New family and memories

I had an amazing trip home to Oregon.  I did not get the chance to take many pictures, or rather I should say that I was way distracted.  On this trip to Oregon it did not rain even once, it was rather hot during the day with the mornings and evenings much cooler.  I made due, but was not pleased. 

I got to see just about everyone I wanted to see and unfortunately there were a few I did not.  Most importantly I saw my nephews K & T who are 9.

I also got to see my niece A who is the twins older sister and she is 16.  I unfortunately did not get a photo of just her and I like I wanted.  My mom, A and I went to see my grandfather.  It was an incredible feeling to have 4 generations together. Here are three of u, minus my mom.

I was so happy and very lucky to of been able to change my flight information.  I waws able to extend my trip by two days and attend a family reunion on my moms mothers side.  My Grandmother passed away at the age of 36 and my Grandfather kept his children from her side of the family for whatever reasons.  Seven years agon I had the chance to meet my Grandmothers youngest brother.  My Great Uncle C is such a wonderful, sweet and caring man. Thinking of him brings tears to my eyes.  At this reunion I was able to meet my other Uncle F.  He is without a doubt one of the cutest men I have ever met.  My Great Uncle Fs smile warms my heart just thinking about it.  He was so nice, happy and accepting.  I thought my three uncles were wonderful but I think my great uncles have them beat.  (F on the left and C on the right)

I was also surprised at the reunion. No one ever surprises me and it is a hard to do!  I say that beacause I kind of consider myself the Matriarch. My baby cousins M & C whom I love with all of my heart surprised me by showing up.  They made me cry and it was quite the reunion

The crem de la creme on the day of the reunion was getting to meet my Great Great Aunt A.  GGA is my great grandmas sister.  She is the last one of her siblings.  I got to speak with her a few years ago and was unable to meet her.  Due to her health she was unable to come to the reunion that was literally 2 blocks away.  So afterwards we all went over to see her.  She suffers from Alzheimers.  Meeting her was so very emotional for me.  Mind you my mom and I went with her uncles, cousins and my grandmas cousins.  I started crying because I was so happy to see her and meet her.  Taking in the situation all around.  There was about 12-16 of us all there to see her.  That is love, I think she was overwelmed and she did recognize her daughter L.  My mom and I were introduced.  Anytime someone was introduced or just went up to say hi, the first words out of her mouth were "Bless your hearts." & "I love you so much."  Shes 88, will be 89 in March and hope that she is around for a while longer and that I have the chance to go and see her again.  She is sitting in the picture.

 

So all in all my trip was wonderful. 

 

 

Swaptastic!

Hi my name is Thea and I am addicted to swapping!  Ravelry swapping that is!  My plate is full at the moment and I am enjoying it.  I always overwelm myself but then settle into it no problem. 
The one thing I like just as much as spoiling someone else, is the fact that I get to challenge myself.  I have been making things that I normally wouldnt.  Lets say that maybe I have been a little scared to make something new as much as I have been wanting to. 

I made slippers over the weekend, interesting to say the least.

I made a market bag.

Last night I made one fingerless mitt and will make the other tonight. 

A shawl

I almost forgot...Skull potholders!!! This required me to crochet with two colors.

I will work on getting pictures and posting ASAP!

These are all for soemeone in my swaps. 
All of these may sound easy and like a no brainer to others, but they are things I have never attempted.  I love to crochet and consider myself to be a great one at that.  I cannot say expert yet because I have not gone outside my comfort level.  Expert is right around the corner.

I am also learning about new yarns.  Since I am not a yarn snob, Red Heart is pretty much all I have known.  So lucky for me, I now have a LYS 2 minutes down the road.  I purchased some yummy yarn yesterday for the mitts and a couple of other goodies for other swaps.  It was important for me to feel some of the types of yarns that these ladies love.  I guess you could say I am a yarn virgin and to be honest I was a little embarrassed yesterday in the store.  You know the feeling Im talking about right?  When you are unfamiliar, its like being in class  and the teacher putting you on the spot. 

I too will overcome this and I look forward to it.  I love giving to others, making things for others and spoiling someone else.  Its funny because I find that where I would not buy something for myself I for some reason do not think twice about it for someone else.  It donned on me the other day that I will be receiving stuff as well.  I honestly forgot that was part of the deal!