Biiiig Blanket

Hey guys! I'm still here. I have lots more to post but just taking a little break. I'm working on a blanket right now that I really want to get finished. It's getting pretty darn big.

It has a really great texture that I'm totally in love with. I wish i was keeping it.

I'm trying to get through 3 more skeins of yarn tonight. Watching Design Star and crocheting = peaceful.

Obstacles

See, this is why I so often take my projects to Starbucks. Trying to work on a blanket at home seems futile...

Birthday Bash Begins!

I hung out with Amber yesterday and she could NOT wait any longer to give me my birthday gifts. I was like... next week is good.... but no, she couldn't wait LOL! And now that I HAVE the gifts, I'm glad, because I LOVE THEM! I seriously can't tell you how freaking thoughtful she is with the things she got me.

These are the BEAUTIFULLY wrapped gifts (Papyrus wrapping paper!!) she gave me... and I did not dress to match them on purpose, I swear. PS I like purple.

As you can see, I was pretty excited.

Look, I mean just LOOK at this gorgeous wrapping paper:

It's just lovely. I did eventually tear myself away from staring at them and actually tear them open.

My first gift was a cute little bento box! With bunnies on it!

Another gift was a cute little floral cosmetics case. I don't have a photo of it. But it fits my hard drive and cord!!!!! Yep, I'm on of those girls.

The other gifts were all HANDMADE, beautiful, amazing gifts. My thoughtful friend snooped around my Ravelry account and picked out things from my favorites so she would know I would like them. HOW SWEET is that?!

Fingerless mitts in a lovely silk-wool blend and shades of purples and greys.

The next one - two awesome potholders/trivets:

Aren't they pretty?!?!?!! Oh I just love them.

Last but not least this AMAZING herringbone scarf. It's super thick for very cold winter days (or days when I sleep at Amber's hosue! LOL)

I just love these gifts. I can't believe she made all this for me. I think I need to start planning ahead for her birthday in November!!!!!!!!!!

Ian says he has something he wants to get for me in Estes Park, so we are going up Saturday. I can't wait! I like surprises!!! And tomorrow night is birthday dinner with his family, and Saturday with my family. STEAK!!!!!! By the way.... I like steak now. And in case you didn't notice, I like purple. And birthdays. Mainly mine.

In Loving Memory

Neil
March 13, 1954 ~ April 8, 2012

One Done

Amber and I had a nice time knitting today! She helped me get back on track with my mittens so now FINALLY one of them is actually done! But yes, just one.

 It was also my BFF's birthday! Although I didn't get to see her since she lives in Chicago, I talked to her on the phone quite a while AND Amber and I talked to her together and wished her a happy birthday. I miss her so much!!! She also happens to be sporting here a hat that Amber made her :)

Dear Mom

(I thought I should share this here. I wrote this before her funeral and it went into the pamphlets that were handed out before the service.)

Dear Mom,

It is so hard to believe you're gone. Your presence remains so strong and I think that's because you made such a lasting impression on every person who knew you. If someone knew you for a few minutes, they were already a friend. If someone knew you a little longer, they quickly became family. You didn't just touch lives… you held them until you found a way to make them better.

The love and support you have shown me are so beyond measure that most people have never experienced an unconditional love like yours. People just don't know what it's like to have someone see the best in them immediately - and always. But I do, because you have always seen me in that light. I have been lucky enough to know this love my entire life and watch joyfully as you spread that love to anyone I welcomed into my life. It's amazing to watch what happens when someone who has never been loved that way gets the chance to experience it with you.

You are the epitome of love. You defined it, as it defined you. Our dreams became your dreams. With you, no dream was ever too big…and no achievement was ever small. You believed in us enough to convince us to believe also. Selfish was not in your dictionary… your concerns were always for everyone else's happiness. You were absolutely devoted to us all and selfless almost to a fault. I am glad you pursued this surgery in hopes of a better life. It may be the only thing you ever did for yourself. We support your choice and accept the outcome because we know you just couldn't handle the pain another day and needed to take this chance at a future.

There are simply not enough words to express how much I love you and how much I will miss you. The loss is indescribable. However, I will find peace because I know your suffering has ended. All the pain you have dealt with for 30 years, the worst of it unfortunately being at the very end… it is all gone now. Your body always held back your spirit, but now you are free…free to fly with the angels. I love you, Mom, forever and always.

Love,

Your Daughter, Christie

Sad

For those who don't yet know, my mom died unexpectedly on August 30th. It has really turned life upside down for me. I am starting to get back into the swing of things, spending time with friends and working on the new rental property in Estes Park...as well as Ian and I are moving in with my dad. We are keeping busy and there is lots going on... but I am just plain sad and really haven't felt like blogging. I will be back as soon as I'm feeling up to it.