Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Snow day, part 2

This was my morning:
5:32 - alarm goes off, drag myself out of bed, go potty.
5:35 - put on slippers, bundle up in the hubs coat, take dog out to make yellow snow - it has really had just started snowing and we may have had a light dusting.
5:40 - sit down in recliner and turn on the news, watching school closings, see my schools name!!! Turn to the 3 other KC area news channels, see schools name on them too!
5:50 - receive phone call from department chair saying school was cancelled!!!!!!
5:55 - climb back in bed and sleep another 3 hours!
9:37 - wake up again.
10:01 - make orange rolls for breakfast, got them just for snow day morning!
10:07 - put pork roast in the crock-pot for dinner.
10:58 - writing this post!

Gotta love snow days!!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

It's frickin' freezing!!

When I left for school this morning my car said it was 2 degrees. TWO DEGREES!!!! That's cold!!! I had to turn on the seat warmers on high and the heater all the way to 90 and it still took 20 minutes to getg warm. I even stopped for a cappucino!

Friday, December 12, 2008

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definately wrapping paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? Has to be real
3. When do you put up the tree? We typically buy one the day after Thanksgiving and then spend the next day decoration.
4. When do you take the tree down? After New Year's, depends on when I have to go back to school
5. Do you like eggnog? LOVE IT!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Mary Lou Retton leotard in 1984, I had just turned 5!
7. Hardest person to buy for? The hubs
8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom or the princess niece
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I have one picked out, just can't afford it and my mom won't let me have the one I always put out as a kid.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Only mail.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The ugly music box from my evil grandmother last year
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Mickey's Christmas Carol. I love most Christmas movies, the cheesier the better!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year long
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not usually, but I have.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's Christmas breakfast, we have the same thing every year and only on Christmas.
16. Lights on the tree? Yes and everything else!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (had a solo in high school!), anything TSO
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Go to mom and dad's on Christmas morning in PJ's!
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes.
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Depends on whose house we are at. We only go to the MIL on Christmas Eve out of obligation. Then go to church. We spend Christmas day at my parents. We celebrate with the FIL sometime before New Year's because he get's paid too well to not work Christmas. I prefer Christmas morning.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? My "bah humbug" husband.
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love red and green trees. But I also love sentimental ornaments.
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? A baby
24. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star. The angel is too expensive to put on the tree, so it sits on a table close by.
25. Favorite Christmas dinner? Anything at my parents.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Things to do on a snow day!

1. Sleep in!
2. Watch CSI marathon on Spike
3. Take the pups out for a steaming present
4. Eat a bowl of cornflakes
5. Fill out Christmas cards, hope I got everyone!
6. Work on Brianna's sock, second sock syndrome?!
7. Blow nose 5 million times
8. Make great-grandma Margaret's homemade chicken and noodles from scratch, if only I had an old hen
9. Go to Dialog in the Dark with little brother, then out to dinner
10. Dig out a box of baby clothes that I have been collecting
11. Wind some yarn into balls
12. Mail swap box
13. Snuggle up on the couch with the pups

Hooray for snow!!!

Students and teachers alike love snow. Why, you ask? SNOW DAYS!!!! My students kept asking me yesterday if I thought that we would have a snow day today, I kept saying no, it's not going to snow enough. Well, I was wrong, as I was watching the news a 10:03 last night, my school's name showed up as being canceled for the day!!!! We only had a half day with students, so it was probably a good idea to cancel for the day! I get to stay home snuggled up on the couch with the pups and watch a CSI marathon and drool over Nick Stokes!

I'm getting sick, I have a head cold. Now it's settling into my chest. Not good. I've already had bronchitis once this fall, now I'm getting it again. I can't really afford (time and money) to go to the doctor, get the expensive antibiotic (because I'm lucky enough to be allergic to the cheap antibiotics) and cough syrup right now. I've gone through so many Kleenex's in the last 2 days!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

I love the snow....

but hate stupid drivers! I don't know what it is about snow, but it brings out the stupid in people. Now, I have 4-wheel drive in my SUV and everything, but that doesn't mean I get to drive how I want to. You still have to take it slow and drive smart. I live 28 miles from my school, it's a 35 minute drive, I passed at least 12 wrecks. I drive mostly interstate, these are the first roads cleaned off.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Great night!


Last night we went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra live in concert. We took my parents for their Christmas present. I'm not sure they enjoyed it as much as the hubs and I did! I think my dad fell asleep during the first half of the concert!!! But I would recommend that everyone go see them in concert!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Definately has to the best kit ever!!!

I got home and found 2 packages waiting for me! One was from the New Moon Swap and one was from Ophelia Ballycastle from HSKS6. Oh my goodness, she deserves to win the best kit prize. 3 gorgeous sock yarns that I cannot wait to cast on. A beautiful green and blackSlytherin yarn, Cosmic Fibers Half-Blood Prince and a beautiful purpley-pinkish-blue colorway. Bella gives her nose of approval.


Here is a picture of the whole package. A beautiful green project bag with a pretty green satin. Unicorn Fibre wash and rinse, Things I Learned from Knitting by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Owl Post note cards, 40" addi Turbo Lace circular needle, a pedicure kit and pumice stone, a KnitPicks view sizer, bent tip tapestry needle set, green and silver bracelet and stitch markers, a sachet bag and a cable knit coffee mug!!!! Best kit ever!!!! Thank you so much Ophelia!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Look what I got for my birthday!!!!!


This is what the hubs got me for my birthday!!!! 12 pairs of socks that I have to make myself. The Spring/Summer sampler and the Fall/Winter sampler. They came with patterns for each month. They are so beautiful!!!!


Saturday, November 15, 2008

Disappointed and depressed...so let's eat ice cream!

Ok, a year ago tomorrow, the hubs did the sweetest thing for me. He bought me Celine Dion tickets for her concert here in KC tonight. So I've been planning and getting excited for this concert. I have wanted to see her in concert since 1992 when I heard her first song on the radio. Yes, I still remember this! So Tuesday night, after my parents took me to dinner for my birthday, my dad calls me. He tells me that I'm "not going to your concert on Saturday." Knowing my dad, I thought he was yanking my chain. He wasn't. No, she is sick and has postponed several shows. Now. I've had my tickets for a year now. I have to wait 2 more months before she comes back to KC. I've been bummed all week about this. At least I still get to go, but I am still disappointed!!!

For my birthday from my parents, I got a Cuisenart Ice Cream freezer! I've already made 2 batches. An Orange Sherbet, but it was REALLY sour. And today, I made an Egg Nog ice cream. It's still in the freezer waiting for the hubs to get home from work!

Today I went and had blood drawn a second time. Checking progesterone levels again. My doctor thinks everything has been working, just double checking up one everything. My temperature has been up for about 10 days now. So, we're just waiting to see the results from this blood test.

Last Round Quidditch

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.’s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
b. Cecilia
2. What does Luna say floated into Harry’s ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
c. Wrackspurt
3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
d. 12 galleons
4. What is Professor Merrythought’s first name?
b. Galatea
5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
b. Gobstones Club
6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
b. Dirk Cresswell
7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel
8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry’s late arrival and muggle attire?b. 70
9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger
What society did Dgworth-Granger found?
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers
10. Which of these describes Golpalott’s Third Law?
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Rude and inconsiderate people...

Ok, so I work part time at a retail clothing store. I started as a favor to a friend for the summer and have continued through the fall, it's my yarn spending money! I can buy what I want and not have to feel quilty! Anyway, I know the job expectations and requirements of this position. Help customers, put clothes away, keep the store clean, etc. However, there comes a point where the people that come in are just rude and inconsiderate. I understand that people come to a store, try one clothes and don't buy everything they try one. But seriously, DO THEY HAVE TO THROW THE CLOTHES ON THE FLOOR?!?!?!? I walk into the fitting rooms several times on a daily basis and it looks like my bedroom as a teenager. Clothes and hangers EVERYWHERE!! Do people not have any respect for their fellow man that they can't even hang the clothes back up? Or at the vary least, fold them and lay them on the bench in the fitting room? While I do work at the store, I'm not their maid. Today it was from a 12-year old child. What are we teaching our children?

Ok, thanks for listening to my ranting and raving. Going to bed now!

Syltherin House Quiz #6

1. What are the three important things in Chapter 13 Harry needs to remember?
1. Riddle hated what made him like everyone else.
2. Riddle had no friends.
3. Riddle collected trinkets that he believed were special, they were like trophies to him.

2. What did Merope sell when she was alone in London before the baby was born?
Slytherin's Locket

3. What does Mrs Cole like to drink?
Gin

4. What does Tom Riddle demand Professor Dumbledor do twice when they first met?
He made Dumbledore would tell him the truth, and to do some magic.

5. What did Mundungus nick from the Black house?
Mundungus steals Slytherin's locket.

Monday, November 3, 2008

House plans.........

The hubs and I have spent a while trying to find the perfect house for us. I know, with the market as a buyers market, you'd think it wouldn't be that difficult. But having a grandfather who taught construction and is a former licensed home inspector and a father who has built more houses than I can count makes it difficult to find one that meets their standards. So, I was posed with another option. I was offered to buy some land from my dad! And the hubs agreed. We are going to buy 10 acres and build a house. YEAH!!!! So we have been looking at plans, I think we may have found one that will fit our needs. We are altering it a bit and then by grandfather will design it for us and draw the plans. Now we just have to do the legal stuff in buying the land first.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Slytherin House Quiz!

A favorite Halloween picture...
How about 2!!

This is Brianna's first Halloween, she was 4 days old.

(she just turned six!)


This is Brianna the day she came home from the hospital!


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Less than a week....

Until the this election is over and NO MORE political ads. I am SSSSOOOOO tired of the commercials on tv and radio, junk mail and phone calls. This morning the hubs and I were watching the news before work and one commercial break was nothing but commercials. We recieved 5 ads in the mail and I have talked to the Democratic National Committee several times because I won't tell them if/who I've committed to voting for. I still have 6 days to decide, leave me alone. I just want it all to be over. I don't need anyone trying to persuade me one way or another.

I am loving the weather we are having this week, but then again I LOVE cold weather!!! I love everything about winter, snow, cold, snow days!!!! And it also lessens my allergies. I love snow days. I make my great-grandmother's chicken and noodles. She made them all the time when I was a kid. They are so good and warming. Yesterday was her birthday, she would have been 95. She passed away 2 years ago. I have my love of knitting from her.

I found out last night that my cousin is now expecting a baby in June. They just had one this last June! So another baby to knit for!!!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Bella went trick or treating!!!

We took Bella to the Plaza and went trick or treating! It was sponsored by The Three Dog Bakery, proceeds went to their organization that helps abused and neglected animals. Here's a picture of her checking out her loot! She's wearing a Halloween fleece hoodie that I made for her. The hubs made me agree to no costumes when we got her!

Friday, October 24, 2008

aahhh......parent-teacher conferences.....

The joy of parent-teacher conferences. I really do love speaking to parents. I just wish that more parents would attend. The majority of the parents that I saw have students who are making 85% or better in my class. I did get one of the parents that I have really been trying to get in touch with.

But, because we spent time Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon and night with conferences, we have today OFF. HOORAY, I get to sleep in! Not. I was only able to sleep in about an extra hour. :-( Bummer, I was hoping to catch up on sleep. I think the hubs leaving for work got me up. But on the other hand, I get a day home alone! Just me and the pups!

I was putting my new ball winder and TinkerToy swift to use, but I kept getting it tangled. I got one made, the second one I gave up on. It's still sitting there. I might get around to it later today!!

We had my dad's 50th birthday party last Sunday, my sister and I made the cupcakes for his party. Here's a couple of pictures:

DSCI0556

DSCI0558

They were so fun to make. There's a beagle (our family has 4), a bulldog (our school mascot, my mom and I teach together and my dad works in the maintenance), a westie (my niece has one, she chose this one) and a yorkshire terrier (just because they were cute and quick).

OTN: I am currently working on a pair of Candy Cane socks for my mom for Christmas. I'd actually like to have them done by Thanksgiving weekend. The hubs and I are taking my parents to Trans-Siberian Orchestra for their Christmas present.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Quidditch Round 2

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
b. Frog
2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater
3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
b. Gwenog Jones
4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
c. 5
5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
d. Crystallized Pineapple
6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
c. Hippogriff
7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
b. Magenta
8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets
9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
c. 16 Galleons
10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
b. H.E.F.

Monday, October 13, 2008

What a beautiful weekend...

We went camping over the weekend. Roaring River State Park. We have been going since I was a kid and my dad started going as a kid.


The view from our tent!


The view from our picnic table!


My parents' dog Trixie, she thought she should get on the table to get water! My mom and sis in the background.


Trixie posing with my dad and brother-in-law Zach.


The view from the hatchery. We went on a hike and saw all the beautiful changing leaves.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Doctors + Insurance = Fun!!

So the hubs and I have been trying to get pregnant for about 5-6 months now. There's a problem, I haven't been ovulating. So I have been keeping a temperature chart and taking a medication to stimulate ovulation. Well, that hasn't been working either. So I went in today to the doctor to begin ovulation induction. So, I was prescribed a new medication and stopped by the pharmacy to pick it up. My insurance didn't cover it!!! It will pay for 3 rounds of IVF at roughly $10,000 a pop, but not $9 for medication to get pregnant!! Go figure.

I also got my new yarn swift in the mail today!!! I bought tinker toys and made a swift. So I can make my own yarn cakes now!!! It's so cool!! I also got 3 new yarns in the mail today. One is for a friend for a pair of socks.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Harry Potter Opal Yarn!

I got one today!!! I stopped by my LYS to pick up a new set of Addi Turbos that I left at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday and she had the whole line of Opal Harry Potter. So I got the Harry colorway. I may go back and get a Dumbledore to make the hubs a pair of socks. I liked the Hedwig one, but he said it looked like bird poop!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

All my life.....

I wanna be a Bearcat,
Hoo Ha, Hoo Ha
Go, go, get 'em, get 'em
And when you got 'em say:
Hoo Ha, Hoo Ha!!!

I didn't go to Hogsmeade today like other Hogwarts students, I went to a muggle football game, it was at Arrowhead Stadium. It was my college team, Northwest Missouri State vs our biggest rival, Pittsburg State University, which also is my brother's alma mater. We won!!! 35 - 10!!!! It was one heck of a game!!



Oh, and I took the latest sock that I was working on. Yeah, it fell out of my purse somewhere and I lost it. AND the addi turbos that I was making them with. I am SO mad. I'm going to call Monday morning, but I doubt they'd be turned in.

I also finished a hat for my brother-in-law for Christmas, it's totally him. I made him a hat last year and he went nuts over it, so he's getting another one this year. I bought this yarn at an auction this summer.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Slytherin Quiz #2

Are you a sock knitter?What are your foot measurements? Yep, 9" long, 9 1/2" around.

Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? Just ordered a winder online and just made a swift from TinkerToys today!!!

Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? I keep my Denise needles in their case, my straights in a metal pitcher (think knitty.com) and my dpn's in a vase! The one's I don't use very often are kept in a trunk.

Do you collect anything? Zuni Fetishes, yarn, and Gingher Scissors.

What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready? mostly pop, I love 80's music!!!! I am very mp3 ready, I love my iPod!!

Do you like sweets? What are your favorites? Love!!! Depends on my moods and the season, I LOVE chocolate. Right now, I'm on a candy corn kick, but that could change in a day or two!!!

What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children? I live with the hubs and my 8 month old puppy in an apartment. No children, but we are trying for our first.

Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal. no, but I might have to make one!!!

Favorite Harry Potter movie character? Hermione or Molly Weasley.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Found this questoinaire on ravelry....

What kind of cheese do you like? Pepperjack
If you were a hot dog , would you eat yourself? No, don't like hot dogs
Kennedy Assassination – conspiracy or did Lee Harvey Oswald act alone? conspiracy
Did you like Jurassic Park III? – if yes, you must explain why. didn't watch
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? 1,2,3, crunch!
Did you witness Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah’s couch? nope
Do you consider bowling a sport? no
What is your favorite Star Trek series? don't watch
Which Buffy character do you identify with? didn't watch
Did you want Joey to end up with Pacey or Dawson? didn't watch, I know, I wasn't a normal 90's kid
What color is your hair? brown
Do you find Howard Stern offensive? extremely
How many chucks would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? 12
Do you have a favorite “indie-dyer”? If so, who? too many to choose
Do you use hand-knit dishcloths? no, but I crochet pot scratchers
What new technique would you like to try? (dye yarn, felting, lace, socks, etc.) none, already do too many
Do you know what Sparkle Motion is? nope
Do you like Starbucks? no, I LOVE Starbucks!
Do you eat fast food? If yes, what is your favorite? Don't eat fast food
Coke or Pepsi? don't dink soda either, but I do prefer coke over pepsi if I were to drink one
Tea or Coffee? or Hot Chocolate?
Do you wear hand-knit items? If yes, what is your favorite? hats or socks
Do you have any favorite Etsy shops? too many!
What is one pattern you love, but would never make for yourself? an afghan
Do you like Harry Potter? DUH!
What is your favorite non-Twilight book? not sure, I read too many.
Did you read Midnight Sun? no
Have you read all four published Twilight books? (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn) yes, in less than a month
What is your favorite song? anything Celine Dion - going to see her in concert fory birthday
What is your favorite band? Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Are there any celebrities you would like to meet? Who/Why? can't think of any right now
Do you like Green Eggs & Ham? No, allergic to green food coloring
Are you a monogamous knitter? Or a WIP-Hoor? WIP hoor
What is your favorite TV show? CSI
Who would win in a duel? Edward Cullen or Harry Potter? explain your answer. Edward Cullen, due to the fact that he can move so fast
Have you seen Meet the Feebles? (and will you admit it, if you did??) Never heard of
VanHalen - Sammy Hagar or David Lee Roth? ??
Are there any non-knit/crochet crafts you enjoy? sewing, quilting, beading, scrapbooking
Why is the rzz always gone? Because my husband drank it!!
What is the secret of life? not to take things too seriously
If you could fight anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be? well, I'm fighting with my MIL, does that count?
Explain the complex theoretical problems of the Babble Fish. Huh?
What was your favorite childhood outfit? My Mary Lou Retton leotard I had when I was 4
If you’re riding in the car late at night with the windows down, what cd is playing on the stereo? Wicked!! or Mamma Mia!
If you were on a deserted island and had only one skein of yarn, which would it be? sock yarn
If you could have lunch with any fictional character, who would it be (movies, books, or tv)?
If your life were a television program, would it be a half-hour sitcom or a one hour drama? What would be the title of said show? one-hour drama - don't know the name
Do you know how to pronounce Clapotis correctly? I think so
If they made a movie of your life, which actor would you want to play you? Drew Barrymore
What one superhero power would you want and why? Reading minds, I always want to know what people are thinking!
What was the best job you ever had? The worst? The weirdest? my current job teaching, working at Wal-mart snack bar, Baskin-Robbins - the boss made it weird, she asked another girl and I to buy her drugs?!
Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? If so, what is it? No, I sleep with a real animal
Describe your style in one word. my husband says teachery
You randomly walk into a bookstore on a whim & buy a book. It’s most likely a _mystery_(fill in genre here)
What vehicle would you like to own? Mine, a Trailblazer
Do you collect anything? Zuni Fetishes
What’s your favorite smell? Least favorite? Favorite - Orange Blossom, Least - Skunk
What’s your living situation? Live with parents? In a dorm? Apartment? House? Apartment
What do you do in your leisure time? What's that, I have a full-time job, full-time student and have a part-time job, I don't have leisure time.
What do you like to do on weekends? Nothing....knitting of course
What is the strangest thing you’d wear on your head? just hats
If you were to fill the sun with rats, how many rats would you need?n12 million

Friday, September 26, 2008

I got them....

I ordered tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. The concert is Thanksgiving weekend, so two months away! We are taking my parents for their Christmas present. They have been wanting to go, we went last year and were blown away. Our seats are 3 rows back from where we were last year.

Also, I bought my airline ticket yesterday to go to Charlotte, NC for a conference for school. I've never been there, so that will be a new experience. I have a busy next few months!!!

I don't have school on Monday, I get to sleep in! I am going to a workshop and it is about 10 minutes from my house, so I was elected to go. No complaints here, I get to see the hubs and the pup extra time!!!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Tense week...

Ok, so I promised that I would explain the week I've had at school. We had an incident in the community where I teach (I don't live in the same district). There was a fight between 2 boys (boy A and boy B), one of their brothers (boy C) pulled out a gun and shot the boy (boy A) fighting his younger brother (boy B) (I know, confusing to follow). SO, our school was on a semi-lockdown all week. What does this mean? No students out of the room for ANY reason. No bathroom passes, locker passes, no tissue breaks, NOTHING!!! For the most part the kids were ok, but you know that there is always a kid that has to push the rule. The kid turned himself in to the police and we are now off of out "lockdown." We aren't really allowed to say that we were on a lockdown. It was pretty tense, there was supposed to be a big retaliation at school, but with a huge police presence, we haven't seen anything. I'm hoping that nothing happens!!! We are still a bit tense, but things are starting to get back to normal.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Quidditch ~ Round One

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?
c. Emmeline Vance

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
b. Fox

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
b. 11 p.m.

4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
b. A duck

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
b. Eileen Prince



Narcissa


Snape


Bellatrix


Professor Sprout


Professor Dumbledore

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

My picture...



Stressful day at school yesterday (I'll post more later, we are on semi-lockdown all week) and fried computer cord = no picture on September 22. I hope it's not too late!!! This is one with the princess niece and I at a Royals game this summer!!!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Hooray for grad hours!!!!

I signed my new contract for school today. I moved over on the pay scale because in the last year I have earned 24 grad hours!!! I moved 3 steps over. I just can't believe that in a year, I have gotten this far. I have 8 weeks of class and then I have to write my paper.

Tomorrow night the hubs and I are going to the Royals game. They are giving away stocking hats. The hubs says I can make a better one cheaper, but I want a Royal's one!!

OTN: BSJ for a KAL, Bearcat baby blanket, Dream Swatch and Ampersand Socks.

Being a true Slytherin, I stole this!!! It's the Hufflepuff's quiz!!!!

1. Do you knit and/or crochet? Knit, I can do simple crochet
2. How long have you been at your craft? About 2 years
3. Do you spin? If yes do you use drop spindle or wheel. No, don't really want to eaither.
4. What is your favorite color? Purple
5. Do you have any other hobbies? I love to read, quilt, sew, scrapbooking, camping
6. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? Anything soft and pretty!!
7. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? Itchy yarn.
8. Are there any yarns that you’ve been eyeing and wanting to try? Socks that rock yarn
9. What are you currently working on? a baby blanket, a BSJ and sweaters for the princess neice's AG doll
10. What is your favorite Finished Object? (Pictures are welcome.) the Little Daisy Cardigan in lavendar that I just completed (it's on my Ravelry site)
11. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? Hmmm, just better at crochet.
12. What is you favorite type of book or movie? Romance (not dirty) and Fantasy (HP and Twilight)
13. Who is your favorite person at Hogwarts? Mermione
14. Favorite class and/or subject at Hogwarts? Transfigurations
15. How many family members do you have? 2, the hubs and the pup
16. What is your favorite Fall activity? Football games and camping!!!!!!!!!
17. How many projects do you have on your needles/hook? at least 4
18. What is your favorite type of footwear? NONE!
19. What is your favorite beverage of choice? Chocolate milk, Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte and white hot chocolate.
20. What is your favorite park of Half-blood Prince? Need to reread it!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

HSKS6 Questionaire

Potter Name: Madam Ferula McGonagall

Rav ID: stitchinsteph

I am allergic to: cats, dust, smoke

Pets that I have: I have an 8 month old puppy, does the hubs count?

My favorite yarn: depends on what I am making.

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? N/A

My favorite flavor: chocolate, caramel...

My favorite holiday: Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas - Christmas, got married 12 days before!!!

I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) Probably sock kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: circs - addi turbos - 24" - I use 2 circs method, dpns - wooden or metal, not bamboo, 6"

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: Nope

I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) this is my 4th year

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? Yep, November 16!!!

My Harry Potter Husband!!!

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Bill Weasley

Your perfect HP man is Bill Weasley.

You like guys who are cool. And not cool in that fake, dicky way, but actually cool. He's so cool that they couldn't find any actor to adequately portray him, so they decided to just leave him out of the movies rather than risk not doing justice to his coolness. He's like the Chuck Norris of Harry Potter: plain freaking awesome. When Voldemort says "You-Know-Who", he's talking about Bill Weasley.

Monday, September 8, 2008

It's Monday and September.....

Boy, where has the time gone. It's already September. We are 4 weeks into school and they are already playing Christmas stuff on tv!?!?! It's Trans-Siberian Orchestra, so it's not like it's bad!!! Tickets go on sale on Friday, CAN'T WAIT TO BUY THEM!!!! This year we are taking my parents for their Christmas present. The hubs and I went last year for our anniversary and were blown away. If that's the only concert I ever go to againg, I would never complain!!! (That is, after I see Celine Dion the day before my birthday in November!!!!)

Since last term, I have been busy. I went to a conference for school. Then I went to Chicago, we took the princess niece to the American Girl Place. I highly recommend that everyone go for a meal at the American Girl Cafe. She got not one, but two dolls!!!! Here she is with her bags!!!!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Quidditch Round 3

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?
d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermoine are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermoine are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or False?
b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?
a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?
b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermoine for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"
Padma Patil
Hannah Abott
Percy
Dumbledore's Army
Cedric Diggory
Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?) Twilight

Sunday, July 13, 2008

The princess' first baseball game!!

So the hubs and I took our princess niece to her first baseball game at Kauffman Stadium to see the Royals beat the Mariners. We had a wonderful time!!! We had her picture taken with Santa at the game! (I'll add a picture when I get it scanned!)

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It was their Christmas in July game, they gave away Royals santa hats! The princess posing in hers!!
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Here's our little family for the night!
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She stayed the night with us and we camped out in the living room, sleeping bags, lantern (battery operated) and all!!! Then we woke up bright and early and took my mom to the airport. The princess niece had never been to the Kansas City Airport (we are taking her to Chicago in 2 1/2 weeks, so she'll get to go on her first plane ride), we jsut dropped her off at the door! We went swimming, shopping and to the pet store and she had so much fun.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Crazy days....

Here is Bella, all dressed up for the 4th!!!!

I was packing for my trip to Denver with my mom and grandma, Bella thought she got to go too.


This is my grandma and I at the Coyote Ugle Saloon in Denver. The best part is that we got my grandma in a bar. She hasn't had a drink of alcohol in her entire life! She was acting really weird when we were in there, she was nervous to be in a bar! And it was a Sunday afternoon and there were like 3 other people in there!!

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My owl has arrived and I have the best spoiler ever!!!!

I could not believe my parcel when I opened it! I was truly spoiled! Here is a picture of the entire package
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Here is my new "Sexy Slytherin" sock yarn that I cannot wait to make into a pair of socks!



This is of Bella sniffing the beautiful blue yarn that was also in my package!

My new owl and "potter" stitch markers.

Here is my bag that was "stuffed" with goodies, some polka dot notecards, bamboo needles size 3, a journal, a calculator, a package of SOAK (which I've been wanting to try!), oh and not pictured (they are in my backpack!!!) Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles by Cat Bordhi and Favorite Socks by Interweave Knits. I will be using all of this to be making lots of socks!!! Thank you so much Morgan!!!!!!!!! I LOVE my package!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July!!!

I have finished Bella's sweater. She looks so cute in it! It's big on her, but she's still growing!

Bella's Sweater

Here are the cupcakes that I made for my family dinner tonight. I make these every 4th of July. The picture doesn't show the color very well. It is really red, white and blue!

Fireworks Cupcakes

It is nice to have NOTHING to do but knit all day. That's what I have done for the past 2 days! I have learned to knit socks on 2 circs! YEAH!!!! I have dinished one and I am working the gusset on the second. It is so much faster than dpns!

OTN: the second Bellatrix sock! And the hub's baby blanket, still working on it, haven't worked it for a few days, I've been too busy!

Monday, June 23, 2008

It's Monday...

It's the last week of summer school. I'm actually really happy it's almost over. I know that I'll enjoy the paycheck next month, but it's been very stressful. As I said before, I've never taught this subject before, so I don't really know exactly where to go with it. I also have one class that is major behavior problems and are very hard to manage most of the time. There is one girl in there who got in trouble twice last week and her mother has been all but harassing me since then. She wanted a meeting with her, the daughter, principal and myself. We really didn't get anything accomplished because she thinks that her daughter is perfect and that I am a terrible teacher. She didn't hesitate to remind me of that. She also threatened that she could come "sit in class anytime I want to" to which I responded that she was more than welcome. So she came. On Friday for the last 30 minutes of the day. D.U.H. It doesn't take a moron to know that is the worst time to observe classroom. This just confirmed her thoughts that I am a terrible teacher! Nevermind she has only one child, who for the most part is a good student! Some people.


I spent the day Saturday trying to make these pot scratchers that my great-grandma used to make. I DID IT!!!! I have made three so far, my family is so excited because these are like the best ever and easy on teflon pans too.


We have a new addition to the family, my cousin and his wife just had a baby. Meet Dane Matthew, he was 9 lbs, 10 oz. I haven't seen him yet, but I've heard he is so cute!

OTN: I finished the BSJ I was looking for buttons for, found them. I also finished Bella's sweater. Will post photos later. I started a hat for the princess niece, it has horses on it. It will be part of her birthday or Christmas present, haven't decided.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Quidditch Round #2

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?
b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?
c. Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?
c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?
b. The Shrinking Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?
Answer: Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?
c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.
a. Yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?
d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
Answer: 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?
b. 8


Kingsley Shacklebolt

Bellatrix Lestrange

Nymphadora Tonks

Remus Lupin

Saturday, June 14, 2008

soo.....

Summer school is half over now. I am somewhat enjoying it. I am teaching a class that I have never taught before and I don't know the material super well. That makes it really tough. I have 2 classes and each class is 3 hours long.

I bought a new car today. My car died. Well, it's a used car. I refuse to buy a brand new one. It's not worth the depreciation. I got a silver Trailblazer. It must be the top tier on bells and whistles. There are so many buttons and knobs that it will take me a while to learn them all. It even has a dvd player in it!

While we were out, the dog chewed up some stuff. Mostly garbage, she likes boxes. But she did chew up one of my Denise needle cords. I found some of it, but not all of it. She has only gotten into a few things before, but she's also not alone by herself very often due to mine and the hubs schedules. I teach during the day and he works 3rd shift. So he gets home just after I leave.

OTN: Still working on the baby afghan for the hubs, this will be more of an ongoing project. I also am almost finished with my 8th Baby Surprise Jacket. I am on the button row and I can't decide buttons, so I refuse to finish it until I find buttons that will work. Thursday night I started Bella a sweater, it is brown and pink. I think it will be really cute when I finish it. That's what was on the Denise cord she chewed up. The hubs said I shouldn't finish it, I said that I'm going to finish it and then make her wear it all the time!!!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Interesting things at school...

So I was gone to a conference for school, I took my husband with me! It was ok, but we had a great hotel room. We were also right next to a great shopping area. I bought the princess neice an American Girl backpack to take on our vacation this summer.

News at school, some of my classes for next year have changed. I was scheduled to teach out freshman required careers class again, but I have been changed to teach personal finance. It has something to do with how the district reports to the state and they needed someone who is vocationally certified. It has to do with coding. Not the most fun class to teach, but oh well. It just means more training and more conferences!!! I'm also slated to attend a national conference in December, I like traveling!! Especially when someone else is paying!

My summer school classes are both very interesting, I have one who won't speak to me and one who won't shut up!!! One week already down.

On other news, we have a new principal for next year. He's been moved from assistant to head principal, he'll do a great job. Our current principal did such a crappy job that he was asked to move to one of our middle schools as an assistant principal. He was awful, he lost all my teacher artifacts and then blamed it on me. He didn't know staff members' names. He was never in the building, when he was you had to make an appointment to see him, then he never showed for the appointment. The kids absolutely hated him. Good news is he's gone!!!

My puppy is growing so much! My sister kept her while we were gone. It was really good for her, she was able to socialize with several other dogs. She's not afraid of other dogs now, she wants to go meet them and play with them!

OTN: I am currently working on a baby afghan for our future baby. It's going to be a gift to the hubs. I'm going to knit our college logo in the middle of it. He has no idea, he thinks I'm making something for my cousin who's due any day now. I'm also working on another BSJ.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Life!

I have had a pretty lazy week this week!

I had class, eh, boring, five hours in a seat hurts the back.

Then Wednesday I sat in my OB-GYN office getting a glucose test. I got poked 4 times because she couldn't find a vein. The nurse took my fasting blood, no problem. Then gave me the colored sugar water to drink. She said come back in 2 hours and don't eat anything and if you drink, only drink water. Well then after 2 hours, she took my blood again. She went to the same vein, couldn't find it. She then fussed at me for not drinking anything. She didn't tell me I had to drink water, just only drink water. I'm a big water drinker anyway, I usually don't have any problems. Well, she finally got the second vial of blood after poking me 3 times to get a vein. She then tells me no news is good news. I'm having this done so that I can be put on medication to boost ovulation. I said, I need a call so I know what the next step is! I don't think she had any clue as to why I was there.

Oh, and I went to my knitting group Wednesday too!

Thursday - I had a meeting at school for summer school. I only had one class make, so I'm teaching in the morning and then working on curriculum in the afternoon.

Today, I'm doing NOTHING!!! Just me and the dog sitting on the couch. I suppose I need to go to the store, the hubs needs dinner tonight.

Got my current Praxis scores, I took the Biology test in April to obtain additional certification. I didn't pass, I missed my 20 points. I don't know how its scored, but I'm not to upset, I haven't had a biology class in ten years.

I also got the results from my blood test. Everything normal. I start my medication to help me ovulate. We can make a baby!

Quidditch Round 1

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car?
a. Tibbles

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?
a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?
d. 23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes?
Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?
a. Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?
b. A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?
b. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?
c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?
a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?
a. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor