Life

Still here!  Still blogging when I can!  Thought I'd hop on while I had a free minute.  I know my last post was fairly long winded and lacked pictures and this one might be the same.  Still having issues uploading pics but I managed to get one to load and thought I'd share it. :) 

It's a camera phone pic of this canopy fort that I built for the kids.


Colorful, shady, munchkin house

This particular day was pretty fun!  I work Tuesday through Thursday during the week and so on my days off I try to find something enjoyable for the kiddos and I to do.  This particular day we worked on this fort which hangs mainly from the exposed piping in our apartment.  They enjoyed their early morning sitting in there while watching cartoons.

We got dressed, went to the library to return and check out new books for Brodey, and then went to Metro Coffee Co. for a fruit smoothie.  The kids were so happy as they walked out with cup in hand and smile on their face.  

It was a fun morning which lead to lunch and a late nap... not just for them but for me too.  NAPS ARE AWESOME!

Update On David's Work:  My husband had his last day of work in HVAC this last friday and this Monday he started a new job in the oilfield.   So far he is enjoying it and it hasn't brought much change to our family yet seeming as how this is his first week and is still in training.   Don't know if I'm feeling any differently than what I was the last post I did.  Just kind of going with the flow at this point and waiting for that first paycheck so I know what to expect for the next few weeks while they get him trained up. 

These past few weeks have been busy... 

*work at the radio station
*work at the yarn store
*church events
*church events with teens
*Planning church events
*Spending time with my big brother that came all the way for OKC
*Knitting
*Teaching Knitting
*Reading
*Yard work
*Playing with the kids
*house work
*Meetings
*Napping (yes this constitutes as busy)
*Baking

I don't neglect my blog on purpose.  I'm just time impaired.

I am currently teaching the beginners knitting classes at my local yarn store.  This week we will be finishing up with knitting 101 and they will have their first completed, knitted projected.  Pretty cool!
I'll also be teaching knitting 102 and 103 and will be doing a class on baby booties and on a super cute market bag.    All of this is over a 3 month time span so if you're thinking that it's a lot... It's not. 

Many of you may have heard my testimony and many of you may have not.  But if you have you are well aware that an area of recovery for me has been in sexual abuse and addiction.  Now I want to make it clear that I have had victory in this area of my life for almost 4 yrs now and to not assume the worse.  But I have been struggling still with the emotional effects and disconnect from what real intimacy looks like. 
I strongly encourage you to read (or for your teen to read) the book "Sacred Sex".

This book is a fairly short read but covers a lot.  It talks about what intimacy is through biblical reference, how intimacy ties into sex, the purpose of it in marriage, the chemical make-up, effects of sex outside of marriage... and more.   It seriously explains and teaches the things that I experienced that I've tried so hard to explain the teenage girls that I mentor through a recovery program at my church.   I seriously encourage you to read if you are looking to educate yourself or your teen or are seeking an understanding and help. 

I just thought I'd share that.  It took someone being open and honest for me to find the book and I'm hoping someone who reads my blog can benefit from it as well. 

Well, off I go.  Gotta finish up and head out. 
I'm hoping to write and post pictures again soon!

Love you ALL!
Blessings,

Caren

Longwindedpicturelssness

Behold!  A pictureless post!  I know... boring right?  I tried.  I really did but I seem to be having some issues getting things loaded today.  Don't really have the time or patience and felt like I needed to check in.  Here has been what's happening as of late. 

As of late my husband has been waiting to hear on a new job.  Stressful much?  He has been hired with a particular company but the hiring process is taking incredibly long and in addition to that will place major change in the Willy Family household. 

This job will take him out of town often which means I will be home with our babies trying to help them adjust to the new norm while I try to adjust to the new norm.  The pay will be less than what he makes now but there is room to move up within the company and will receive frequent raises within his first year and not to mention we will all have health insurance, which will be the first in almost 2 years.

I really am blessed and am so thankful that the opportunity has arised for David to move into a different profession and be happy but honestly I'm freaking out a bit.  What if this isn't the right job?  What if this isn't God's will?  How will our finances look?  How will the kids do with this?  How will I do?  How will I do with the kids?  How will this limit my ability to work AND have a social life?  How is it going to change our relationship?  Is it going to change anything?  How long is it going to be till he gets on a set schedule? I mean all of these questions just flood my head and yet I don't feel like I have the answers to any of them.  I just keep reminding myself that God has our back and that ultimately he will provide.  He hasn't failed us yet and I don't believe he ever will.  It just gets hard sometimes not knowing where this road will take us.  But yet again I keep falling back on "trust in God" because sometimes that's all you can do.  He will provide the answers.  I guess I just need to chill out long enough to hear them or sit tight long enough to allow things to happen.  I'm sure you'll be hearing more about this.  
I'll be starting a new beginners knitting class series in June.  It's been a while since I've taught anything at my LYS but am excited to dig back in. 

There is just something about teaching people about this art form.  It's therapy, a form of expression, a way to make waiting much more enjoyable, and a way of bonding with other's who knit and share in the joy.  Knitting is it's own community that's always looking for new people to join.  It even has it's own language!  An example of that:

Charlotte (my lovely friend) and I were finishing up at a meeting we were both in and as she was getting ready to leave I was tellng her about a hat that I wanted to make.  "You use a provisional cast on, knit flat, and use wrap and turns for shaping".   One of the ladies that was there with us said "Clearly this is a language of its own because I have no idea what you're talking about."  HAHA!  It's true and I felt awesome! I felt accomplished. 

Brodey's last day of Preschool was yesterday.  I'm not an emotional person.  I go through the motions of every day life and when it comes to being a mother I focus so much on what's next that sometimes I don't stop to really enjoy the now.  It just feels like the school year flew by and though I knew the end was coming, I didn't even think about it... until I was forced to.  

My little boy will be starting Kindergarten in the fall and will be attending a public school which at this time is causing some uneasiness.  I think about the unfairness and cruelty of this world. I think about the perversion and the worldly views that will eventually confront my son and it terrifies me.  I think about the obsticals he faces and the fear of what his peer relationships will be like. Will he be bullied?  Will he bully? Will he make friends that influence good choices? 
As a mom I just want to hold him tight and never let him go!  I want to protect him!  I want to speak into him nothing but kind and loving words and gaurd him from any malice that comes his way.  I grieve at the loss of innocense and often times it is taken for granted and not appreciated the way it should be. The loss of that scares me. The fear and grief isn't in him growing up.  The fear is in the pain that comes with it.  My heart breaks when his does.  His pain is my own.  He is the most vulnerable part of me, living on the outside of my body and yet holds my heart.  We will get through this because we have no choice.  I can either choose to be in fear of life or I can choose to live it.  I can choose to allow Brodey to experience it regardless of the endless possibilities of what could happen.    I just pray for God's guidance as we continue to raise this little boy and help guide him into a relationship with his creator.  It's Brodey agains the world and the thing that he has going for him is a God that loves him and has provided him with an incredible support system that is fighting and pulling for him all the way.   We are so blessed in this mess called life.

Well I guess I will stop with all this deep thinking and seriousness.  Thought you deserved a good, real read considering I have no pictures to provide you with this time around.  haha!         

Here I am!

 How many of you did that loom thing with the stretchy nylon loops to weave your own potholder?  I did.  I went to hobby lobby a couple weeks ago with my sister inlaw and we came across one.  Mine looked exactly like the one in the picture.  Actually... I don't think it was mine.  I think it was my sister's originally but like most toys you eventually grow out of them and hand them down to your younger siblings if you have any.   I'm not big on growing up and so I decided I needed to purchase this immediately and head home to make myself a fancy potholder.  It had been about 15 or so years since I made my last one but It was like I had done it just the day before.  It's not like its rocket science or anything but sometimes it takes a little bit retraining of the hands when it comes to crafty things.   I made 2 of them and gifted one to my sister inlaw because potholders are an awesome gift!   I encourage you all to go and be potholder making machines.

On facebook a couple of days ago I noticed that "All Free Knitting" had posted a tutorial on how to make t-shirt yarn!  I had never heard of such a thing and imediately clicked on it to see what I needed to do and if I'd have the patience for it.  It looked pretty simple and so I dug through my clothes looking for t-shirts that get little to now wear.  I'm not a huge t-shirt wearer and so it was pretty simple to find one to cut into.  Tie-dye!  Thought it would make for an awesome varigated t-shirt yarn!  so after much cutting, stretching, and winding... I made t-shirt yarn.  I did a little test knit to see what it would look like and I think it's pretty cool!  Having a hard time deciding what to make with it because it's not a very large amount.  Maybe it could become another potholder.  ???  If any of my readers decide to do this it would be fun to see what you make out of yours!   My friend Shauna talked about getting a hole bunch of her family's soft t-shirts, turning it into yarn, and then making a blanket out of it!  I love her idea and have considered doing the same thing.   My suggestion when doing this is to make sure that your tshirt does not have any screen printing done on it.  The ink used to print on the tshirt itself does not allow for proper stretching.

I'm sorry for not writing in a while.  (If anyone really cares... lol)  It has been pretty busy over the last 3 weeks. 

My sister inlaw, Becki came into town from NY state and was here for a week.  Seriously a blast!  I had never actually met her in person but I have been intouch with her through phone, email, and facebook over the last 5 years.  There was no awkwardness or discomfort that some people find when first meeting their inlaws or someone new.  It was like we just clicked and everything all of a sudden became so much more fun.  KMart trips, Dollar Store shopping, Hobby Lobby dancing, drives, crafts, watching movies.... You name it. We were laughing.  I did teach her how to knit and she picked it up so quickly.  In about a 3 hr sitting she learned how to knit and purl AND she comleted her first cup cozy!  She even knit a little scarf on her way home in the airports!  I'm so proud!  She did share her craft with me too and taught me and a couple of my teens from church how to make friendship bracelets with embroidery thread.   I always thought those were cool and had intended to learn a few years go but never did.  So it was fun to swap crafts and enjoy our time in front of the tv knitting and making bracelets.  :)    It was hard to see her go but we are hoping to get our fams together soon. 

I am back on the schedule at the Dancing Sheep to teach beginner knitting classes.  Looking foward to doing that!  It's been a while since I've taught there so it will be fun doing it again.  Charlotte got some new yarn in recently and I'll probably be spending the money that I earn on that.   I pretty much work there to support my habit but there is nothing wrong with that!  haha!

I had intended on doing a giveaway to celebrate the one year anniversary of Sereknitty And Purls.  Haven't gotten to that yet but I will... Eventually.  My bad.  Just have a lot of knitting that I'm trying to get done and a lot of knitting that I want to do.  It's been a while since I last knit something for myself  (aside from a cup cozy) and am thinking that once I finish a couple of things I am starting something for ME.  I also want to do a couple of baby projects.  I love knitting for babies and know a couple that are on their way :) 

I had a thought that I would start taking questions from my readers or post requests of maybe something you may want to read or learn about.  You are welcome to write me at SereknittyandPurls@hotmail.com  !  I hope to see something in my inbox soon!

Well after writing this long blog with little correct punctuation, grammer, and paragraphing, I should go.  I hope you all are doing well. 

Love you ALL and Blessings!

Caren

A calling to help and knit mustache sweaters

There is a lot in my life that I can honestly say that I feel compassionate about.  For as long as I can remember I have always found myself wanting to fix the hurting world, save the whales, save the dolphins (See "The Cove" if you haven't.  Its on Netflix) and befriend the outcasts.  There is just something within the very depth of my core that has cried out even before Jesus became my moral compass and encourager.  I often times look at places, peoples, and things and ask myself "how can I help this situation?".  Often times I can't and I am on the sidelines cheering on those who can!  I am infact only one person that wishes I had the capability of doing the work of an army.  I lack the education.  I lack the funds.  I lack the TIME.  and it saddens me to know that when I walk into an old folks home to visit a loved one that I am incapable of visiting with every person there that is capable and holding the hands of those who aren't. That has been my most recent experience where I just felt like there was such a need that I am incapable of filling because of all those other needs I'm trying to fill. But when I saw this video I felt an urge to do something and knew that I could step up and get this done.

This video was a facebook annoyance.  You know those youtube videos that EVERYONE on your friends list has pretty much watched (or at least heard of) and shares it encouraging you to watch and repost.  Well this was that.  I thought I would rebel and go against the grain and constantly scrolled past it.  For a couple of days at least... until my brother posted it.  I thought "well if Rob finds it important to watch then I guess I can take 30 mins and watch it too". I watched it.  It spoke to me.  I reposted it.  Not just once BUT TWICE!  Three times if you can't this post.   I encourage you to watch it if you haven't already.   You can find it at the bottom of this post. :) 

I have ordered a kit and will be one of thousands of people to make Joseph Kony famous so that he may be recognized and brought to justice in the year 2012 for the hell on earth he has created for the kids and the families in Uganda.  I don't know if my work will make a difference but I can at least say that I did something in attempt to better the quality of living for those who live in fear of this man every. single. day.

As for my knitting.... I did finish that sweet mustache sweater for miss Saiya Papaya!  I learned a few new things with this project which seriously makes me happy because I am working to expand my knowledge (and memory retention of learned things).  I learned how to do Intarsia colorworking and the Magic Loop method.   For you non-knitters, I am sure it is nothing exciting for you.   Thought I'd post the picture that I took with my wonderful camera phone. (I don't know what I'd do without my camera phone. seriously)

    It did turn out a little big for her to wear right now.  I really love the length of it but the neck just seems to be a little too stretchy.  If I were to make it again I would have done the shoulder and neck shaping sooner and decreased more stitches around the colar so it fit better.  The ribbing around the neck is cute but way to stretchy.  I'm hoping it will be perfect in a few months.  For now it is sweetly hanging above her changing table so I can admire it multiple times a day while I change her dirty diapers. 

I realized the other day that I have had this blog up and running for a year now and was thinking that it is time to do something special.  Keep your eyes pealed for a special posting within the next couple of weeks.  I am hoping sooner than later. 

I currently don't have any personal knitting projects going right now.  I have been mainly knitting for Bread & Butter and am hoping to get something in soon.  I still keep thinking about that Newport Beach Sweater that I posted a few blog postings back and I really need to get a start on that.  With the rate I am going these days with my personal knitting, I may have it by the beginning of fall if I start it now! 

Off I go.  I hope you all are doing well and appreciate you taking the time to read.  Don't forget about the video below! 

Love you ALL!
Blessings,

Caren

Groggy Bloggy

Seriously could use a nap today. Seems I could use a nap every day.
I have been a night owl for as long as I can remember. For some reason regardless of how tired I am, I will stay up just because that is my time do things that I want to do.
Knit, watch Grey's Anatomy, clean...
As a result my days consist of massive amounts of caffiene intake.
I think a change is needed.

I did mention in my last post about a company that I was scheduled to meet with.
The meeting did happen and was full of great conversation, product design, and ideas.
Technically I will be a vendor for them and will be knitting product as yarn is provided.
It was a serious relief when they acknowledged the time it takes to make things and want to pay me what my work is worth.
Their business is a craft in its own and so they are well aware of the work and time that goes into creating something.
Looking forward to providing knitted goodness to "Bread and Butter".

I did finally start something that is NOT an order.
I posted around christmas time this adorable sweater...
Well I have cast on and have just started the sleeves.
Learned a cool new trick with the color work and will get some practice with the magic loop method for the sleeves.
Being that I am making this for my daughter I have chosen a rather girly color..

And the mustache is this color...

I am seriously anxious to get it done.
After that I will be ready to start a couple of knits that I am gifting.
And then start another project of my own.
I'm trying to balance here if you haven't noticed.

Time to get my work on!
Just wanted to keep you posted!

Blessings!
Caren

Lately

So I was suppose to have a meeting on monday (2/27) with a locally owned business.
It Sadly didn't happen but has been rescheduled for this friday.
This business is owned and opperated here in Casper by a man, his wife, and his best friend and handsews all of their clothing within a downtown studio.
They have recently incorporated hemp jewelry and crocheted accessories made out of organic materials such as bamboo, hemp, and cotton.
Well, they have been looking for a knitter to add onto the team and was directed to me by a mutual friend of ours.
So I will be meeting with them over sushi (their idea :) ) to discuss a possible "partnership".
I'll write more when I get more details.

Lately I've been planning and mapping out future projects.
I have bought a hat pattern that I am anxious about starting that uses a provisional cast on and is knit flat. Also uses a new technique called welting which I have not done on any knitting before so it should be fun.
I have yet to start that sweater I mentioned a post or two ago.
Other projects have been more pressing lately and has taken away from my personal knitting time but as soon as I finish this one hat then I will start it.
I'll just have to hop between projects because if I dont do that then I will never get in any knitting time for myself... or my family..

I'd been patiently awaiting for the comic strip post by my friend Gilly on the Knit Princess website.
Yesterday was the day but sadly there was a technical issue and I had to wait. It wasn't a very long wait though and Gilly made her debut on my favorite comic strip!

I wish I knew how to make the picture larger and I am sure I could figure it out but I don't sadly don't have much time till I pick up my son from Preschool.
I absolutely love it though! And based off of the comments the readers really enjoy her style! The last artist was talented but it was such an odd look that it was hard to get into.
So glad to have Gilly and so very proud of her!
So cool to see where God is taking her with her artistic ability and to know that her talent isn't going to waste.

Well off I go.
I will be posting soon.
I've had a lot on mind lately.

Love you ALL!

Blessings,
Caren

p.s. spell check did not work for me today. I am sorry for any type-o's! Or poor grammer. It happens sometimes and my fingers don't always move as fast or translate as fast as my brain does. :)

Thoughtfulness and Celebration

Just to warn you...
If we are friends on facebook you have probably already seen 3/4 of these pictures! :)

Valentines day was just another day.
It's not like how it use to be when I was younger.
I remember waiting for the day in Junior High just so I could see who I was compatible with out of my classmates through this thing called "data match".
Then in High School it seemed like a competition of who got the what from their boyfriend or girlfriend.
Valentines day was always a nice excuse to dress up, be romantic, indulge in sweets, and enjoy flowers, and hug onto stuffed animals.
Now that I have kids.... the holiday is more focused on them and making it special like how it was made special by my mom when I was growing up.
They both got a heart shaped box of chocolates just like how my mom STILL does!
David though... He did something super thoughtful this year.
He made me this...

While in California for a few days over the summer, David and I had the opportunity to go to a beach. We played in the water fully clothed, took funny pictures with the seaweed, and of course combed the beach for cool seashells and rocks.
I found the perfect stone and thought it would make an excellent pendant for a necklace and worked extra hard to find another one like it so we could both have one.
We packed them up in a baggy and took them home but sadly had not been made into anything.
Well, David made me my necklace complete with romantic initial carving and awesome wire wrap job on the stone.
He clearly put a lot of work into it and I'd have to say that it is by far one of my most favorite gifts from him.
Homemade gifts are the BEST!

Speaking of homemade gifts I did manage to knit Brodey is Wiggles Scarf for his birthday!
I also knit a smaller version of it for his new stuffed bear.
Honestly he was not thrilled when he opened it and his lack of enthusiasm was slightly disappointing seeming as how I'd spent hours knitting this for him but over the past couple days he has been spotting playing with it.
When he gets older I think he will really come to appreciate this but for now its just another thing he owns and will occasionally pull out to play with.
I'm okay with that.

I stayed up super late the night before and wrapped all this.
I know it doesn't look like much but its hard work for me and I'm not awesome at it but I am trying harder now.
Someone once told me that how you feel about the gift you are giving is reflected by how it is wrapped. Makes sense I guess.

So after Brodey tore through all of his gifts and got balloon shopping done with...
we went bowling!
Had a ton of fun with friends and family and Brodey could not have been happier as he welcomed those who came just for him.
He knew the day was about him and I made sure he knew just how big of a blessing he is to us all. He hugged me as I told him just how special he is and how I am so lucky to have him as my son.
We bowled, laughed, ate cake, and celebrated the gift of Brodey Lee Williams. <3
i LOVE him.

After bowling...
POTTERY BY YOU!

He had never painted there before.
I painted all the time there when I was pregnant with him and brought him with me a lot when he was a baby.
This kid pretty much grew up there his first 3 years and over the past couple years I'd cut back on the painting and focused mostly on the knitting.
I thought it was time to break him into one of mom's favorite things to do.
He painted a car and called it "The Wiggles Big Red Car" though it was a mix of color (4 colors in particular) and reminded me a lot of tie-dye.
I did manage to write on it for him like he had requested.
A Wiggles car would not be complete without his name and a giant number five on the top to mark his 5th birthday!

It was a busy day.
It was a blessed day.
It was a Brodey day.

I love that little boy so much more than I think I could ever express.
There is no love like the love between a mother and her child and
I had no idea just how strong that love was until i held him for the first time.
What a blessing he is to me and our family.
So glad we were able to celebrate the little twerp!

I may or may not have exciting news in the near future in regards to my knitting.
It will have to wait for next weeks post being that things are uncertain and undecided at this point.
Either way it's pretty cool!

Hope you all are doing well!

Blessings,
Caren