Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Blogland!!!

Wishing you joy, peace, and happiness today and everyday to come. On today I pray that you find time to relax, reflect and appreciate the loved ones around you (not everyone has one). I enjoy spending time with my families and friends. Make it special!!!

Pictures to come soon.

Happy Crafting (hopefully not today),
TaWonia

Tis the Season (Update 3 of 3)

I am still working on gifts. I don't know why I always think I have so much time. Next year, I am starting earlier and just storing gifts away. Here's what I accomplished this weekend. I can't say who what is for yet but I can show everyone what I completed.

Tonight I am working on a pair of mittens, a hat and scarf set, and a poncho. Speaking of ponchos, I made a red and white one this weekend and forgot to take a picture of it before it became a gift. I did ask that the person who gave it, take a picture of the child wearing it. I will post it when I receive it. Z's teachers also received hats for Christmas last Friday.

And...I've been baking and just feeling like homemade is better than anything else. If only I had more time...

Today was our holiday party at the office. I made homemade biscuits, apple butter (crock pots are amazing), lemon cookies (thank you Christina for sharing the recipe), and a lemon poppy seed loaf. Everyone loved everything. Baking and crock pot food makes your house smell wonderful. :)

Happy Holidays to you all.

Tis the Season (Update 2 of 3)

Yesterday we had our first major Noreaster of the season. We were snowed in, we had over a foot of snow. It was light and fluffy at first but once we got down to the bottom, it was wet and heavy (the joys of shoveling out a car). I am very thankful for my sister's return, and for D. They both made the shoveling go by a lot faster. J came out to help also but his idea of cleaning off the car involved him standing on my car. Excuse me but your feet belong on the ground...

I love snow (everything but the shoveling). Isn't it beautiful?

Zaria came out to play. After making her snow angel, she quickly went back in the house to get warm. I love this picture but I don't know how well people will be able to see the angel.

She's kinda cute too...

Tis the Season (Update 1 of 3)

Christmas is almost here and I for one am getting very excited. This year the holiday season has been very busy for me. Z is dancing and singing and she also started preschool so that has been a huge shift in what mommy must do. Here she is at her first School Christmas Pagent.

Cute, huh??? And she never even sang the song. We have only been singing Feliz Navidad for almost a month. SMH.

After the Pagent, I wanted to go visit the class to take a few pictures of Z and TT (her cousin who is in the same class).

Still making faces, but now she wants to sing the song. Go figure...

Christmas Projects

With Christmas quickly approaching, I am wondering who is still working on projects? I am!!! Here's the list (I think)...

* Hat & Scraf sets (2 because Z has both of her teachers for the grab).
* Children's winter sets (hats, scraf, mittens) - tried a mitten pattern last night and the mittens came out so small. Must try it again tonight.
* A personalized baby blanket (an order for someone)
* A few Urban Newsboy caps
* Applebutter (for the coworkers)

How are you doing with your gifts/projects?

She Did It All By Herself

As planned, Z and I had craft time on Saturday. She made some ornaments during the week with daddy and she made her first ornament wreath. I worked very hard not to assit her with this project. See all the blues and then all green? Mommy so tried to get her to mix the colors but couldn't. I just let her be...It was hard.

So, here it is.

Crafting with Confidence

Today I visited Christina's blog (like I do everyday), and of course she had created another fabulous piece. When I clicked the link to the pattern, I was directed to Simply Beans. I don't know about you but when I come across another crafters blog, I look around. Does that make me creepy??? I would hope not. Anyway...while looking at previous post, I realized that the owner has a daughter about the same age as Z. The thing that caught my attention was all of the crafting her daughter was working on. You see Z has shown a high interest in Christmas this year. This past weekend while going to the grocery store, she said to me, in her little three year old whining voice "see everyone has a tree except for us. that's not fair". My sister looked at me and said "she knows what except means?" LOL. My baby is growing up fast.

Sorry let me get back to my reason for blogging tonight. So while at Simply Beans, I noticed that they had made an Ornament Wreath. After reading the post, I decided that Z could do that and it was something that I wouldn't go crazy trying to make it perfect - LOL. So, I did some research (must stay on budget) and decided we would go out to get the supplies tonight. Walmart it was. I did some calculations to see how many packages of ornaments we would need. Of course, this meant nothing once in the store. I really need help sticking to my budget. SMH. So here's what we brought and yes, I let her pick the colors.



You think I over did it??? LOL. I'll post pictures when we make our wreaths...

Keep crafting.

My How Time Flies

Well, here we are at Dec. 2nd (23 days til Christmas) and I can't believe the year is almost over. What happened to the year? Did I accomplish anything? Well, I looked back over my Resolutions that I set and I have achieved one of the five. We have been eating healthy all year (even during the summer). I think in 2010, I will set goals not resolutions. Well moving on...

My Crafting

This year's Craft Fair went fairly well. Saturday was a little slow but I still sold a few pieces. I worked hard to make sure I had ample amounts of hats but quickly learned that people perfer basic colors. So I took orders and now I am fulfilling the orders (everyone will have there products on Sunday). A few lessons were learned and I have plenty of time to work on the problem areas. My goal for next year is to sell hat and scarf sets, mittens, shawls and raffle off one blanket (I thought about this idea a little too late this year). In order to reach this goal, I am committing to crocheting year round. Here a few pictures from the fair.

I also crocheted hats while sitting at the table. Maybe the kids on the Christmas list this year will receive a hat, scarf, and mittens...Maybe.

Speaking of Christmas, I have decided that I will gift the ladies on my list a shawl. I started working on one pattern and now am considering another one. Decisions, decisions...

Happy Crafting...

Gone Too Long

I'm back...I apologize for the absence. I feel like I have been gone far too long. My life has been busy since school started and the change of hands happened at my job. Yup, I have a new boss again...She is a wonderful person, she likes to get things done and I for one like that.

While I was gone I still visited many of your blogs and left quick comments. I have loved the creativeness of you all.

As you know by now, the annual Craft Fair is quickly approaching and I have been moving my little fingers as fast as possible. Yesterday I purchased more yarn and while I was in the store, I decided that I wanted to use bright vibrant colors. Last night I made another Divine Hat (they sold last year so why not make them again???) in Kelly Green (Vanna's Choice). I love it!!! I have also been thinking about all of the little people who need to stay extra warm this winter so Earflap Hats are flying off the hooks as well. Lots of people are asking for mittens this year so I am working on those this weekend. I am hoping to make a few extra dollars at my table by holding a raffle for a personalized (scripture based) afghan. I am still putting the finishing touches on the chart but I am hoping to have the majority of the blanket/wall hanging completed by the fair. I will post the chart as soon as it is completed. I have also had request for the Crazy Urban Newsboy Cap from last year. "So much yarn, so little time."

Well, can't stay too long but promise to be back. Here's a few pictures until I return. Sorry about the lighting. I promise to always take pictures against a white background with bright lights on.

Can't remember if I posted this one before. I sold this set in August for a baby shower. Cute but I really wanted to make the easy lil button loafers (just couldn't figure out the pattern. Not giving up though, I just need some time to sit with it or get some tips from Crafty Christina...)

Already sold. Now to make his mittens and scarf (they requested them after they saw the hat)

On its way to DC. Earflap Hat with Diagonal Box Stitch Scarf.

Already sold. Earflap Hat with Simple DC Scarf.

Divine Hat in Kelly Green

Happy Crafting

(yeah, I changed it because everyone that reads my blog does more than crochet)

Holiday Craft Fair and Dinner

Hello All...

I am once again participating in the Annual Holiday Craft Fair & Dinner at my church. I am posting the flyer to try and spread the word.

Long Absence

My how time flies. I haven't posted in almost two months. Here's a quick update (with one picture).

My summer has been crazy busy and it all started with the graduations (I already posted about them).

After the graduations, I had to get busy with the planning of my mother's surprise birthday party. The party was on July 18th. It was a lot of work, I couldn't delegate (guess I will have to work on that). Someone told her we were giving her a party but she still acted like she was surprised so I guess it was fine. She had a great time and I think everything went well. I will post a few pictures later.

When I returned to work, I was faced with a lot of moving and painting. Everything is just about settled now. We had a few people leave and a couple come on board. So welcome to the newbies...

As for the children, J has been at summer camp and seems to enjoy it. He falls asleep in the car everyday. Z spent the summer at daycare and this month she is with one of my best friends having preschool intervention...LOL. The old daycare kept telling me that she didn't know stuff that she should know (i.e. her colors). So, the concerned parent in me pulled her and rushed off to Auntie for intervention. Auntie taught preschool for approximately 13 years. Needless to say, Z is right target. This brings me to one of my craft updates. Since Z will be starting preschool on September 7th, and she needs a blankie, I decided to make her a big girl blanket. Here's a picture of the graph...


Isn't it cute...and it has all the colors of the rainbow. I love it.

Also on the craft front...
1. My coworkers baby was born last week. I started a green and white mile a minute afghan for her. Now to finish it.

2. Once again, I have a new boss this year. She is very "formal" meaning she is often in a full suit. So, I have decided that I need to step my work wear up this year. I started by making myself a few sweaters and shawls. The first on my list was the Swing Line Jacket from the Lion Brand website. I decided on the color Lake. Very nice. So far, I have complete the back and right side and I am currently working on the left side. It looks like it is coming together nicely.

That's all for now...pictures will be posted later this evening.

Happy Hooking.

Pictures...

This is one of the two diaper cakes I made for the baby shower. I forgot to take a picture of the other one before I wrapped it. Oh well...



Here they are...The Diaper Cakes that I made for a co-worker who was attending a Baby Shower for twins.




GRADUATIONS!!!

Adriana and Twin at their graduations. They are inseparable. I've only seen my little sister for approximately 10 mins since they graduated. Enjoy now College starts in two months!!! LOL

I'm Back...

Okay so I've been gone for a while (almost a month and a half) but I have been busy working, planning, and crafting (of course).

The twins (reminder...they're really not twins). graduated. YIPEE!!!

My sister, Adriana, graduated on May 31st from Hingham High School (family tradition). The graduation ceremony was nice and it only lasted 2 hours. Great job to the organizers.

Twin, Natalie, graduated from New Beginnings Academy (a Christian private school). Her graduation ceremony was nice but long. It was long because unlike most schools each graduate spoke. Private schools are different. It was nice and the party was fun.

As I am typing this, I just realized the pictures are at home on my computer so...I'll post them later.

Congratulations to the Class of 2009!!!

On the craft front, I am working on blankets and baby shower things. I also sold two diaper cakes that came out really cute. Thanks to Auntie Georgia for her advice. I made a diaper cake a while back and she said, "the baby items take away from the beauty of the diaper cake". Guess she was right because I like these two more (I still include a few baby items).

Now I have a question. I am always very impressed by all the items that everyone makes. My question is how do you all find the time to work on your items? I have a long list of things I would like to make and I always start stuff but I am starting to feel like I never complete anything. I'm sure a lot of this is because I drive everywhere now. Before I commuted and that was when I did most of my work. How can I still find time to crochet??? Advise please.

Happy Hooking...
TJoi

We Deserve It!!!

Happy Administrative Professionals' Day (Secretaries Day) to all my fellow admins. We deserve today because without us offices would not function properly. After we do it all...photo copying, answering phones, ordering supplies, taking minutes at meetings, scheduling appointments, creating invitations, presentations, calling in complaints, any and everything...

So, I am sending flowers your way to let you know (just in case your boss forgot) that you are appreciated. So enjoy your day, I know I will enjoy mine...

I Survived

Well, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I kept telling myself "Man up" the entire time. The oral surgeon was great and the hygienist was pleasant as well. All in all, good experience. I had him pull two teeth just so I won't have to return in pain at another time. I know crazy but I figured they were on opposite sides of my mouth so it should be okay. Now here I am at home about to plunge into the baby bobble blanket pattern and try to hold ice on my face at the same time...LOL. Let's see how that works.

A quick thanks to the Dr. Pain meds are great!!!

Happy Stitching..

Pain...what's next

Okay so I quickly posted my recent crafts yesterday but I failed to mention that I spent the weekend in a lot of PAIN. Friday afternoon, I developed the worse toothache I have ever had. I took some Motrin and that relieved the pain for about an hour...WTF. Isn't that suppose to last for at least 4-6 hours??? What is going on? When I reached my house, I hit my mom up for some 800mg Motrin. I took one, order the kids some food, tried to clean my room (with no success) and then...the pain was back again. I took two more pills and went to bed in PAIN. I woke up Saturday in pain again. Took some more pills and this is pretty much how I spent the weekend. Yesterday I made an appointment to see the oral surgeon on Wednesday (the only day he's in) and then I noticed that my face was swollen. I woke up this morning and noticed that the pain is less but now I look like someone put there fist through my mouth. I HATE this. I called the dentist this morning to let them know that the swelling is worse and all they said is ice it and take either Tylenol or Motrin...Um hello...I've been taking Motrin all weekend!!! On the brighter side of things, they were able to move my appointment up to 10 am. YAY!!!

What's next...crochet wise. There are three babies on the way within the next few months so I need to figure out what patterns I am going to use for each blanket. I have one figured out (yarn has been purchased) and I have the yarn for another one but can't decide what pattern to do. My boss is expecting his third child and when asked what color he would like his baby's blanket, he said yellow. So now I am trying to decide do I make the old standby ripple blanket or do I try this Baby Bobble Blanket? I started the bobble last night and immediately started thinking this is way to difficult for me. Is it really that difficult or do I just need to try it when I am in less pain and I am more alert??? What do you think -- Ripple or Bobble???

Happy Stitching...

Crafting while absent

Okay so it's been a while since I last posted but I am still around. As the title says, I have been crafting while absent. See for yourself.

Flower pens for a friend.


Poncho for Talanie's birthday.


A quick vest and a hat for a baby shower.


Organized some yarn. Trust me there is alot more that needs to be done...


Dinner with the family.


A banquet honoring my pastor. By the way, I loved the location. If ever I was to get married, I might have to travel a little and pay for some hotel rooms. J took this picture...he was bored out of his mind.

As Promised (Warning!!! Graphic heavy)

New Jersey/New York Trip

Lionbrand Store

The best part of the trip...

Random shots in Times Square.

The girls and mom.

I think this is beautiful.

Crochet Update

Okay so enough abot the trip and back to crafting. Here are two of the current WIP. I think they are coming along nicely. I am hoping to have the personalized afghan ready by next week (it was only requested in November...yeah I know LATE).

Broomstick Stitch Scarf

Personalized Afghan for Gail

Z's First Fashion Show

Since I was dressing her for each scene, I couldn't take pictures of her walking so, I snapped two backstage. Her dad video taped it and Nene took a few pictures (maybe I'll get those up).

Relaxation

Sunday while I was relaxing (yes, I had time to relax) my sister snapped these pictures. Can't you tell I am in my glory???