sherriknits

This was a fun experience for me.  I had a great pal and I look forward to getting to know my pal Daisydo now that she has revealed who she is.

Come enjoy the fun of opening the package with me….

It was all neatly packed in this cute bag.

Everything was wrapped so nice.

Ahhh, the suspense!

I’m really excited with all of it.  Look at that chocolate box…it is beautiful.  I haven’t opened it yet, though…that must be some kind of miracle.  The yarn is all very fun!

I love this heart….it is the same on both sides. 

Thanks, Gwen, for making this so much fun for me…you are a great spoiler and I am a grateful spoilee!

Sometimes life just feels hard. 

Tonight I got a call from #1 daughter asking if I needed to go to Wally-world.  She and the little sweet pea were headed there to give daddy a chance to get some studying done.  When I got out of the car, I was just in awe….

All I could think of is that I serve a mighty God. 

Then I turned around and this is what I saw…

Isn’t that beautiful, too?

We had a great time today at our church picnic.  The food was great and the games were fun.  One of our friends was so kind to run the 3-legged race with the little imp. 

Dad was running along trying to coach but not sure it helped.

Here’s what they resorted to…

entertaining to say the least.

The new daddy didn’t want to miss the Seahawks game.

My new friend.

Grampy and Sweet Pea talking to each other.  She likes to stand on your stomach.

Just hanging out…

This was the safe spot.  People were getting water dumped on them and the only safe place was by the baby and that is why we had a crowd.

No words needed…

This one, too….

I love this picture!  our pastor and the little imp were having fun together.  He really likes spending time with the pastor because he treats him like everyone else.

And briefly in other news…

Here’s Sweet Pea the other day in her Sweet Pea onesie I got her and her little khaki skirt.  Does it get any cuter than this?

A few days ago, I showed the afghan a group of us made.  It’s all sewn together now and we’ve started the border.

Back to life.  I have to admit, it was a little tough to get back to work, but I had a fun day ahead so it made it easier.

Before we came home, we parked the RV on the street and drove to Astoria for one last fling.  They were having their street market and we’d always wanted to see that.  It was closing time so we didn’t really get to see much but it was incredible.

There wasn’t a way to really capture it, but there were 3 blocks of little booths on both sides of the street!  Plus there were food tents and music.  Our little town has tried to get one up and running but evidently has met with a lot of resistance.  There have been a few people who have faithfully been there every week, though, and you have to start somewhere!

When we got back to the RV, we ate and thought maybe the little imp better eat the rest of the ice cream before it melted.  His favorite food!

I did get a little bit of knitting done…this is my Noro sock yarn and I thought I would knit from both ends.  I think I am going to have to stop and re-wind the yarn because it is tangling like crazy on itself.

I really love the colors!

When we got home…we had to go visit that little sweet pea!  Her mommy and I started trying on all the hats I have made her.

Hmmmm, not too happy.

This one actually fits!  Good thing since Daddy is already watching football!

Last night our knitting group got together and started putting together the relay squares we knit during the Olympics.  It is so exciting, 15 ladies knit these and we finished 2 days ahead of schedule! 

Last night we got the squares laid out and the strips sewn.  Now they have to be sewn together…it was so much fun!

Not only is the sun shining, but it is warm, very warm.

The little imp and I decided to go for a walk while dad slept in.  He refused to leave the headphones and iPod home.  That didn’t make for great company for me because he sang the whole way.  lol

Here’s Mr. Cool on the beach. 

Nice get-up, eh? Miles of wire between the headphones and the iPod, little boy singing at the top of his lungs along with all his unique sound effects…such is the life.

Hubby had the idea night before last to invite Bunni and her hubby to come down for the car show.  I’m not wild about going to one although I will.  Neither is she.

They got here around 10 or so and we had breakfast/lunch/whatever anyone felt like eating. (Oreo cookies, anyone?)

The guys (including the little imp) left for the car show and Bunni and I hopped in the Jeep and headed for Cannon Beach.  I know the yarn store owner there and she is only in the shop on weekends so I wanted to say hi.  I bought yarn the other day but Bunni had never been there. 

It’s funny, I’ve driven over the bridge quite a few times but never in the Jeep.  I can’t say I liked it, I felt like a new driver.

It was a relaxing drive in spite of the fact that both Seaside and Cannon Beach were wall-to-wall people…which translates to wall-to-wall cars.  lol  I would never have thought of it if I was in the car.

I cannot believe that even though I grabbed my camera, I didn’t take any pictures.  We did have a fun time at the store. Then we just got in the Jeep and headed back up the coast.  Amazingly, we beat the guys back so we had a nice quiet visit in the RV.  It was too cloudy and windy/cool to sit outside.

I noticed something funny.  When they came back, we decided to not barbecue and go for pizza instead since our meat had frozen…as did everything else in the refrigerator.  (eggs crack when frozen).  Anyway….Bunni and I drove down back streets to get back to the rv park because of the craziness here with all the old cars and enthusiasts.  Traffic on the main drag crawls and there is honking, rumbling, exhaust, and screaming people along the side of the street…many in lawn chairs.  We wanted to avoid it.  But the guys?  Heading back after we ate, we were right in it.  It’s NUTS!  Fun kind of nuts, but it took 5 times as long. I might add that Bunni got a kick out of Jeep drivers tipping their hands or waving at each other.

See all the old cars?  Can you hear and smell the craziness?

There were lots of Harleys and motorcycles lining the streets, too. 

It really was a fun day.  I can still hear the low rumble of the cars and I know people from our park here are still sitting out on the sidewalk in their lawn chairs.  Our guests have left and I am sad I have nothing to show for it picture-wise but I think fun was had by all.

Tomorrow we head back to reality.

When I got up yesterday morning, I was amused.  When the little family was here the other night, the little imp and his brother in law went to the store for snacks (after a big dinner).  They brought home cookies.  When they left, we had two sitting on the table.  When I got up…

Hmmm.  At leas he was honest about where it went.  He just smiled and pointed to his tummy.

The original plan was that they didn’t have spaces available in this park on the weekend because of a big car show so we were going to move to Astoria Friday.  That wasn’t a bad plan other than using a lot more gas (it’s about half an hour from here, maybe).  But right after we’d finished eating, the park manager came over and told us they did have a cancellation and we could stay, we’d just have to move to another space today.  She no sooner had come to tell us and rvs and trailers started pulling in on both sides of us and all around. 

One of the newcomers was not a happy camper, to say the very least.  She was mad about how they were expected to park their trailer holding their car, she was mad about the space, she was mad about all kinds of things.  Evidently, the other park manager had said, “You’re going to move that trailer, aren’t you?” because of the way they had it…she said, “Yes.  And *you* will find us somewhere to park it!”  Wow.  These park managers are awesome and go out of their way to make sure everything is fine.

But, I digress.  As all this craziness was going on all around us, the manager came over and asked us if we’d mind moving then instead of waiting until today.  Gladly.  It’s funny how what had been so relaxing and peaceful suddenly had become uncomfortable because we’re right in the middle of a party.  The manager also told the unhappy camper that they could not move their rig one more time since they’d been in 3 spots already. 

Before we could take our new spot, we had to go get propane a block and a half down the street.  It’s so amazing that to move a few feet or go home, you have to prep everything the same way or the first bump and everything scatters. Once again, Dad had help driving there.

He did NOT like the sound of however they pump in the propane so we took pictures.

That’s bamboo.  It entertained him for about 3 min. and that’s all we needed.

We got a great new site.

(note the driver)

We actually have a little more room.  The people on the other side of us told us to move towards them about 8 feet because they didn’t need the room.  We don’t feel like we’re in a full park at all.

We drove to Seaside in the afternoon.  Here are a few pics from our day.

Because of the car show, beauties like these are all over the area.

We can’t pass the carousel.

For some reason, he thinks he is not supposed to smile.  (this is thanks to big brother!)

Puppet show in the toy store.

Homemade ice cream at the ice cream shop.

And yes, I started a little bit of knitting.

Today was a nothing day for me.  I didn’t fall asleep until about 5.  It was the 2nd bad night this week so I haven’t done much at all today.  I did get a good nap in and then decided to get productive.

I brought this project with me.  I never have found the first doll I made for Sweet Pea.  I was making a 2nd one but had the grand idea to add arms.  Well, that was fine but then I had to add length to it because it wasn’t easy to get ahold of.  I thought I’d add on a skirt and then figure out what to do with the underside but I wasn’t liking it so here it has sat for a week or so.

I had finally gotten the bug to figure out how to finish the doll when hubby came back from downtown with a treat for me.  They make the best elephant ears here!  I don’t think I’m going to be able to eat dinner tonight but it sure was good!

And while they were downtown, I did figure out the dolly.  I like it.

We woke up to wet streets and lawn.  We didn’t actually see any rain, but we must have just missed it.  It looked for a long time like it was going to rain more but it never materialized.

We decided to venture out a bit and drove down the coast.  I visited a yarn store hoping to find some Sublime.  I haven’t ever used it but now that I have a granddaughter, I think I will have to.  They didn’t have any but I did find some yarn.

3 skeins of Sirdar Snuggly baby bamboo and 2 of Rowan Handknit Cotton.  Excuse the poor picture.  It was windy and too sunny to get anything decent.

I cannot believe I forgot to show you a picture of little Sweet Pea in one of my most favorite things her mommy used to wear. 

I love it as much today as I did when she wore it.  Funny thing, they were both born the same time of year, but this little girl isn’t going to get to wear it in the winter like her mommy did.  She’s too long…but they’re using it now.  It’s white plush with wide satin ribbon.

As we headed out this morning, I started thinking about the bag I saw yesterday.  As we approached the intersection of the store I found it in…I suddenly wanted it and asked hubby to pull in.  I love it!

I realized today that I am going to have to train myself better.  I have been remembering to put a bag in my bag so when I purchase things, I can use that instead of taking a plastic bag.  Well…I had 2 bags inside of this bag and the three places I bought something, I totally forgot.  Good intentions aren’t going to make much of a difference.

On our way along the Columbia River, I finally got my camera out quick enough to snap a picture of the little church I think is so cute.

I noticed today that I saw 5 old fashioned churches with steeples like this.  It was fun to notice.

I had to do a little bit of shopping for baby.  They are in need of some tiny little pants.  Happy to oblige.

Pink and brown ones.  I could have gone nuts but I didn’t.  I did buy something else for a shower coming up, though. 

Then I went shopping for the little imp.  He forgot his slate at home and he also forgot a few other things.  Actually, now that I think of it, next time I go to the store I’m going to buy him a clipboard and tablet…that will make him happy.

I got him a set of books and he sat in the backseat happily reading out loud (and doing quite well) while Daddy visited a music store.

Narnia books!  He just loves them and is actually reading every page!  Want to eavesdrop on him like I did? 

Shhhhh, don’t let him know you’re listening or he’ll stop reading!

I am trying out Windows Live Writer today.  I evidently downloaded it a long time ago but didn’t realize you could connect to flickr with it so I’m going to give it a shot and see how I like it. 

Warning:  no knitting content today.  I hope to get some needles in my hands tomorrow but there was other stuff going on today.

We’re having quite a few technical problems this time.  We hope that a fair trade for using the RV is that hubby loves to work out all the little problems while we’re in it.  The refrigerator is not wanting to work.  He’s been fiddling with that all day.  In the meantime, we’ve got blocks of ice in the freezer and fridge.  So far, so good.  We have our water and pop in our cooler but that’s what we usually do anyway.  One tiny disaster happened when hubby went to move the eggs to another shelf and didn’t realize the carton was soaked through…he lost several eggs on the floor.

I made a big breakfast this morning while he was outside tinkering around with all the hoses that have cracked and need replacing. He had to run to the store for syrup while I made the little imp’s favorite breakfast…french toast.  He was a happy boy!

The other big problem is the tv in the bedroom not working.  It only matters in the evening when we want to watch something other than the little stinker’s favorite shows.  Hubby brought a little tv from home to shove into the spot that’s a little small for it.  He knows the problem is a blown fuse but he has to track down where that is. 

The boys needed to go to some parts store so they dropped me off downtown.  The plan was that I’d walk home when I was finished.  I went to the quilt store that is generally very quaint and has lots of fun stuff.  Well….they are having a big sale and all the quaintness is not there…there are just rows of fabric and all the little areas are not to be found.  I was sad that I couldn’t find anything.  Last time I was there, I saw all kinds of old fashioned kids toys and now that I know we have a girl, I was going to get her something specific.  I couldn’t find anything for her or the little imp.

I walked the length of the shopping area and on my way back up the other side of the street, I got a text message from the new mama that they were on their way to visit!  I didn’t find anything on that side of the street either and hubby wasn’t answering his cell phone so I was going to start walking back, which was the plan anyway.  (I did forget that I saw a bag that I think I need for me…I’ll get it another day unless someone else beats me to it!)

I didn’t get anywhere on my journey back before I saw the Jeep with my boys in it…but they weren’t hearing their cell phones so I walked along side them for a bit  (teeny street, they were stopping for the one light in town). Hubby took off when the light changed and pulled over to call me….he saw me as I answered. 

We came back to our site and shortly after, the little family showed up.

It was a nice day but the wind was a little cool so we spent time inside instead.

We had a great dinner…barbecued steak, salad, baked potatoes and garlic bread.

This is what I looked at the whole time I ate.  How sweet is that?

After dinner, the two brothers-in-law hung out together outside.  Note the matching sweatshirts!

Before we knew it, they were heading off to the store together.

They came back with cookies and a Kit Kat bar for the little imp.  Picture this, the little imp is really enjoying his camera.  He is taking pictures of EVERYTHING in his sight.  He has gotten some fairly creative pics at the grocery store, church, everywhere he goes.  We’re trying to figure out what we should do with them.  Who knows, he may become a blogger like the rest of the family!

Right before they left, I was just tickled to see the kids enjoying little sweet pea. 

The jury is still out as far as the little imp is concerned.  He does not like her crying at all.  He was not at all interested in telling her goodbye.  The hope in it all is that he really lights up when we call him uncle.  I’m sure they’ll be buddies soon.

Ok…so far, I liked using Live Writer and it was easier to get the pictures into the post from flickr other than the fact that I had to open the insert image box every time…they loaded faster than they do through ecto.  Not bad for a free program but we’ll see how easy it is now to get it posted over to the blog itself!

edited to add:  worked like a dream!

We began to wonder if it was even going to happen!  For once, we had planned ahead and had park reservations in August…we made them a year ago!  We had no idea we’d be welcoming the little sweet pea into the world on the very week we planned to be away! I think it was a fair trade, though….much more fun.  :)  We finally found another week we could carve some time out to get away.  Hubby actually took off two weeks but everything was going wonky with the worship team and everyone else’s vacations.  We were almost going to have to be there this coming week but we managed to work it out so we could get away.  Sad to say, we have to physically leave to get away from what’s normal for us.  We weren’t going to do the RV this time but that worked out, too…so here we are.  Away!

I haven’t been here for almost a week.  Last week we celebrated the new mama’s birthday.  This is the best picture I managed to get.

Notice who snuck into the picture! 

We had Baskin Robbins ice cream cake, it was so good!

Earlier in the day, the little sweet pea and the birthday girl and daddy came to see me.  Daddy thought she’d look pretty in pearls so he put some on her while I was holding her.  She didn’t like them too much…they were cold!

I made her a dolly…and promptly lost it.  How does that happen?  I took this picture, put it in my bag and that’s the last I saw of it!

It was just perfect for little fingers.  No problem…there’s another one in progress but this time with arms.

And then we left today.  All on his own, the little imp set himself up so he could drive with Dad…

You can’t see, but he has a foot pedal, too.  He did everything he saw his dad do and it kept him pretty busy.

We stopped for dinner because we’d spent the entire day loading up …and forgot to eat!  This was the view while we waited for dad to get dinner from McDonald’s.

And then when we got here…the little imp always helps his dad get everything working,

I was shocked at how many people were here this week.  We like the park, though, and we have street parking for vehicles. 

Tragic discovery, though….the tv in the bedroom got fried when the owners used the rv a few weeks ago.  Hubby thinks he knows what the problem is…not actually the tv but a fuse ….will take some investigating, though, to find out where it is, he’s got it narrowed down to 3 places. 

Yes, we camp in style….tv and internet.  We even brought the Wii so the imp and I can play MarioKart.  I finally found it at Walmart and spent my birthday giftcard from him on it.  He beats me every time. 

He’s somewhat ticked off at me tonight.  The park owner said hello to him when we got here and he buried his face on the seat.  He used to proudly walk up to people and offer his hand and introduce himself.  Now he refuses to answer so we worked on how we politely respond when someone talks to him.  It makes him mad.  oh wellllllllllllll.

edited to add:  I wrote this last night but right as I was going to post it, I lost my wireless connection.  Finally this morning I sat out on the picnic table and got the connection fixed.  My battery lasts long enough to go outside and reconnect.