Thoughts from a Happy Hooker

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2012-01-11T16:35:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year, everyone. Goodness but it just doesn't seem possible that we are in 2012 already. I feel like I blinked a few times in 2011 and missed part of it. But I do feel that good times and good things are in store for 2012. So how many of you made New Year's Resolutions? I didn't because let's face it...those are just made to be broken so let's just skip that step, shall we?

Was Santa Claus good to you? He was good to me. My wonderful husband, Kevin, gave me an iPad2. Both of my daughters were eyeballing it and I had to point out to them that my name was engraved on the back so don't even think about taking off with it. Gee, they looked disappointed after that. Poor babies. I wanted to make sure that it was protected from scratches while in my purse so I made this:

It was really very simple to make using a worsted weight yarn. I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn.

1 skein Red
1 skein White
Hook size N

Holding two strands together chain 41.
Row 1: HDC in 3rd chain from hook to the end of the foundation row; Join with Slip Stitch.
You will now be working in rounds.
Round 2: Chain 2, HDC around. Join with Slip Stitch in first HDC.
Round 3 - 17: Repeat Round 2.

Handle:
Rounds 1 - 2: Chain 1 and SC around. Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Round 3: Chain 1 and SC for the first 5 stitches. Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC. SC in the next 11 stitches. Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC. SC to the first SC in the round and join with a slip stitch.
Rounds 4 - 5: Chain 1 and SC around. Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Whip stitch bottom of bag.

There you have it. Easy to carry and it gets protected from scratches when in your purse or briefcase.
I think I will now go make one for my iPod and Android phone, minus the handles.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad...

2011-12-14T00:31:00.000-06:00

I sure haven't been very good at keeping up with my blog. I have been busy with projects for Christmas. I'm pretty much making all the little kids their gifts but since they range in ages 1 - 6, I'll also get them a small toy or something to go with it. I would show pictures of what I have made so far but I'll have to wait until after they open them.

I'm also working on a crochet scarf for the Texas Special Olympics. The deadline for them to receive it is in January so while it seems like I have a lot of time, I really don't. But a refreshing beverage helps:

On another note...Bethanie started decorating our Christmas tree that we have had for 13 years:

She used to stand on her tippy toes on a chair to reach that same branch.

Well, off to do some more hooking. Have to keep at it if I want to finish everything in time.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Louie in 2012

'Tis the season

2011-11-26T19:12:00.001-06:00

I know, I know...it's been almost two months since my last posting. After I last posted I started a job and I found it hard to find the time to update. I did, however, slowly finish the project that I began with the pink yarn. I made a lovely prayer shawl that was intended to be a give-away here but I came across someone in need of it and gave it to her. I didn't get a picture of it but I have started another one in the same color and when that one is finished, I will take a picture and post it here. I thought about doing it in holiday colors but I just love the pink yarn and another donation was made to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

There's just something comforting about making prayer shawls. I have made a few over the years without having anybody in mind. But it's nice to have them to give. The same goes for newborn hats. I just feel so peaceful when I'm making them because I know they will be going on a newborn's little head at the hospital, whether in the NICU or regular nursery. Making those just takes my mind off of everyday issues for a little while, I can just "zone" out for a while.

So on that note, I am currently working on hats for the grandchildren, nieces and nephews. I just might throw some in for my children, too. We shall see.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Prince Louie IV in 2012

Fall has arrived

2011-09-28T07:50:00.000-05:00

Fall has finally arrived. We have gone from triple-digit temperatures down to the cooler mid - to - high 90's. Still no rain, although we did have some showers a week and a half ago. Yay for the little things.

One of the good things about the arrival of Fall is...the holidays aren't too far away! Isn't that exciting? I think it is. October is just a few days away so that means Halloween is coming. Now that my daughter and her family have moved back home from Kentucky, I get to see my three granddaughters in their Halloween costumes. So excited! Doesn't take much to excite me, does it?

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I am hoping that one day there will be a cure for it as I can't stand the thought of any of my girls (or anyone else) having to go through that. So on that note, when I bought this lovely yarn...

...the proceeds of the sale were donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (www.komen.org). Wonder what this yarn will grow up to become. Stay tuned to my blog for a give-away.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

P.S. Louie in 2012!

Friday Quickies

2011-09-09T15:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! The weather has finally gotten cooler, if you can call 95 degrees cool. But after going through 20 plus days of triple-digit temperatures, yes, I do call 95 degrees cool. But we still need rain.

So on that note, I made a pair of wristers:

These should keep me warm when it's cold in the room and let me keep on crocheting and blogging. These are so simple to make. It's made with Lion Brand Hometown USA and a P hook. It's a simple half-double crochet stitch.

Chain 14
Row 1: HDC in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each stitch across.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures about 7 - 12 inches from beginning. (Measurement depends on how long you want it - mine is 8 inches).
Fasten off.

Beginning at top edge, sew side edges together for 1 inch, leave next 1 1/2 inches open for thumb, sew remainder of side edges together.
Weave in ends.

There you go. Easy peasy. And warm.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Roses and Hooking

2011-09-08T00:19:00.000-05:00

Did everyone have a good Labor Day? I did. In fact it was mine and Kevin's 13th wedding anniversary. Here is what he got me (notice the bottle of chocolate syrup?):

The roses have bloomed open and are really pretty. I love the red and white combination.

Today I decided to take a break from the bigger crochet projects I'm working on (the Special Olympic scarfs) and do a quickie project. I love how it turned out:

It's a Boutique Purse and you can find the pattern here. I'm thinking about making one for each of my three granddaughters and two nieces for Christmas, all between the ages of 2 and 6. Stuff them with little toys and candies, and it should make a nice extra little gift for them. I'm also thinking that maybe I should make another one or two with the holiday sparkle yarn for the holiday season (it is just a couple of months away, you know). But I do need to finish the special project and then make a little something for a baby girl that's due in Janaury and a baby boy (my grandson!) that's also due in January.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Song of the day...

2011-09-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

The song of the day is Whip It by Devo. Except I'm substituting Frog It for Whip It. Why, you ask? I started a pair of Wristers yesterday. I finished the first one, length was great, side seaming was great, thumb hole was perfect. I started the second one. Should have been a piece of cake. It's a mindless chain 14, half-double crochet across until the piece measures 7 - 12", depending on your preferred length.

The first one was 8"; I thought I would just measure the second one by that one. But I worked on it while watching Dance Moms (have you seen that? OMG, those little girls are so limber and wonderful dancers) and mindlessly crocheting, to the tune of 18". A bit long for a wrister but I suppose it could be an elbower. Le Sigh...Rip it, Rip it, Rip it good.

Now on to other news...

Prince Louie IV in 2012

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

The Making of a Military Mom

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

When the good Lord was creating mothers, he was into his fifth day of overtime.An angel appeared and said, “You’re having a lot of trouble with this one. Why not use the standard model?”

And the Lord replied, “Have you seen the specifications on this order? Give birth to a child that will become one of my warriors; install values of duty, honor, and country into them from birth while teaching them to be compassionate and loving; safeguard this treasure through flu, sickness, cuts and scrapes knowing that she can’t be with them when country calls; embrace them but let go of her precious gift to perfect strangers; brighten their day when all seems confused not knowing the pain they are enduring; have the patience of a saint when waiting for them to return home; and have two sets of shoulders to handle the weight of both love and uncertainty.”

The angel shrugged slowly looking down and said, “two sets of shoulders… no way!”

And the Lord answered, ”Don’t worry, we’ll make other military mothers to help carry the burden. Besides it’s not the shoulders that are causing the problem, it’s the heart. It must swell with pride, sustain the ache of separation, beat on steadily when it’s too worried to do so and be large enough to say, “I Understand” when it doesn’t.

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve gently. “Come to bed… finish this tomorrow!”

“I can’t,” said the Lord. ”I’m so close to creating something special and unique. Already I have one who heals herself from within; can send joy a thousand miles away in just a small box; able to cheer them up with one phone call and can wave good-bye from a pier, a car or off a runway and understand that it is important to her country that they leave.”

The angel circled the model of the military mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed.

“But tough,” said the Lord excitedly. “You cannot imagine what this woman can do or endure.”

“Can it think?”

“Can it think? It can home school if need be”

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“It’s not a leak,” said the Lord. “It’s a tear.”

“What’s it for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for joy. Sadness. Disappointment. Pain, loneliness and pride!”

“You are a genius,” sighed the angel.

The Lord looked somber and replied, “I didn’t put it there.

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Yes, I am a military mom and I am very proud of my son. At the age of 23 he has been in the Army for about 6.5 years and has already served two tours and will be going back April 2012. As much as I do not want him to go, I know this is what he wants to do. He signed up at the age of 17 and has made everybody proud of him. When it's time for him to leave again, I'll do my best to not let him see me cry, but I can't make any promises. As I know it gets cold at night where he's going, I best get busy making him some helmet liners and hats.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack...

2011-08-29T21:23:00.000-05:00

Did you miss me? It has been over a year since I last blogged. A lot has been going on and I just couldn't seem to find the time (or energy) to come here daily, or even three times a week. Although this would probably have helped for me to write it all down. But now I'm back and I promise to be more regular in my blogging.

I have a lot of new crochet patterns that I want to try out and share with you. Right now I'm working on a special scarf. It's for the 2012 Special Olympics.

As you can see I still have a ways to go but I will finish soon. I like the colors for 2012 - Red Heart Super Saver Soft Navy and Cherry Red. They are working up quite nicely together.

As for Louie, well, he's still his ornery self.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T11:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day! Remembering those who died while fighting the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice and thinking of the ones still fighting the fight and the veterans who have fought the fight so that we may still have our freedom.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Memorial Day

2010-05-28T15:09:00.000-05:00

Gosh but it really has been a long time since I last posted. It is now coming up on the Memorial Day weekend. It's time for everyone to reflect on our fallen soldiers and how they gave their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom. I also have a deep appreciation for our soldiers that are continuing the fight today. I am so proud of them and very proud to be an American.

So since I last posted Bethanie has gotten her braces off.

As far as my working life goes, I am now an Independent Sales Representative with Avon. So far so good. I like what I'm doing, it's fun and I have met a lot of new people, including my new neighbors. So that's a plus. But I am working on getting my Freelance Paralegal business up and running. That's going to take more time as attorneys are hesitant to send their work out due to the confidentiality issues. So we shall see...

We do have a new resident in our backyard.

As the owl was sitting so calmly on the horseshoe spike, Louie was walking around him, not even barking. Now that was surprising. So now he has taken up residence in a palm tree in the next door neighbor's backyard, which is right next to the fence so we get to see him every night.

He comes out and eyeballs a bird's nest in the tree next to his and the Mama and Daddy birds fly at him and scream at him. As far as I can tell he hasn't bothered the nest but I really don't know as the birds don't seem to hang out in that tree anymore.

I have seemed to have misplaced my crochet mojo but I'm working on getting it back. It took me two and a half days just to do a simple dishcloth. Now that's bad because it doesn't take nearly that long.

Louie smiling his smile.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2010-01-22T15:32:00.002-06:00

So last Saturday Bethanie turned 15 and today Kevin is 37! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! And being a man I know he doesn't mind that I just let the virtual world know his age.

This has been an abnormal week. First of all, Kevin left last Friday with his mother to take care of some family business out of state, meaning he wasn't here for Bethanie's birthday but it's okay. We were all okay with it considering the nature of the trip. And he's not even home for his birthday because things happened where they went and they had to stretch out their trip. But hopefully he'll be home tomorrow.

And since he's been gone, I haven't been able to sleep very well. I keep hearing all sorts of noises that I've never heard before. I don't know if they're are new noises or I'm just hearing them because he's been gone. The dog has only growled at the front door a few times so I dunno...

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On another note...I have been on a yarn diet (comes with being unemployed) and the lovely ladies at my Monday Night Therapy group (that's what my knit/crochet night is for me) took pity on me. A couple of them were destashing and saved some for me. Yay, I can make another baby sweater and hat for my newest granddaughter. She lives in Kentucky where it's still colder there than here. So she will still get use out of it. My knittas and hookers are the best there is, bar none.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Happy New Year

2010-01-15T23:01:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness...it has been too long since I updated. I'm still having computer issues (yes, it's still not working - I was told it needs a new motherboard). Since my last blogging venture we've had Christmas, a new granddaughter, Alexa (December 28, 2009), the calendar turned over to 2010, and now my youngest, Bethanie, is turning 15 tomorrow, January 16, 2010 (Gosh, where has the time gone), and Louie the Super Dog (hee hee hee) turned 3 earlier this month.

As for my hooking, I made all three granddaughters sweaters and the baby got a hat to go with hers. I sent those off in the mail the Monday before Christmas, and that's it. I haven't done anything else since then. I'm on a yarn diet while I job hunt. Hopefully that won't last long. I think I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I mean, it hasn't been a full month since I finished the little hat but it sure seems much longer. Is there a rehab place for this? But on a good note, I've lost 10 pounds since December 20th! That's called the Poverty Diet. Hee hee hee Not getting the extra goodies that call my name at all hours of the day and night helps. A lot.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

The Day After

2009-11-29T19:52:00.001-06:00

So last night we met up with a couple of friends for my birthday. It was fun. We had a great time. The band was really great. I tried my first jager bomb. It tasted like Nyquil. Kevin said it wasn't made right. He only had a couple of sips of his and poured the rest in my glass. He subsisted on Bud Light the rest of the evening. Me, I stuck with pineapple juice. And maybe a little Malibu rum for flavor. Hee hee hee hic.

The beer bottle is not mine. Honest.

Oooh...a lapdance from my husband!

I just luvs him soooo much.

Aren't we cute?

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

The After Thanksgiving Special

2009-11-28T09:14:00.000-06:00

So we had a great Thanksgiving day. We hosted dinner for my in-laws: Cleo (Mother-in-law) and Dan (Father-in-law), Stephanie (Sister-in-law), Meghan (Niece) and Amy (Cousin-in-law). It was a nice day that didn't get hectic or overwhelming at all. Kevin fried three (yes, three!) turkeys. One for us to eat at dinner, one for having later and for everyone to take some home, and the third was for his business partner.

After dinner I made wine-a-ritas (Peach Bellini, yummmm), some had beer, some had wine (I indulged in the wine, too) and we sat on the back patio with the firepit blazing (it was cold out there). Football on the t.v. all day. Cowboys won!!! Longhorns whooped them Aggies!!! Oh yeah, the Packers won their game, too. But that's not important. Hee hee hee. I wish I had pictures to post but my camera wasn't here at my home to use.

We decided to brave the crowds for some Black Friday shopping and it really wasn't bad at all.

Now on to today - IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! The best part of this weekend. Hee hee hee. Not sure where we're going tonight. I have a couple different places in mind and I will certainly let everyone know. I do hope to have my camera back before then so I can have some pictures to post.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Thank goodness for kids

2009-11-24T14:17:00.002-06:00

Some of the most precious reasons to give thanks are the young children. For me it begins with my granddaughters, Aaliyah (2) and Leslie (4).

When I am with them they give me such joy. They are constantly laughing and smiling and on the go. They do tire me out. Funny but I don't recall their mother (Jennifer) or their Uncle Paul or even their Aunt Bethanie tiring me out this much. And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I was a lot younger when they were that young. Nosireebob.

Leslie is such a good big sister. She watches out for her little sister. In January they will have a baby sister and I'm sure that Aaliyah will be a good big sister, too.

They always bring on a smile whenever I talk to them on the phone or when Leslie sings to me. I wish we lived closer so I can see them more often but they are an Army family so they go whereever duty takes them.

My oldest niece, Megan (10), is always fun to have around. She likes to play practical jokes on her cousin, Bethanie (14). She almost always has a smile on her face showing off her dimples. Together she and Bethanie make up the dreaded duo MegaBeth. Okay, not so much dreaded as you just never know what can happen. But no matter what, they are always there for each other. Megan also has a curiosity about her as she's always asking questions about anything and everything. Sometimes the answers are easy and sometimes they're not.

We also have one nephew, Nathan (10), who is the lone boy at family gatherings. Paul used to be but now the torch is passed to Nathan since Paul hasn't been around here much during family gatherings, what with serving overseas and all. At least he has two cousins he can hang out with. Nathan doesn't talk much when the family is together unless he's playing Wii. Then he's all hoop and holler. He reminds me what it's like to have a little boy in the house again. And I like that (because I miss it at times). He's a great kid. He's only been in our family for 3.5 years and I'm proud to call him my nephew.

Our two nieces, Evie (3) and Aimee (2) are inquisitive. They have a curiosity about everything, which is good. But sometimes it can not be good. Like the time they decided to suck the blue out of a poster marker. It must not have been good because they didn't touch any others. At least they didn't get sick. They are always wanting to learn new things and try new things. Which is a good thing.

So I give thanks this Thanksgiving for my granddaughters, my nieces and my nephew. They are a blessing in my life. Whenever they are all here it's noisy but it's a nice noise. Our house is quiet these days since there is only a teenager living at home and she uses headphones when she plays her music. And boy am I thankful for that.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

The time to give Thanks is almost upon us

2009-11-23T16:25:00.002-06:00

Actually we should be thankful for all we have more than one day a year. I know I am. But this one day of Thanksgiving is especially more significant because we can all stop and think about everything that has gone on in our lives the past year and be really thankful.

This year I'm thankful for my husband's health. Kevin was in the emergency room almost two years ago. His health is so much better this year even though he still has some bad days. At least his bad days are much less this year than this past year. He is the love of my life and I don't know what I would do without him.

I'm thankful for my oldest daughter, Jennifer, and her family. She is due to give birth to her third daughter in January. So that will make me a grandma of three beautiful granddaughters. Nothing like three granddaughters to keep you young at heart. My son-in-law, Alex, was injured during his second tour of Iraq with the U.S. Army and I am very thankful he didn't lose a limb or worse, his life.

I'm thankful that my son, Paul, came back from two tours with the U.S. Army unharmed. He just turned 22 and I feel that now he should be able to get his life started in the direction he wants to go. He knows what he wants and knows what he needs to do to get there. Although his friends from high school are almost finished with college he is just starting. I feel that he has experienced more and learned more from the Army so that he will appreciate college more.

I'm thankful for my youngest daughter, Bethanie. She is a freshman in high school this year and is hoping to make the dance team. She is interested in photo journalism and wants to be an actress. I am thankful for her sunny disposition and she makes us laugh.

I am thankful for my dad and step-mother, Eleanor. They have been so helpful to me during these trying times when I didn't know what was happening with Kevin, especially when he spent a week in the hospital with a poison creeping up one side of his face and swelling his eye shut. No matter what else was going on they have always been there for me, for us, offering their support.

And last but not least - I suppose I'm thankful for Louie the Doxieshire. He does make me laugh at his antics and squirrel chasing. He can be asleep in his house (dog crate) but whenever somebody, namely me, gets on the couch with an afghan or blanket he's right there ready to get under it before I can even situate myself. I am now making him his own afghan for his pillow so he can burrow under it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!!

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Beautiful Downtown Houston

2009-11-17T14:54:00.005-06:00

Such a beautiful clear day in Downtown Houston. Nice and cool.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Girls' Weekend Getaway

2009-11-15T18:01:00.012-06:00

The weekend before Halloween my SIL, Stephanie, MIL, Cleo, and I went for a girls' weekend getaway to a nice bed and breakfast called Lamb's Rest Inn. It was a really nice weekend. I didn't realize how much I needed a getaway until that weekend.

There were some steps behind the house that lead to the Guadalupe River. So peaceful.

Not sure but it appears someone lost their canoe.

It was so peaceful out there that I was able to finish up Leslie's sweater in no time. After we finished walking through Gruene and visiting the wine store for an hour or so.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Aaliyah's sweater is finished!

2009-11-11T20:39:00.009-06:00

I decided on a sweater jacket made with Lion Brand Homespun for Aaliyah, my 2-year-old granddaughter. I sure hope it fits her.

After I finished the sweater I really didn't know what else to crochet. Although I do need to make a newborn sweater for the newest granddaughter due January 6th, I decided to bring out my knitting needles and chunky yarn and try my hand at making a scarf. It's coming along slowly.

Louie's looking for his Harley.

Kevin and Bethanie at the Ballunar Festival.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Leslie's sweater is finished...finally

2009-10-26T09:22:00.007-05:00

I finally finished Leslie's sweater. The sleeves will most likely be a bit big for her but hey, she can always grow into them, right?

Now I just need to find the right pattern for Aaliyah and make hers.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Office with a great view

2009-10-22T11:46:00.004-05:00

How would you like to look out your window and see this all the time?

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

It's finally coming together

2009-10-21T13:41:00.007-05:00

Well I'm excited. The sweater is finally coming together. It's taking such a long time, longer than it should. But then again I only seem to be able to work on it during the ride to and from work and during lunch. Whenever I try to work on it at home things get in the way. Okay so one of those things may be because I start snoozing but that's beside the point. I have one sleeve finished, except for the ribbed cuff, and one more sleeve to go and it will be finished. Then I can start another one.

After the sweaters I plan on making some Pocket Prayer Cloths. I will actually start those this weekend because I have a road trip this Friday and I'll have a lot of car time, unless I'm snoozing. Good thing I'm not driving. Girls weekend getaway - looking forward to it. I had better bring plenty of batteries for my camera so I can take all the pictures I want and not have to worry about the camera not working. I should have some to post here next week.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

As promised...

2009-10-08T22:10:00.002-05:00

As promised in yesterday's update (see, that wasn't too long of a wait) here is an updated photo of the sweater I'm making for Leslie, my 4-year-old granddaughter. I have the neck, yoke and armholes. Now to get started on the body and finally the sleeves.

Bethanie's first day of High School. Isn't she pretty?

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Halloween is coming!

2009-10-07T16:04:00.011-05:00

Gosh golly gee whiz...it's been a long, long time since I've updated. In that time I've had the flu, we moved to a new house, my laptop died and I found out Granddaughter #3 is arriving in January 2010.

The holidays are coming and I've actually started my gift-giving crocheting. I'm making a pull-over sweater for my oldest granddaughter, Leslie:

I'm actually farther along than these pictures but I don't have any new ones. I will post as I progress.

So...Louie...He has the enemy in front of him and he doesn't know what to do. He chases them along the fence everyday. They even tease and play with him.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri