Cancer Support

This is a serious post. My grandmother died of breast cancer. My other grandmother survived uterine cancer. A couple of years ago, I had a breast cancer scare. After many tests, including a biopsy, it turned out to be benign, thank G-d. My cousins, who are brother and sister, each have a child that survived cancer (one is now 7, the other is 10). Due to his one cousin having lost his hair during chemo, Jarett is growing out his hair for Locks of Love. You can see pics of the length on other posts. Recently, a good friend of my parents' got diagnosed with breast cancer and will be having a mastectomy. So, this disease has been touching our lives for a long time.

I needed a new watch since mine died and was considering going with a Citizen Eco Drive. When I saw that they had pink faced watches with the proceeds going to Susan G. Koman, I of course bought one. It's gorgeous too - here it is:




It's hard to see the color, but it's a pale, pearlized pink and the numbers (except for 3, 6, 9 and 12) are diamonds. The three is the date.

Another charity I support is Fran Drescher's Cancer Schmancer. A great gift for a holiday stocking stuffer are the Hooks and Things pocket book holders. It's this cute little gadget that you lay on the table when you're out to eat, and there is a hook for your purse so you don't have to put it on the floor or sit on it. Here is the link - scroll to the bottom for the link to them and more info:

http://www.cancerschmancer.org/shop

So, while you are all out doing your holiday shopping this year, please take a moment to see if you could support any of these charities. It may make a difference in the life of a woman you love.

More snow

More snow
Originally uploaded by shoelzle

It's starting to slightly stick- my bench swing is looking like a winter wonderland!

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Thanksgiving surprise!

Thanksgiving surprise!
Originally uploaded by shoelzle

It's snowing! What a pretty treat!

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Hat for Israeli Soldier Complete!

I can't believe I actually got Matt to model it for me! I don't have any pics of him (other than karate clips) on here. So here he is - I used Lion Brand's Woolease and size 6 DPN's as per the pattern. The blog I got the info from is here:
http://hatsforisraelisoldiers.blogspot.com/

And here is Matt modeling the hat with a wet headed Jarett sitting on the steps behind him:




One more (can you see Bandit's paws at the door?):



This was a quick and easy knit for a good cause. So, if you are looking for a charity that is a little different from the "norm," please consider Channa's request. Until then, happy knitting!!

Jarett's Super Mario Star

My friend Jen made a few Super Mario toys for our charity project. Jarett fell in love with the Mario Star and begged me to make it for him. I was a little nervous since it's crochet, but the pattern was so easy to follow... here is the pattern:

http://arpelia.blogspot.com/2008/03/super-mario-invincibility-star-crochet.html

and here is Jarett with his star:

Free Pattern for Hat is up

The free pattern for the Basic Hat from yesterday's post is on the Free Pattern Page. Enjoy!

Charity Hat for chemo patient

As per my last post, we are doing charity projects in my knitting group. Here is a pic of one of the hats I am making. This one is for an 8 yr old boy who has been diagnosed with cancer. His charity rings true in my heart since Jarett is growing out his hair to donate to Locks of Love. Our cousin was about 8 when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He lost his hair during chemo and it really hit Jarett hard. He decided that he wanted to do something to help and when we told him about Locks of Love, he was inspired. He has about 3-4 more inches to go, but you can see in other posts how long it is getting. He is actually modeling the hat for me too. I will post the free pattern for the hat shortly as well.






Here is Jarett modeling the hat:

TGIF

It has been an exhausting week! We're doing two charity projects for my Tuesday knitting group. In the meantime, I am also trying to get holiday gifts done. Wednesday and Thursday nights were promotion nights at karate so we were there all night with our teams performing. It also coincided with my report cards so I was a little stressed getting it all done! However, being me and not allowing anything to get the best of me, I finished my report cards yesterday (they are due next Monday - yay!), the demo teams looked great and I finished mitts for one of Jarett's teachers. They're my pattern that is on the free pattern page, but in a different yarn. Whaddya think?





I'm trying to get a little fancier with the pics... notice the leaves???





I don't know how much knitting I'll get done over the weekend - we have a post wedding party, a birthday party, Matt's working and then there is demo practice.... It'll be easier when Matt can drive himself!!! Soon, soon, soon!!!

The Biomodulator!

I had my first Biomodulator session. It was a little weird at first, but then very relaxing. They put these electrode pads on you and it basically zaps you. It's supposed to replace the electrons in your system, at least I think that is what she said... It was a little tingly at first but as I got used to it, it was fine. I think I fell asleep for a bit too!

Tonight, I made a yummy lentil soup with fried onions and spinach. I found this delicious gluten free bread called Udi's whole grain. http://udisglutenfree.com/products It was awesome!! I lightly toasted it and put some butter and ate it with the soup. It was crusty and thick and delicious - didn't fall apart at all! Best yet, the boys loved it!! We have a winner!!!

Knitting tonight - getting holiday projects done. I can't wait to see what everyone in my group is working on!!

A Vampire's Halloween

Jarett decided to be the candy hander-outer this year. He dressed as a vampire. Whaddya think? Would you take candy from him?





Here's a little more spooky version - like the spread out cape? He had a lot of fun and so did the Trick-or-Treaters that came to visit!