Im forever leaving behind me

Friends,
Ive been busy as of late. I have high hopes of crocheting for 75 to 80 elderly people in a nursing home here in Vegas. I do hope I can make it happen. Im making lapghans, wheelchair totes, shawls and anything else I can think of that they could use. If anyone would like to help out feel free to send along what you can to Sherri McLaughlin at 3216 Mason Ave in Las Vegas Nevada 89102. Im taking anything I can get my hands on for these sweet folks for Christmas. Thats my goal.
Now for my weight issues. Im doing good I do need an adjustment again because I do get hungry ever so often. I went to my very first support group meeting here in Vegas. It was truely helpful to meet with like minded peoples. You know what I mean? I know why I get hiccups after eating some meals (because Im eating to fast) even tho I chew the items the best I can at least 25 chews. But some things I eat cant be chewed that amny times but I try, I just need to slow down. I also learned that I gained all this weight on in a season or two so it will take a season of two to get rid of it all. Im down 28 pounds and that seems to be right on track with others Ive talked too. Tho men do seem to loose the weight alot faster than we women do,bummer but fact! One of my problems is finding what I can eat that I like to fill me up with only getting 4 ounces of food per meal. But Im doing ok. Let me know if any of you are going through the same thing and let me know your blog if your blogging about it:) Id love to hear from others.
I woud leave some photos but my port where to hook up at on my computer is broken( I think my grandkids had something to do with that issue) Im taking my computer down sometime this week if I can bear doing without it:) heehee
Ok Im crocheting little items for my Christmas gifts and Im hoping to start the items for the home in August and make as many items as I can by Christmas. Heres to hooks a flying!

bummed out for sure

Friends,
This has a been one wicked month for me. As you know I had my little surgery so far Im down 28 pounds. Yipee in one month I cant believe it but I suppose only eating 4 ounces of food 3 times a day will do that to you:)
Love is such a sore subject here with me. I could have swore that it lasts forever and ever. I cant figure out how wrong I am about people. They need to learn to forgive and forget or you just cant live without it. You know what I mean? People need to just sit down and talk. Because I know there is love there.
Crochet wise Im in the midst of my secret project. Its coming along really nice. When and if I can find my camera Ill take a pic of it so you can see what Im working on. Well a small part not the whole thing because it is a secret you know?
I have been browsing thru my crochet books lately and found alot of cute things to crochet plus I forgot I bought a Santa Clause to crochet from last year that I need to make for this holiday coming up. Christmas is coming! yikes
My poor yard is so over grown with grass I just dont know when Ill be able to get it mowed. Its so hot here in Vegas ( 113 degrees) HOT HOT HOT
Ok Im going to go back and watch Bones and work on my secret project. Have a happy crochet day!

down another 10 pounds

Friends,
Im still eating just liquids and Im still not hungry. Yipee I did loose another 10 pounds so thats 20 pounds all total.
Ive been crocheting a few items such as washcloths and hats for my mom. I do have a special project going but I cant show it to you just yet.
As soon as I can pull myself together Im going to see about starting up a new group of crocheters here in Vegas. I just need to figure out where to meet and what we all might want to get out of crocheting as a group. If you, my friends, have any suggestions bring them on...
Ok Im going back to my crocheting and I want you all to do the same...

10 pounds down

Friends,
I went to my first meeting with the doctor today and they weighed me for the first time and I lost 10 pounds! I cant believe it 10 pounds in one week. But of course I have only been eating yogurt, applesauce and chocolate protien drinks with lots of water:) I know Im suppose to drink 64 ounces of water but I was only able to do that one day, most of the time I can get down around 45-50 ounces.
Afterwards I went to Dillards and bought a new pair of Sketchers so I can start walking on the treadmill. Thats one of the reasons I did this surgery so I can start walking more without getting exhausted and hurting. I want to go on vacation and walk around to places to sightsee. I want to go back to New England and be able to go to Boston and walk the streets. Thats one of my goals and oh yea to go see Dee again over at http://journals.aol.com/crochetwithdee/CrochetWithDee/.
Well I did go to Ravelry and saw all the ladies that live in Vegas. But I dont know how to let them all know that I want to start a new crochet group. But Ill figure it out:)
Well I need to get back to my crocheting Im on a time limit to get it done. Plus I want to make a little extra gift too. But we will see if I can get one done. Happy crocheting...

Crochet only group

Friends,
I vented today about not having a crochet only group in town. Im truely sorry if I have offended anyone for asking for it. I am open minded aboout knitting I myself am just not interested in it. So please dont feel badly its no ones fault if there is any fault to be had.
I must say that I did enjoy all the ladies that did come to the meetings. They were so sweet and kind. I know they enjoy there group and Im very happy for that.
Ok Im going back to my crocheting.....

Friends,
you will not believe it but I wrote out the post here and lost it just when I was finishing up. dont you hate that?
well ok here we go again. I had the lapband surgery on the 2nd and Im starting to feel good again. Not so stiff and bruised up. I stopped taking the pain meds they gave me because I could not sleep good on it. I had the best nights sleep in a few days last night.
I will take a new pic of me when this all starts to melt away maybe around 50 pounds...oh how exciting. Im looking forward to buying new clothes come next year something to look forward to:) For sure
I just finished reading the mystery novel called Hooked on Murder that Dee mentions on her blog http://journals.aol.com/crochetwithdee/CrochetWithDee/. I really wanted to go and join the group and help the finish there aghan on time but they seem to get it done with out my help:) OH how fun to be in a Crochet only group. I did start going to a group here in Vegas but they started bringing in there knitting and all so I lost interest. I know I shoud be more open minded but come on there is knitting groups everywehre but wehre is a crochet only group? for pities sake am I wrong?
Im working on something new and I cant mention it here because ther are big eyes that dont need to see what Im up to:) It will be a surprise!
Ok have a great day and Ill see you again in my dreams in my CROCHET only group! Happy crocheting...

Friends,
wow I cannot believe Ive been away for so long. Ive missed you all! Ive been ill but now Im better. I thought I would write alittle about what Ive been up to here and everywhere:)
I went to Cambria California for a little rest and it was wonderful. My friend Karen came along in her motorhome and we went off to visit the wineries. I fell in love with some great wine that tasted like a frozen grape that you suck on:) I cant remember the name but Ill find out for you all.
Im preparing my self for surgery on MOnday. Im having the LapBand surgery done so I can loose some much weight that I dont need. I have issues walking and breathing and I miss walking for sure. So say a few prayers for me and Ill be back to share in all my thin glory.
Ive been having issues with my computer too its gone out on me twice so far dont worry if I m not back again soon.
Have a great day

Friends,
Ive been away for quite some time I know and Im sorry about that. I enjoy doing this blog very much and I like to keep it updated.
Ive been under the weather since Feburary and I thought I just had the flu but I found out last week that I had a small heart attack while I was sick and I didnt relize it at the time. Ive been sleeping over 10 hours a day and I thought it was the flu.
Im having several test done on my heart next month to see what the damage is. I know Ill be ok either Im here with you all or Im in heaven with my father and sisters. either way I win.
I added a pic of my cheering up team to show you I have how much Im loved by my family:) Arnt they getting big!
Im gearing up to teach a class on crochet at my church hopefully next Saturday. I was suppose to do it last month but you know how that went:) Ok have a great day and happy crocheting!

Friends, Im sorry Ive been out again. I came down with a mean case of the flu. I cant seem to shake it. My dcotor does not want me to go out anywhere. It seems I am in a bad case of low blood count and I can catch this even worse if I do so Im trapped in the house till this wears off.
I have been playing around alittle with the broomstick lace baby afghan. Oh yea I did ask Jimbo If he could make me one hes looking into it. So Ill keep you posted about it. Here are a couple pics I took of my progress so far. Enjoy!



Just to keep you updated on my little Needlecrafters group here in Vegas. I got 2 people to sign up. I need to teach them to crochet but oh what fun! Ill keep you updated as we move along!

Heres a pic of my Mom last year on her birthday I thought you would like to meet her:) Happy Birthday Mom!

Sundays ramblings

Ive been busy starting up my new group Needlecrafters. Ive gotten 2 people to start with:)On my way home yesterday from my moms 71st birthday party we had a lunch at Fridays. I stopped off at Micheals to pick up some of their yarn they had on sale. Low and behold there was a lady there getting sign ups for a class in the Broomstick crochet. I havent done it in over 25 years so I signed up and stayed till 5, I wondered around the store for an hour:) heehee I suffer for my craft as you can tell:) hohohoho! I really enjoyed the class I loved relearning something I forgot. Ive already started making a baby blanket in the Broomstick style. I just love the lacy look it gives. And its fun to do to!
Im thinking of asking my friend Jimbo to make a broomstick hook I think that would be something cool to have instead of having a size 50 knitting needle, what do you think? Ok Im going to do it!
My camera is still on the blink and I have takin alot of pics to show you all. My soon to be sonnlaw is coming over tonight so maybe he can fix it. Cross your hooks!

Oh boy Oh boy what a day today is!
Friends, Im actually up and alert at 7:30 am! heehee I took some new meds my doc talked me into on Sunday night and it has just now wore off:( I was in a fog all day yesterday. Hubby says he watched me real close so I wouldnt do something silly. And I didnt. I dont know if I will take that med again real soon thats for sure!
Im crocheting for my new group Needlecrafters. Im making a tote for the seniors group. I think Ill pick a group a month to crochet for what do you think? Oh I did get one girl to sign up for the crocheting but I need to teach her. Oh how I wish Angela was here when I need her, I hope I can teach her as good as Angela can teach! Heres prayin!
My friends you have given me some uplifting advise and I love it all thanks!
Ok have a wonderful day today and I hope you can get in some crocheting!

Missing

Friends, Ive been away too long I know. Ive been busy with my sister Jerri's affairs and getting on with my life. I have some exciting news to tell you all. Ive started up my own crochet group(ministry)at church its open to the outside public. Im calling it Needlecrafters, what do you think? I had my first sitting in the ministries table at church. Im thinking of putting an ad in the newspaper and I think that will generate peoples interest. I had one person sign up and I will have to teach her to crochet:) Oh fun! for sure! heehee I love it.
I have 4 outreaches Senior, Womans, Homeless, and Babies. I have a bunch of patterns so we can get a great start. I hope to meet lots of peoples:) yea! I just recieved the new crochet book Kids Crochet by Kelli Ronci. I hope to used this book to teach crochet. Im really going to stress reading patterns as well.
I posted a pic of my efforts with crocheting scarves for you ( I know Ive posted this pic before but my camera is not working as of now!) I put out the afghan I made for my daughter and some of the chemo caps Ive made for woman. I want to make some booties and some totes to add to the showing.
Yesterday my family had a memorial for my sister Jerri its been a month since she passed. We went to the park and let balloons out and they formed a J in the sky! It was so cool. Then we proceeded over to my sister Carris house were my brother n law said a few words and a really nice little sermon about Jerri. It was very touching. Afterwards I went to dinner with my friends Carol, Diane and their daughters it was very nice I even brought Jerri along( I had a small urn with Jerri) I know it doesnt sound nice maybe to some of you but I know Jerri would have done the same with me and I would have got a kick out of it. Ok Ill be back later for more chatting

Friends,
Today is my 52nd birthday:) Yipee I made it. Ive had a great day. It started out with my sweet boy Shawn giving me a coin purse along with the purse to match it. Its a Coach purse whatever that means. I dont know brands at all. But he was excited about it:) I love it. Id show you a pic but to my sadness my camera (which is new) has died out and Im going to go exchange it asap that mean tomorrow:) Shawn gave me a little cluch purse for Christmas and I loved it so he decided to give me the whole purse for my birthday!
Then I went off to church and had a great time. The church as a whole is going to be doing the Daniel Fast for the month of Janurary. I dont think I can do that with my diabetes so Im going to give up deserts and chocolate for the month. Pray that I stick to it!
Then after church I went to have lunch with my friend Karen and her mom Irene. They took me to the Red Lobster. And we all had the special with a small lobster and king snow crab and shrimp scampi oh yea a baked potatoe. I could not eat it all so I brought home the scampi and the baked potatoe for dinner later:) yummie
My mom was just here and she bought me some yarn with a new bag for yarn. I love it. who wouldnt love yarn anytime of the year! not me LOve LOve LOve it!heehee
My sister sent over a really cute bath set pomegranite(sp?) and a gift card to Borders:) Love that too. There could be a new crochet book out there I dont have yet:) I just know there is.
Ok friends Ive had a great day full of fun and excitement. Ill see you next year for sure! Oh happy day!

Friends,
Oh what a week Ive had. But as good as God is is Fansatic! Ive been awaken a new today! Ive been filled with new invigoration. Im going to get to makeing new baby booties for the pastors new grandson Isaac I dont know if they spell it that way but I do:) Im going to do my regular old booties nothing special. Ill take a pic and maybe put the pattern up for you all to do to! I know you want to!
I had a great CHRISTmas and everyone seemed to have one too! I missed Jerri but I know she is singing with the angels. I got a really neat Cuisinart blender/Smoothie dispencer/food processor from my friend Karen. Terry got me yarn YIPEE I love yarn for CHRISTmas. My daughter got me something but she forgot to give it to me so I dont know yet! My son bought me a Coach little purse for my purse. Its so cute. My grandkids got everything they asked for so they were happy.
My birthday is on Sunday and Ill be 52 years old. I love it I cant wait I make it Yippeeeeeeee.
Ok Ill be back later to show you the booties and maybe the pattern. Ok Ill do the pattern my gift to you all. Have a great day!

My friends,
I come to you again this year with the sad news that my cousin past away on Christmas day. We are so totally unprepared for this death. She fell and bumped her head and passed away the same day. I dont have a pic of her or I would put it up for you to her.
She was a one of a kind lady. I loved her very much. She will be missed. Her name was Divida. SHe babysit me and my sisters and brother when we were little.

My Friends,
I want to tell you how thankful I am to have such sweet friends as you all are. With my sister passing last week you have all sent your prayers. Thank you!
Well here is my tree this year. I didnt get very many ornaments up on it this year. My daughter Abbea came over and put it up for me. She is sweet that way! It still turned out cute , dont you think?



The cute little sachet is from eBay. Isnt it cute and it smells awesome. I have no idea what the smell is tho:) I bid a silly amount on this item and it came with a thimble and two small scissors. I think I got it all for less that 10 dollars thats including S&H. Its needlepoint and just so sweet. I think one of the things Im going to try and do next year is start (again)to shop at thrift stores. I miss the great deals I get on pretty things. Im trying to decorate my house again. When I moved in this house over 6 years ago I was in the middle of a dark point in my mind. I feel like God has lifted it and now I can see the pretty things again. I want to make my house a home again with pretty roses and angels and lots of crocheted lace:) Yipee here I go ashopping!
Ok have a very blessed CHRISTmas and remember why we celebrate in the first place!

Jerri Esposito 7-4-1957 / 12-1202007

Friends,
I know that you all have been praying for my sister Jerri. She went to be with the Heavenly Father on Wednesday Dec. 12 at 1:30pm in her sleep. She went very quietly and peacefully. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Jenny and her family that she leaves behind. We thank you all for your prayers.
Remmeber to hug your loved ones this year in memory of Jerri.

Jerri Esposito

My friends,
Ive come to you today so you may see my sister Jerri and maybe you could say a prayer for her. She is now in the hospital and she is suffering. I would very much like you to pray that God will release the suffering and she could have peace. I know this is not the time to bother you all with this sad news but I know Jesus would love to hear from you at this time of the year not that He wouldnt love to hear from you any other time :) Please stop and say a small prayer for Jerri Esposito she is 50 this year and she has a very sweet little girl named Jenny. I love you all for your prayers and I pray that God will bless you and yours this time of the year and always. Im posting a pic of my sister that was taken a few weeks ago actually on Thanksgiving day this year.

Friends,
Im really sorry Ive been gone but my old computer died on me and now I have a new computer and Im having all kinds of fits getting it where I like it:) You all must know the feelings of loosing a old friend and getting a new friend.
I tried to add a pic of my Christmas hat so if it comes thru great if not then boohoo. Its a really cute hat I cocheted the flower it was so easy to make. I have no idea what pattern I used to make the flower.
Well I have started me Christmas shopping and Im just about done. And I did pretty much 98% online this year. All I have let to buy pretty much is my furbabies and my dear hubby. I have no idea what to buy hubby, Do any of you have any ideas for me?
Well happy shopping and crochet away.....