I am gauge retarded.

I knit the beginning of my cardigan as per the pattern instructions. When I got to the row where I was supposed to cast off for underarms, I was 3 inches short in width.

Today was the day I thought I would have to frog and find another project. I was quite unhappy about the frogging but am too mathematically challenged to fix the pattern.

Then Along Came Sarah.... (sung in my goofiest voice)

In less than 5 minutes she had measured my knitting, perused the pattern, and drawn me the most perfect schematic ever seen!

I'm going to love this sweater!

I've been remiss in my blog posting. I will be filling in the blank spots in the days to come.

Since the births of Kaity and Khi, and since moving to Ohio where birthdays are celebrated differently than in Louisiana, Jonathan's birthday hasn't been celebrated very well. So this year we had a surprise party for him. His friends from work helped me spread the word.

We told Jonathan that there was a barbecue to celebrate Kaity and Khi's birthdays, today ~ on HIS day. And he HAD to be there on time and for the whole event! He was so unhappy, but he's too nice to be mean about anything.

He was really surprised when he got there and found out that the whole thing was planned for him and his friends were there!

We love you Jonathan. I'm sorry you felt forgotten but I'm glad you were surprised!

Facebook came along, turned my head, and my internet activities haven't been the same since. I promise to try to do better.

This month has been busy as usual. Our main highlight was Kaity's first Horse Show. It was too wet to ride outside so it was held in the barn. She got to ride the first horse she ever rode, Bo Peep.

They had 4 classes, 2 obstacle courses and 2 jumping. She won 1 6th, 1 4th, and 2 3rd places.

She was so happy! It was a great first experience.

Here in Doulaland, they Trick or Treat before Halloween. I have the most creative 3 year old Granddaughter in the world! After hearing that Khi was going as the Joker
and Kaity was going as a Zombie ,
Chloe decided to be Zombie Tinkerbell!!
Doesn't our Sarah do a wonderful job with Theatrical make-up?

Today begins Birthday season here at Casa DeDoula. Jonathan has wanted an Ovation guitar for performing in his band, for quite a while. We were able to help him with one for part of his birthday gifting. It came this evening.

It's hard to believe you've been part of our family for 5 years already! We've watched you grow from a shy young girl into a beautiful confident woman.

Happy "Grown Up" birthday Sarah girl! The best is yet to come!

During the Sunday morning service, Justin and Sarah dedicated Chloe.

Then, yesterday evening there was a church baptism/pool party/barbecue. Kaity and Khi were baptized.

Kaity mustered the nerve to go off the high dive for her first (and several more) times!

Kaity also spent time playing with Chloe at the shallow end.

Aside from the beauty and importance of the baptisms, one of the highlights of Dedication Weekend each year is the boat race. Groups of Jr. High and High Schooler's make boats out of Cardboard and Duct Tape! Kaity's group had a great design! Theirs made it all the way across the pool!

Chloe met the lady who helped her mom and dad make a family for her. It was love at first sight for them both!
The rest of the visit was filled with Grandma time
Family time
Godmother time
Auntie time
Aquarium visit
Paying respect
Old friends
New friends
Old friends being old ladies with their glasses and coffee cups!

The rest of the visit was about healing, both emotional and physical. Plus, we saw Ringling Brothers Circus, ate stuffed snowballs, had drive thru daiquiris and saw many of the places in Benny's childhood memories. Sarah and I found a cool knitting shop on Dauphine. The adult kids went to the French Quarter to partake in the festivities one can only find on Bourbon Street. They also found themselves in a Gulf Coast Casino where Justin proudly came home with $40.00 after only loosing $30.00 or something like that!

On the way home we visited with more old friends in Alabama

Then on the 23rd Benny and I Celebrated 15 years of Marital Bliss!

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Khi and Benny picked all of the ripe ones
and Khi pitted them himself.

Tonight he learned to bake a pie, and presented the first piece to his dad

A delicious Science lesson indeed!

This was on the group leader's facebook. Kaity was contemplating something being said during the devotion time. I think it's my new favorite picture of her.

At the retreat site, there was a 650 feet long zip line.
There isn't a Depends in this world, big enough for me to fly down that!

I know it sounds like the "Sappy Mom" thing to say, but it amazes me that you're 21 today.

As you're learning with your own child, it takes your whole life to grow up, but it only takes your kid about a minute and an half.

You crack us up with your antics

I'm blessed to be your mom and thankful to have you in my life.

Benny and I began warping the rigid heddle loom Saturday. I like to warp out on the porch, for the natural light. It began to rain on Saturday so we plan to finish today. Then, Kaity is going to weave a blanket for a friend's new baby. It's starting out to be a fun summer!

God put my friend Dee in that spot for me. Since I was 14, she has shown up and been my champion every time I've needed her. I am the Doula I am because of the way she took care of me, when I was pregnant the first time.

Now, Dee is a special friend to my beautiful Granddaughter. She sends her special gifts from far away. Though Chloe has yet to meet her, if I talk to her about Ms Dee, Chloe lights up and says "I Love Her!"

For Chloe's birthday she sent this wonderful Vermont Teddy Bear.

Your birthday was on Easter this year. We got to celebrate you and Jesus! How cool is that?

We had a family party at Grandmother Marian's. The usual cast of characters were there. Plus, Grandma Josey came to celebrate you!

Your mom made a Barbie Cake, as per your detailed instructions!

You're not really a "Material Girl". You enjoy playing with whatever is at hand, especially when Kaity or Khi join you. But the smile on your face was priceless when your Daddy came in, pushing the new bike he and Mommy gave to you! You did a good job trying it out!

As we were cleaning up to leave, I caught this glimpse of you, and realized how big you really are.

You're growing up so quickly. It's an honor to have a front row seat in the comedy of your life!

My Round Trip that was 40% finished in Mountain Colors Weaver's Wool has now become this:

I have a question. When does a project change from being a UFO to becoming a pile of fiber, in need of redistribution? How long must (or may) it be allowed to languish, before the artist should consider redistribution?

To Viki: There's still nothing fiber related to show. We've had 3 kids with ear infections, one with a sinus infection, and now 2 with strep throat. So, I've been having to stay in my room to keep from going back to erythrodermic psoriasis. Kaity and I did manage to warp the rigid heddle loom. I'll take a picture as the weaving progresses.