Because I love her, random flower arrangements keep making weekly appearances…
It’s great to have my Chicky home for the summer!
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, children, flowers, parenting | Leave a comment »
My BFF
Posted on June 19, 2013 by auburnchick
Alert the media.
I have finished another knitting project!!!
This probably won’t surprise you, but I went for my favorite type of pattern…SOCKS!
This pattern is BFF, by Cookie A. Yes, I am predictable, am I not?
The pattern can be found in her book Knit. Sock. Love.
For this pattern, I selected a skein of yarn I purchased in Seattle during my cruise to Alaska two years ago (props to the in-laws for funding that trip!).
The yarn is Happy Feet (total of 80 grams), and it was a joy to knit, frog, and re-knit with.
😀
I cast on June 2nd and plugged along just wonderfully…
…Until I turned the heel and tried on the first sock.
Ugh.
Too big!
Rats. The sock was ridiculously big, so I frogged (ripped up the entire thing)…
I cast on again, going down to a size 0 needle. I also switched from the Small sock to the XS. There’s a cable in this pattern, and cables tend to stretch.
With those changes made, I began knitting again and knit the entire leg in one day. I was on a mission to get this pair finished!
You can see that the fit was much, much better the second time around!
It wasn’t long before I was working the foot.
I love the evenness of the stitches!
It wasn’t long before I was casting on Sock #2.
I got a big head, though, and had to frog this sock after I finished the leg section. Right before I began working on the heel flap, I discovered that I’d been doing the cable pattern on the wrong round! Ugh!!
I got back in the groove, paid very close attention to every detail in the pattern, put on a movie (Snow White and the Swordsman…great movie!!), and finished the sock around 2am Tuesday morning…
Here are the photos of the finished pair! Please forgive the lighting. I have discovered that the afternoon light is the best when photographing my knitted items. I got antsy and couldn’t wait!
Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: BFF, Cookie A, Happy Feet, Knitting | 3 Comments »
That’s a Whole Lotta Books!
Posted on June 18, 2013 by auburnchick
On Saturday, my church had a fundraiser to help a group of women make a trip to India.
The group chose to do a used book sale.
Chicky and I headed over, and let me tell you, we made out like bandits!
Here’s Chicky’s haul:
She got 55 books for $11!! The children’s books were five for $1 (paperback)! She’s going to have a great start when she gets her first classroom…fingers crossed…next January!
My haul…13 books for $13…is pictured below…
Fiction books were $1 for paperback and $3 for hardback.
I love Frank Peretti, so these were great finds! My female students will love the Gossip Girl books, along with those written by Sarah Dessen.
I was thrilled to find The Great Gatsby. I’ve never read it but have wanted to ever since the movie came out. I refuse to watch the movie until I read the book.
I have to share, in particular, two very special finds.
These are very old books. The first one was originally published in 1897. The edition pictured below was published in 1903.
Look at the binding…
The other book I got is missing its publication page, but it looks to be about the same age as the Word Lessons book. It has “prose” and “poetical” lessons. Beautiful!
The pages are very thin and brittle. The sweet gals running the fundraiser did not charge me for these antiques.
I cannot wait to share them with my students.
Part of my job as a reading teacher is to try to instill a love for the printed word. Kids soak up what we adults share…especially if we are enthusiastic about it.
Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: antiques, books, teaching | 1 Comment »
I Feel Pretty
Posted on June 17, 2013 by auburnchick
Boy do I know how to kick off summer vacation!
The last couple of days have been all about pampering.
On Friday, Barb and I had our nails done. We had spent the evening before texting pictures of nail art back and forth to one another.
I wound up breaking three nails before my appointment the next day, so I opted for a new set of tips. Although I usually keep my nails a little shorter because of all of the typing I have to do during the school year, I decided to keep them longer this time around. Plus, keeping my nails longer would allow for a larger “canvas” for my nail tech to do her thing.
Boy did she do her thing! Lookie…
Oh. You might have noticed the ring.
Yeah.
It’s Sorrelli…Midnight Moon…to match the necklace, bracelet, and earrings I purchased on Thursday.
:::cough:::
Please take a moment to admire the fine details…
Sigh.
I do love pretty things…especially when there’s sparkle involved.
Here’s a closeup of the nails…
Pretty, eh?
My toes were still sporting red polish from my last trip to the salon.
That simply would not do. I am of the firm opinion that fingernails MUST match with toenails.
I made an appointment for a pedicure and took Chicky with me to give her some pampering time as well.
Linda, the sweet gal who did my nails the day before, was working again, and she expertly matched my toes with her masterpiece from the day before…
Oh yes, I think the following song sums up my feelings at the moment…
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: jewelry, Midnight Moon, nail polish, nails, pampering, Sorrelli | 1 Comment »
You’re Beautiful
Posted on June 16, 2013 by auburnchick
We sang the following song last week at church, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried…especially when we hit the third and fourth verses.
I simply do not know how people can look at nature and not see God’s hand in it.
I am so humbled that God created such beauty for us to live in despite knowing that mankind would turn out so sinful!
He even took it further by sending His Son to die for us!!!
When I think of the rough times i have had to endure, the fourth verse puts things into perspective.
My trials are for a greater purpose…to bring me closer to my creator so that one day, when I enter heaven, my time of shedding tears will be over.
Praise be to God for His love and mercy. How beautiful He is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg4cYdP1ngw
Filed under: Christian | Tagged: Christianity, Phil Wickham, You're Beautiful | Leave a comment »
Goodbye Rubber Ducky
Posted on June 15, 2013 by auburnchick
Isn’t it surprising how it’s the smallest things that can make you feel the passage of time the most?
Take, for instance, my decision on Wednesday to change out the shower curtain in the kids’ bathroom.
A few years ago, on a whim, I’d purchased a Rubber Ducky curtain along with the matching trash can…
Chicky and Rooster had gotten quite the laugh, and it had been talked about when we had company. It is rather cute, don’t you think?
Though I loved it, with both kids in college and only home for short visits, I’d decided it was time to upgrade some things in the bathroom to give it a more “grownup” feel.” I had even selected a shower curtain that I liked from a catalog.
I never got around to ordering it, though.
Then, on Tuesday, Rooster told me that I really needed to get a new shower curtain because the Rubber Ducky one had begun to tear up, and some of the rings weren’t holding it up any more.
Coupons in hand, I visited Bed Bath & Beyond.
Oh, how cute the curtains are these days. Many even have pockets on the outside for you to store kiddie bathtub toys.
This stuff wasn’t around when my children were babies. I probably couldn’t have afforded such fancy stuff even if it had been around!
I purchased a new curtain, along with matching hooks and carpet, and returned home, where I hurried to hang it before the kids got home.
I was excited because the new curtain matched the custom blinds we’d had installed when we built the house. The blinds are kind of like bamboo that roll up.
Rooster was the first to see the curtain, and he was impressed.
I was happy.
Then Chicky came home, and I heard her take a sharp breath.
“Whoa,” she said. “Where’s the other curtain?” she wanted to know.
I’d folded it and placed it in the closet. I figured if the kids needed a curtain when they moved out, I’d have it on hand for them.
That was the end of the curtain event…or so I thought.
I later saw this Tweet from Rooster:
Now that the rubber ducky bath curtain is gone, I can finally start taking bathroom selfies.
#JokingAboutTheSelfies#NotTheCurtain
Awww.
What made my heart go thump, thump, though, was Chicky’s Tweet:
RIP ducky curtain
We all have things that keep us tied to our childhood.
Young adults, especially, subconsciously rely on these things to keep them grounded to that which is known…which has been known…and which brings comfort. Though our children constantly fight for freedom and, in fact, yearn for it, the smallest thing like the changing of a shower curtain brings with it a visible reminder that time is marching on.
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, children | Leave a comment »
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie…or a Sorrelli Necklace…
Posted on June 14, 2013 by auburnchick
Ever read the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie?
Well, I felt a little like the mouse yesterday when I was out and about running errands.
After dropping off some paperwork and picking up my summer pay stubs at school, I decided to stop by a cute boutique one street over.
This boutique is known for its jewelry…its Sorrelli jewelry.
I was on a mission.
I usually am.
I’d discovered a surprise in my paycheck…my Reading Endorsement pay incentive.
It was more than enough to treat myself to something nice plus have money left over to take care of a couple of household things.
I’d been wanting one more set of bling for a while.
I love the Running Water that the Mr. had started me off on…
He’d also bought the matching earrings.
In February, I purchased the necklace after receiving my Fred Jones training money…
I also have Auburn-themed Sorrelli…
Now, though, I wanted a color scheme that would go with the school-themed colors…red, black, and white.
Being an Auburn fan, I could not purchase jewelry with red in it. Just wasn’t going to happen if I didn’t want the Mr. to change the locks on me.
I walked into the shop and tried on three different colors.
Snow Bunny was the first one, but I didn’t want a pastel stone in the mix since Running Water already has pastels.
I also tried on White Bridal, which was lovely but did not look good up against my skin.
When I put on Midnight Moon, I was in love…
The necklace was shorter and much lighter than the others I’d tried on. The color, black, with the clear stones looked good against my skin.
Of course, I couldn’t stop with the necklace, so I perused the bracelets…
As I walked to the register, I realized I was forgetting something.
We went back to the counter, and the young gal pulled out a bucket full of earrings! I tried on quite a few pairs before setting on these…
I was nervous when I thought about what my total would be, so I was surprised when the girl told me that I would get a 15% discount for purchasing three pieces! I would up saving $37.50, which covered most of the cost of the earrings!
I wore the jewelry out of the store…that’s how pleased I was.
I’m happy because now I have bling to wear with any outfit I select, and I do like to sparkle when I go out. That’s one thing I’ve picked up from my friends, Barb and Maegan.
Filed under: Teaching, This-n-That | Tagged: bling, Midnight Moon, pampering, Sorrelli, teaching | 3 Comments »
Love of Knitting eBook – A Review
Posted on June 13, 2013 by auburnchick
A couple of days ago, I received an email from my friend, Rebecca, asking if I was interested in reviewing an eBook for the Love of Knitting website.
I contacted Eric, the guy who had originally emailed her, and he responded quickly, attaching the eBook to his message. He also granted me permission to use any photographs from the book. Yay!
The title of the eBook is Learn to Knit Lace. You can find the free eBook here.
You know me and lace. We go together like peanut butter and chocolate in a Reese’s Cup.
The eBook contains pattern instructions for three projects.
The Cielo Shell is an adorable sleeveless knit top that has stockinette stitching across the top third and a beautiful diamond lace pattern across the bottom portion.
Although I’ve never knit a “real” sweater, the instructions seem clear. The schematics provide the measurements needed to fit this top properly.
The second project in this eBook is the Espalier Wrap…
This pattern combines cables and easy lacework to make what looks to be a warm wrap. The leaf edging is a beautiful touch. Surprisingly, this project is worked back and forth, knitting through three charts simultaneously. I’ve never seen a pattern worked this way before, but I’ve gotta say that it sure beats picking up stitches or grafting a border on at the end! I will DEFINITELY be making this!
The last project in the eBook is a Lace Linen Trim…
This is a simple lace pattern that would add a fancy touch to any room!
I’ve got to say that I am very impressed with this little eBook. The steps are written out as well as charted, so regardless of your preference, you have no excuse not to give these patterns a go. The pictures serve as great visual references if you’re not sure what a pattern is supposed to look like.
The website, LoveofKnitting.com, where this eBook is located has many, many free patterns and other eBooks as well. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference and look forward to perusing it frequently.
Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: eBook, Knitting, lace, Love of Knitting | Leave a comment »
A Rational Hodgepodge
Posted on June 12, 2013 by auburnchick
Joyce’s Hodgepodge has a decidedly Father’s Day theme. Hmmm…I wonder why.
😉
Now that my summer vacation is officially underway (yay!), I will definitely be visiting more of my bloggy friends. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with each one of you, and I appreciate your understanding during the months of late when I wasn’t always able to reciprocate your visits.
Now, on to the questions!
1. What do you think makes a good dad?
A good father is one who is always available to his children…who offers advice when it is appropriate and backs off to allow his children to live their own lives. A good father sets an example of a mature love…one that isn’t easily annoyed when things don’t go as he thinks they should. A good father loves his children, warts and all, and is respectful of his children’s choices even when they aren’t exactly what he thinks they should be.
2. What’s something you learned from your own father?
One of the biggest heartaches in my life is that I was not allowed to have a relationship with my father when I was growing up. This was due to an ugly divorce.
Fortunately, my dad and I reconnected when I was a grownup and had my own children, and I was able to spend a few years getting to know him better before he passed away in 2001.
This didn’t leave me much time to learn from him; however, one thing that stands out is that he wasn’t afraid to be goofy. His quirkiness made him uniquely him, and I have modeled that in my own life…in my classroom…where my students often shake their heads and tell me that I’m not “right.” 🙂
3. It’s your birthday-what kind of cake will we be having?
Oh, I really don’t know. These days, with me still adjusting in some ways to my vegan diet, I don’t do desserts. I’d love to have some sort of vegan-friendly chocolate cake. I have always loved chocolate.
4. When you’re faced with a big decision are you more of a go with your gut type of person, or are you someone who reasons it all out, weighing the pros and cons?
I reason things out before making a decision. I am notoriously slow. Ask my friend, Barb.
5. June is National Dairy Month. What’s your favorite dairy item? Most often purchased dairy item?
This is not a lactose-intolerant friendly month for Your’s Truly! I do not purchase dairy products…for myself, that is. Rooster likes his organic milk, so I will purchase that for him. Chicky’s favorite food is cheese, so if I ever do the shopping (which is rarely), I pick up cheese for her. The Mr. is also lactose-intolerant, so when the kids aren’t home, we don’t buy anything that contains milk.
6. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was born on June 11, 1910….what’s something you’ve recently discovered or something you’d like to explore?
Believe it or not, I’ve recently discovered gluten-free food. I did not realize that it is different from what I already eat. This type of food intrigues me and leads me to think it might be the key for helping the Mr. feel better (he has Crohn’s Disease). I also think that by eating more gluten-free food, I might be able to further help myself be healthier.
7. Are you typical of your generation?
I’m not sure how to define my generation. I was born in 1970. I guess “free love” and “free thinking” was still ongoing; however, the 80’s were more conservative with Ronald Reagan and other conservatives in office.
I am the generation that figured out we were normal teenagers, thanks to Judy Blume’s books.
I watched Different Strokes, The Cosby Show, and The Facts of Life. I lived for movies such as The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink.
My favorite groups ran the gamut from Air Supply to Debbie Gibson…from Bryan Adams to Heart. Some of the singers had a rebellious edge to them.
We still had prayer in school, where teachers and administrators were the ones leading the praying, and I learned grammar through diagramming sentences. While I was in school, students either respected their teachers or were paddled for their disrespect.
Am I typical of my generation?
How could I not be?
I am still very conservative, albeit with a slightly rebellious streak.
I still respect authority, despite “someone” who recently accused me of being disrespectful.
I still carry with me a sense of innocence and naivety that is easily shocked.
8. My Random Thought
Observe…
Although the time (top bar) will make you chuckle, it’s pretty typical of my life…school night or not.
What is significant is the weekday alarm, which is set to OFF.
I am one happy teacher on summer vacation!
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: father's day, Wednesday Hodgepodge | 11 Comments »
The Death Cure – A Book Review
Posted on June 11, 2013 by auburnchick
Saturday night, I finished the third book in The Maze Runner series, books written by James Dashner.
If you’ve read my reviews for the previous books in this series, you’ll know that I haven’t been a big fan.
The dialogue is somewhat juvenile, although I do like the clever way in which the kids swear without using the real swear words.
The plot, though, has always been somewhat shallow, as have the characters.
The third book picked up where the second one left off, with the characters trying to find the cure to the virus that is killing off mankind.
It seems as though it took me forever to get through this book.
I just wasn’t very interested but remained determined for my students’ sake.
About 3/4 of the way into the book, the action finally picked up speed, and I actually stayed up until 3am to finish. I wanted to know if Thomas was going to make it through alive.
When I closed the back cover, it was with relief, unfortunately.
I really like reading books that make me with they went on and on without end. Those are the books that stay with me long-term.
I doubt that this series will.
There is a fourth book, the prequel, titled Kill Order. I’m a few chapters in and hope to finish within the next few days.
I will be glad to put these books to rest…for good.
Filed under: Books | Tagged: James Dashner, reading, The Death Cure | Leave a comment »
AuburnChick's Adventures 