Short of Goal but not on accomplishments

Running goal for 2011 was 1111 miles.

Completed 828.4 miles which included two full marathons!

The start of baby #6 stopped my mileage for almost two months.

Overall, I'm proud of how I maintained my fitness this year even though a few injuries.  My running goal for 2012 will be to just run when I'm able and after baby recovery work towards a half marathon for the fall.  I, also, would like to work on my upper body strength ... and I finally found our P90X dvds from the move!  I need to develop a plan and way to measure my progress in regards to the upper body strength.

Yarn Along

Ravelry

With each baby, I've crocheted a baptismal gown.  Since learning how to knit, I decided to go outside my comfort zone and knit a baptismal gown for our newest little one.  To me, each stitch is a little prayer for this little soul.  It comforts me in my anxiety during pregnancy.

This is the beginning of the gown starting from the waist going toward the feet.  The pattern is "Ribbons and Lace Christening Gown".  The author has been so helpful in answering my beginner questions.
 
The picket edging is almost complete.  I'm so excited.  With the weather turning colder, my running hat is beckoning to be finished and a new sweater for me is waiting to be cast on.

At our local yarn shop, they offer different classes.  My husband is urging me to sign up since I will be in 'baby' mode starting in June.  Now is the time to get some Mommy alone time in.

The kids and I have been reading "Angel in the Waters" by Regina Doman.


For more Yarn Along's, check out Ginny's Blog.

Yarn Along

Ravelry

With each baby, I've crocheted a baptismal gown.  Since learning how to knit, I decided to go outside my comfort zone and knit a baptismal gown for our newest little one.  To me, each stitch is a little prayer for this little soul.  It comforts me in my anxiety during pregnancy.

This is the beginning of the gown starting from the waist going toward the feet.  The pattern is "Ribbons and Lace Christening Gown".  The author has been so helpful in answering my beginner questions.
 
I've just started working the picket edging.  Learned a few new stitches thanks to my Knitting Help app on my IPod.  On Saturday, I made a trip to the local yarn shop to pick up a few more skeins.  I didn't create a gauge swatch for the baptismal gown and I'm pretty sure I'm off.  Dear husband chuckled and commented that the gown will fit perfectly then.  We tend to have larger babies and the previous baptismal gowns barely fit them when the kids were baptized at just two weeks of age!

While at the yarn shop, I picked up some yarn to knit myself a sweater.  I've given myself permission to detour from the baptismal gown once the picket edging is finished.  My next goal will be to finish my running hat that I started knitting last year and then to make the sweater for myself and my growing belly.

Each Advent, I work through "Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Padre Pio".  It gives me little things to think about each day.

Today's is so fitting for me:

Prayer:

It seems that the moment I began to focus on the spiritual experience of Advent, Bethlehem became like a mirage shimmering across the desert, beckoning elusively, tantalizingly, then vanishing completely.  O God of Soaring Eagles, raise me above this obscurity, that I might once again glimpse my destination, and discern the path that will lead me to you.  Amen.

Advent Action:

I will spend thirty minutes today to "recharge my batteries" through simple prayer, quiet meditation, or a long-awaited nap.

Blessing:

May Jesus continue to totally possess your heart and treat you as a chose one. -Letters

For more Yarn Along's, check out Ginny's Blog.

Gaudete Sunday

Our family tradition is to decorate for Christmas on Gaudete Sunday.

Here are some moments from our day:

Lil' Chef and Bumbershoot

Mr. T

Squeaker

Dear Husband helping pass out ornaments

A Family Tradition:  Taking turns placing the angel on the tree.  This year was Squeaker's.

The Christmas village that was given/inherited from my husband's Grandmother.

Little People Nativity set keeps the girls busy.

Lots of Hair likes to grab all the Mickey Mouse characters and give them kisses.

Waiting for Baby Jesus.  Are you preparing?

The Three Kings making their way across the mantle.

An empty manger on the prayer table.

the finished tree

Yarn Along

My progress so far on the baptismal gown is going well for this beginner; the gown is measuring 8 inches of the 13.5 inches before working the edging.  I've had to take out two of the pattern rows so far to correct a mistake.

Any suggestions on how to fix mistakes?  Basically, I just worked in reverse, undoing my stitches.  Not sure if that's the best way or not.

I'm reading through "A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms", a Christmas present to myself.   Been feeling that I need some extra encouragement in my vocation of motherhood.

Side note:  the mug pictured was given to me on Mother's Day by my oldest.  They go to Goodwill and each pick out a mug for me.  I enjoy different coffee mugs and I love how the ones they pick out reflect their personality.

Check out Ginny's blog for more Yarn Alongs.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!!

The children were delighted to find that St. Nicholas left them a personalized pig bank, legos, candy, snow fort makers, and a family movie.  Have a blessed St. Nicholas Day!