

.

March Break

Our March Break starts tomorrow and we have two glorious weeks off! The first week we are going here. We are meeting up with family from Ontario and it should be an eventful week. The day has been busy packing and making these for our travelling lunch.

These mugs were made in Japan. My husband and I spent two years in Japan (1993-1994) teaching English. We lived in Hitachi which is half way between Tokyo and Sendai. One of my students made these mugs, and the bits of colour on the bottom are beach glass which we collected on the beach down from our apartment. What has happened in Japan is devastating and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Chess Anyone?

I'm a bit behind on keeping up with my weekly post, so first of all thank you all for the lovely comments on my Astor. Secondly, last weekend was a weekend of tournaments around our house. Ben plays basketball in the Steve Nash League and had a basketball tournament while Amelia had a chess tournament. Daddy was the coach for Ben's team, they did well and fun was had by all. Amelia's tournament was a school district one, and honestly I had no idea such a thing existed! The kids ranged from kindergarten to grade 12. I stink at chess and was amazed at the enthusiasm these kids had for the game.
We have one more week of school until our March Break starts, and then we have 2 glorious weeks off! Have a wonderful week!

Wear Pink Day-Stop The Bullying

Today was national Wear Pink Day. Why you ask? Well the answer is here. All staff and students at schools were encouraged to wear pink. I'm sure all of us at some point of our lives have seen someone being bullied or have been bullied ourselves. Wearing a pink shirt may not be the answer to the problem but it's a start. Stop the bullying.

Love Wearing It

It's finished! And I love wearing it.

It's the Astor pattern by Berroco. It's knit up in Peruvia Quick, colour # 9165 Indigo.

The sweater itself is quite versatile. You can wear it open, or wrapped around, with or without a scarf, or with fingerless gloves.

Have a super week!

Hearts

This year for Valentine's Day, Amelia made some heart pins. We got the idea from here. Quick and fun to make and she did most of the work!

Cookies were made to be brought to school.

I finished my Astor, but haven't taken any pictures of it yet....soon.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day and a wonderful week!