family photos

Amanda, you are amazing.

We had to play ring-around-the-rosie to keep Taye happy.

the holidays in warm arizona

I know, I know. It's about time, right? Well, in my defense I was waiting for some decent pictures to be sent my way since I am too lazy to take them myself (which is why I have no pictures with the McKinnon's. Awful!)

My Birthday

I made sure that Tyler and I drove down the 18th so I could be with family for my birthday. My mom took me shopping for clothes...and aparently I have forgotten how to shop due to my current financial state. But somehow I spent the money. Thanks mom and dad!

Not sure why, but I am the only person I have witnessed wear this hat. But yet every year my mom assures me everyone will have to on their birthday. Somehow I doubt that actually happens.

It was a wonderful birthday filled with family and being 24. Tyler suprised me with a red dress I had been coveting. They were sold out in Utah so I thought it was hopeless. Just one more reason why Arizona is more awesome. Thanks Tyler!!

Taye's Knit Dress

This is the first article of clothing I knit. I almost didn't give it to Taye Lynn because I wasn't too impressed with it, but my mom made me. It looks pretty cute on her.

Gingerbread House Making

Tyler's Masterpiece: He is so precise and creative. My Aunt made him make one. And I am glad she did so I can feel intimidated by his structural abilities.

Here is my mom's, cute as always:

Sydney made a double wide traylor:

My favorite part was the dish:

And mine...

I think it's safe to say I digressed from last years:

Christmas Day

The long awaited food processor:

Notorious:

Aaron was a little confused. I think he though it was going to be AC/DC.

My parents got Ty, Alyse and Aaron bowling gear.

The aghan:

Taye's traveling Monkey from Tyler and I:

Playing in the front yard. Taye is wearing her new Foofa! sweater she got from Uncle Aaron. Notice there is no snow on the ground. I miss that.

We spent the afternoon at Cara's and had our white elephant gift exchange. It was a success, just ask Tilleea:

The Elmer Fudd hat was a hit:

Then we went and spent time with Tyler's family...no pictures..again. But I can tell you we had a grand time and ate yummy food!

The Hill's hope you had a dreamy Christmas!

and yes, christmas presents were mandatory for the men.

Ingrid Scarflet

This one I made for Ingrid.

I took what I learned from the Rickenbacker Scarf and revised it quite a bit.

The yarn was really soft and fun to knit with.

I did a contrasting color for the ruffle.

This is how you are supposed to wear it.

I know, my photography skills are off the hook.

Keep in mind that it looks a lot better with a sweater or jacket, not a thin t-shirt.

rickenbacker scarf

I originally made this for the boss for Christmas.

But when I finished it I decided it was too short.

It was my first attempt at a scarf. I learned some things.

1. Black is hard to knit detail with
2. Don't be lazy and quit knitting 2 feet early, not everyone is short
3. Be more particular with yarn choices
4. I learned how to do an invisible cast on


Oh, and I am awesome at taking pictures of myself. Right.
I need a model...Tyler has offered but he just won't do.
And I am not frowning, I think I am concentrating.

Not too fond of this scarf. It curls a lot even though I blocked it. Lame. I wear it so that I don't feel like I wasted hours of my life and brain power.

granny square afghan

Made especially for Tyson, Alyse and baby Taye.

I chose specific colors that are in there home.
And worked on it for a month (if you don't count the breathers).


I am proud to admit that I learned to crochet with this afghan. Consequently, all I can crochet is granny squares.


The reaction from the gift recipients was greatly appreciated.

Pattern found here. Although I changed it quite a bit.

is it just me, or is santa ginormous in this picture...

We leave tomorrow for AZ. Oh happy day! It will be a long drive full of knitting and audio books.

Due to all the fun things I will be doing over the next 9 days I may not make it back to the blogging world. Be prepared to hear a lot from me after Christmas though! I will have reports of my birthday fun, a haircut that is long overdue, Christmas parties and family pictures.

With that said, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

work christmas party

this is the only picture I could find of Michael...it's used on the website so people can click on it and see where he is speaking next.

This weekend was our corporate Christmas Party. It was so great! Here is how we spent the day Friday:

• We (all employees which is about 40 people) did a service scavenger hunt instead of working in the office. We over all donated 800 lbs of food to people in need and made 120 dolls for children in hospitals (try making 15 dolls as fast as you can, very difficult). We were so close to winning! The winners got paid time off. Generous boss.
• That night we enjoyed ourselves at the Christmas Party where we played don't forget the lyrics, a gingerbread house competition and a special message from Michael (the CEO).

I feel so blessed to work for the company I work for. I have honest, hard working bosses who are generous and understanding.

Michael gave a wonderful Christmas message about hope. There wasn't a dry eye in the house (okay, that's exaggerating...there wasn't a female dry eye in the house). He gave us a generous Christmas bonus and let us know how much he values his employees and wishes the best for us during hard times.

Just for kicks and giggles, here is a list of things the CEO and my dad have in common:

• They have both been my boss
• Both of their names are Michael
• Their signatures look the same
• Both generous
• Both thick skinned (you have to be to have that job)
• Both HOA Managers
• and here's the clincher...they have the same birthday!!!

I know! Totally crazy, right?