take my stuff, please

I'm trying really, *really* hard to get rid of stuff I don't need. I used to just pile stuff all over the place but I am getting better. (especially with mail - it used to overtake the house but now it goes from the mailbox directly to the trash/file box/bill clip - so much easier to manager now)

So, I have a couple of things (totally random stuff, I know) to get rid of and while normally, I'd either trash or donate it, I thought these two things might find a better home this way.

First off, who needs an Elmo birthday cake pan? Seriously, I haven't been able to part with it but I will never make another Elmo cake. Might I suggest that you not take it if your child has a hard time distinguishing between the *actual* Elmo and an Elmo cake. Because said child will not eat a hunk of face cut from their Sesame Street buddy. Trust me on this. Also, if you use Wilton food coloring to dye your frosting lovely shades of red and black, your cake will taste like ass. There was some trauma involved when Jake turned 2. It went a little something like this: (click it if you really want to read it)

That's how it went down for real. Wouldn't touch it. Not a bite. Everyone else felt obligated to eat the ass-tasting cake though since I slaved over it for hours (Zack was 10 days old at the time so they were doubly obligated) PS. How freaking cute was Jake back then? *Sob*...almost three years ago! (frames are from Film Fun and font is Tell a Story.)

Second, this is an envelope album I made for the July BHG. Kind of a catch all for an expecting mom. Envelopes to save appointment cards, sonogram pics, notes, etc...a spot for monthly photos, pictures of the developmental stages. First one who claims it (for themselves or an expecting friend) gets it.



The sweater - I knitted a sleeve yesterday. Think I'll do the second today. And then, the part I'm really dreading, putting all of the pieces together. Should be ugly. I'm not sure even the cuteness of a 2 1/2" model can overcome the results I'm expecting. Never fear though, I swatched for Wicked last night (the Swish Superwash, Elizabeth - you were right...SO soft and squishy!) and I'm positive that one's going to come out much better (and FASTER) than my poor Bonita.

Finally, a layout. That I did last night. For no reason at all other than I bought these MM glitter letters (they ROCK by the way...no flaking glitter at all!) and the Stemma rub-ons (also, rocketh) to use on a page together a few weeks ago and finally just made some time to play! My moms and nephew last weekend at her surprise birthday party :D A little Love, Elsie paper and that's it!



It's the weekend! (this really has no meaning for our family thanks to C's funky schedule but I know that it's reason for most normal people to celebrate) So have a good one :D

one sock, two socks...

Socks are done! Well, actually they have been for awhile but I finally took some photos for sharing :) I enjoyed knitting them ok...not sure I'll do them regularly though. I started the second as soon as I finished the first to avoid the dreaded second sock syndrome. I finished the second in less than two days!

Check out my cute model (in his bathing suit no less ;-)



Started: May 26th (after ripping out my May 25th toe up version)
Finished: June 11th.
Size 2 Knitpicks Option Circs
Eclipse-Hand Dyed Superwash Merino, Bamboo and Nylon Sock Yarn

Look! They even fit me :)


I have quite a bit of yarn leftover...not sure what I'm going to use it for...any ideas?

AND, I was good and only bought a little yarn on a trip last week to Heritage last week...my first time there - gorgeous store!



A Hemp/Cotton mix that I think might become Rusted Root when I finally finish the Bonita sweater (not starting anything else until that thing is DONE...hold me to it!)

And, just for the heck of it, a layout share...did this one a few weeks ago - all of the digi goodies are from Gina Cabrera at Digital Design Essentials.



Now, I'm off to dinner with my hubby...ALONE (and the heavens opened and the angels sung...)

Have a great night!

To all of the dads...Happy Father's Day

To my dad (who would never know how to find his way to my blog ;) Thank you for being the dad you are...caring, selfless, encouraging, funny (often unintentionally :D) devoted dad and grandpa.

The layout (copyright www.twopeasinabucket.com) was done as a layout of the day a few months ago. I need to get a new photo of us together today...there aren't a lot (I'm sure there are *some* since I graduated, lol, but not many!)

Also to my step dad...who loves and cares for my mom and spoils his grandchildren despite loud and vigorous protest from his kids.

I'm very lucky to have the family that I do!

And, to my husband, who could not possibly be a better dad to our children. More times than not, he's the parent who figures out how to solve the tough issues that our kids seem to present us on a daily basis. He's the one that makes them belly laugh the hardest. He's the one that daydreams about the camping and fishing trips, the golf and hockey lessons, all of the things he wants to teach them. He's the one that shows them how to respect and treat women. I love him dearly, that's a fact.

This photo was taken at the Tiger's Game we went to on Thursday with my mom and step-dad. They lost (of course...despite being on a tear as of late...we just missed the Verlander no-hitter by a couple of days!) I used Rhonna's Vintage Photo Tool Kit on the photo. A few more photos from the day:

Tiger Stadium aka Comerica Park (I hate that all of the Stadiums and concert venues are now named after the sponsors...HATE it)



My brother-in-law acting completely crazy in a commercial that is broadcast in Tiger Stadium (if you knew him, you would know that this is completely uncharacteristic for him...hence the reason I had to get some photos!)



Durbin (before getting pulled) and Sheffield with a big whiff.



Jake's favorite part of the game: The Icee :D (It probably would have been my favorite part too!) It certainly revved him up after getting a little sluggish mid game :p



I have more pictures to sahre of other stuff but I'd say that's enough for now. Have a great Sunday and Father's Day!

a worthy cause and my embarrassment for the day

I stumbled upon this site the other day and thought it was brilliant. A testament to the caring community that scrapbookers and digital designers have created.

The premise is that each month, a digital designer will create a kit. All of the proceeds from the sale of the kit (after Paypal fees) will be donated to a different charity each month. This kit is obviously gorgeous but because this month, all monies will be donated to the American Diabetes Association, I knew I absolutely had to purchase it.

Both my mom and my sister are dealing with Type 1 Diabetes. My mom, since I was a teenager and my sister, just a few months ago. Both are dealing with it well and thriving but it's not an easy road and every advancement towards eliminating the disease puts them one step closer to better health and longevity.

So, I thought it only fitting that I use the kit to do a layout about my mom. And in the process, I realized that I need more pictures of her because this one is almost a year old! And my sister, yup, her too. That will be a priority the next time I see both of them. Everything you see here is in the kit so if you're a digital scrapper or digi-interested, check it out!

Speaking of my mom, today was the first day of the cardio/strength training class we decided to take together (aka, my embarrassment for the day)

We walked in at 9 am and discovered that the class was comprised of about 15 senior citizens and us. We thought we were in the wrong class. We *asked* if there was another class. We know that the class wasn't listed as a specifically senior class and yet, there we were. I joked to my mom as we were about to start "gee, hope I can keep up!" hardy har har. Guess what. I couldn't. Those old ladies KICKED MY ASS. I had to take a breather because I got a little light headed. I have a long list of excuses...I was doing the full moves while most of the students were doing modified versions according to their abilities...I just got over a sinus infection and my equilibrium is a bit off still...I didn't have anything for breakfast but a cup of coffe (Kona, the good stuff :D). Excuses aside, I'm just out of shape! Apparently the cardio I've been doing the past few weeks did nothing to prepare me for the strength training aspect. I'm sore. And in more ways than one...kind of bruises the ego to have someone twice your age console you after class and reassure you that "it will get easier."

It will get easier. I can laugh about it. Try not to laugh too hard *at* me.

Oh, and if you haven't had a chance, check out the new Garden Girls at 2peas...all excellent choices in my opinion! I'm excited to see what they come up with!

Later gators!

I'm procrastinating...

So, I thought I'd post :)

I finished my first garment over the weekend (whoohoo!) The baby sweater from Greetings from the Knit Cafe (which, if I haven't mentioned before...is just such a pretty book BUT there are a lot of pattern errors so if you have it or get it, check here for the errata)

Started: Um...so long ago I can't even remember...January, maybe?)
Finished: May 26, 2007
Yarn: Knitpicks Elegance in Oatmeal
Needles: Size 5 Options

There are a couple of errors - especially along the neckline, but overall, I'm very pleased. I love the stitch pattern and the sweater itself is super soft. Can't wait to see it *on* a baby! (and no, not mine :p)

Hmmm, what else? The sock was ripped out and restarted from the cuff end but no pictures yet. Next post :)

Carlos and I watched a movie the other night - Apocalypto. I know Mel Gibson is not the most popular guy around right now but the movie itself is amazing. I didn't know what it was about when we started watching it but I was seriously holding my breath the entire movie - HIGHLY recommend it! It is sub-titled throughout but after the first few minutes, you don't even realize you're reading anymore. In fact the last movie I watched before this one was Pan's Labyrinth - also sub-titled and also incredible. Watch both of them if you get a chance!

And tonight we're having Ikea meatballs for dinner which means my stash will be depleted which means I need to go to Ikea again soon :)

OK, procrastination over. Now I'll get lots done, right? RIGHT??

Where to begin, where to begin...I feel like I've been going constantly the past few days but really just spinning my wheels and not getting a lot accomplished.

Friday I did get my tenth workout in. Ordered the sock yarn that afternoon and received it on Monday looking and smelling completely lovely. So, yesterday, despite have approximately 10-12 layouts and projects due for various deadlines by the end of the month, and the temperature being 87 degress, I did what any logical person would and cast on my first sock. I totally jacked up the toe shaping but I'm going to knit a little more into the foot before I decide if it's worth ripping out and starting over. I ended up ordering this yarn and I love the colorway. She wound it for me, shipped it fast and tucked in a little sachet so when I opened the envelope it smelled divine. Highly recommend her if you need some sock yarn!

I'm also almost done with the baby sweater but I had to order one more skein of yarn...should be here any day and then I will FINALLY have a completed sweater under my belt! I also snuck in some yarn for this but won't be casting on until I finish at least one of the other two sweaters I'm working on ;)

I have 16 miters completed for a total of 4 (of 16) squares. That's just a here and there project though so I'm not too worried about finishing that in a hurry...some mitery goodness:

(and yes, I'm quite fond of Katie's photo frames)

I've added a little workout tally to the sidebar so I can keep track of my progress...next indulgence? A facial. I've always wanted one so 12 more workouts and it's mine :)

Today is one of the 4 daycare days the boys get each month (superhero day - hurrah!) so I'll have my nose to the grindstone all day playing catch up and *hopefully* enjoying a nice thunderstorm in a bit! I'm glad you guys enjoyed the Family Guy clip last night - I knew I couldn't be the only one that could relate! Happy weekend!

-e

Do you ever feel like this?

(promise to do a real post tonight or tomorrow!)

the Thursday good list :)

Pistons 95 Bulls 85
(Pistons take the series)
photo from Getty Images

Can't be too happy about the Wings performance tonight but at least they split their 2 games in Anaheim.

Zack singing 'don't you want me, BAbeeee? don't you want me OHHHHohohoh' thanks to this commercial

listening to this CD that I've been meaning to pick up forever and finally did today. It is oh-so-lovely, I must say :)

Finding out that although this 0 calorie Nestle water isn't exactly the same as the kiwi strawberry snapple I lived on in high school, it's still pretty damn good! (hm, must be new as this flavor isn't listed on their site yet)

being just one workout shy of my yarn purchase!

Jake in this t shirt

and Zack in his 'ladies man' t shirt (saying 'I a WAdies man' :) so stinkin' cute!) He can also wink pretty well and I fully expect him to master a wolf whistle as his next feat of machismo.

2 more sleeps until Carlos and the boys get to see Darth Vader in person (trust me when I say the Darth Vader conversation around here is nothing less than incessant the past couple of days :p) One of Carlos' co-workers dresses as DV at conventions as a side gig apparently :p Fun stuff!

Guess that's enough for tonight. Hope your Thursday was as good as mine :)

about the check marks...

So, Ashley asked me what they were about the other day and I realized I had never mentioned them :p That's my running tally of days worked out.

Used to be that chasing a toddler and a fairly high metabolism was all I needed to stay in relatively good shape. Since pregnancy #2 and the advent of my 4th decade of existence (yikes!) it's just not enough anymore. I've never been hung up on my actual weight (well, not since I was 12 and I *so* didn't need to worry about my weight!) and I'm not really sure how much I weigh (no scale = less obsessiveness for me). It's about how I feel physically and emotionally. I want my clothes to fit better, I want to feel more energetic, I want to know I'm taking care of myself and staying healthy for my children, husband and myself. It's my job to take care of them and I can't do that if I'm not taking care of myself.

I'm thinking 15-20 lbs ought to do it.

So I've been exercising. I need to diversify my activity a bit but for now, it's a start. Once I hit my 10 day mark, I'm going to reward myself with this. So far, I've resisted the allure of sock knitting but they're just so pretty and they knit up so quickly and it's something I can wear fairly regularly. BUT, I have a really (really) hard time spending $20 on a pair of socks so it's a luxury. Admittedly, there are very few things that can be knit for less than it costs to just purchase the item but I knit for the enjoyment and peace and prospect of passing the item down to my children though. So it's worth it to me to spend the money on the yarn. Socks though, I can't pretend they will ever become a family heirloom ;)

I hope that someday the health and well-being will be enough motivate me. Maybe someday, I can be one of those CRAZY people who exercise for the enjoyment of it (are you one of those people? tell me your secret!) For now though, I need something tangible. My greed motivates me temporarily(even though I already feel SO much better...more energy and I just feel proud of myself for sticking to it - even for just a few days) I've already picked out indulgence #2 so I have to stick with it for a few more weeks at least :)

Anyway, as usual I rambled about something that I could have explained in a sentence. I'm off to play in the backyard with the boys...it's another beautiful day! (photo is some Target $1 flowers just blooming...I have a black thumb so any signs of budding is a major accomplishment! Digi goodies are Jen Wilson)

Go WINGS, Go PISTONS...it's another sports night in Detroit and I have a good feeling!

sports night in Detroit...part deux

pllllbbbbttttttt...

Red Wings 3 Ducks 4 in OT
(series tied 1-1)

Pistons 87 Bulls 102
(series 3-1 Pistons...I'm sure they threw the game so they can take the series in Detroit ;-)

BUT, while I was having fun Friday night...Jake and Carlos got to see the Wings win the first game of the series. Jake had a BLAST (popcorn, soda AND he got to stay up past midnight.)

My four year old has now seen a Playoff hockey game live but I still haven't :p (pics courtesy of Carlos' cell phone :)

you know you want one...

from Alloy I want 3...just because :)

(Julie knows me so well :)

Tonight, I get to hang with this awesome woman and this awesome woman - we're going to tear up Novi/Royal Oak so watch out :p