Quickly Approaching...

Are the Ravelympics, or FIR (First International Ravelympics). I'm super excited, and can't wait to cast on... Mini sock christmas ornaments for our tree, for Team Hogwarts. A neckwarmer and a sweater (both made from Malabrigo) for Team 2Peas. I'm rather nervous about the sweater... I've never made one, and am a bit intimidated. To quote Laura in the pool the other day "I KNOW I can do it! I KNOW I can do it!"

Good segue to the next topic of discussion! BOTH girls can now swim un-assisted by human hand! They're both in flotation-device swimsuits, and wear water wings, but we don't have to hold on anymore! Now, we just have to stay close, in case they flip over. Photos, you say? You want to see them swim alone, you say? If you insist!

Jake's a big boy now too, see:

Hahaha.... Well, that's about it for now. Trying to stay cool, get exercise, drop these pesky pounds, and get some knitting in!

Congrats!

To Ursula Longbottom on finding the Snitch! :)

The 4 "F"s- "Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits."

A General Authority in our church asked that when speaking with people about our beliefs, we keep it simple, using the four "Fs".



Facts:

• First, “Mormon” is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.”


• Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President Gordon B. Hinckley as the present prophet.


• Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us the fourth largest Christian denomination in America. As one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and other programs possible.


• Fouth, local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.


• And fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and government. (In the United States, for example, there are 16 members in Congress, from both political parties.) Members also serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment.

Family:

• 
  Mormons place particularly strong emphasis on family as the basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage (defined as a union between one man and one woman). Polygamy, a limited practice in the early pioneer days of the Church, was discontinued in 1890, some 117 years ago.


• Families and individuals, whether members of our faith or not, can attend Sunday services in our chapels. Here we worship together, instructing one another from the scriptures.
  Latter-day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun together. We invite those not of our faith to adopt this practice with their own families.


• The Church has auxiliary programs for women, youth, and children as a support to the family. These programs provide such things as religious instruction, opportunities for Christian service, sports, drama, music, and Scouting.


• And there is also much focus on extended family, genealogy, and personal family history, providing young and old with a stronger sense of roots, identity, and belonging. The highest and most sacred ordinances of our faith relate to our families, both living and dead, and some of these ordinances take place in our temples.

Faith: (I covered this one pretty well when I posted the Articles of Faith, but here you go anyway! :) )

• 
  We believe in the eternity of the soul, that God is the Father of our spirits, and that we can return to Him after death.


• We believe that Jesus Christ is our personal Savior, and we try to model our lives after Him and His teachings. We commemorate Christ’s atoning sacrifice in our Sunday worship services, similar to taking communion in other churches. We accept as fellow Christians all who believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind. Many Christians do not understand that we have much common ground with them. Joseph Smith taught that Jesus Christ is the core of our belief, and everything else is an appendage to it (see Elders’ Journal, July 1838, 44). The name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


• We believe the original church that Jesus established was lost and has been restored again in our day. The priesthood, the authority given to man to act in the name of God, with apostles and a prophet to lead us, has been restored as have all necessary ordinances of salvation.


• We believe in and we use the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.
  And we believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry and divinity of Christ and of God’s ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

Fruits:

• 
  One of the fruits is a longer life. Studies show that practicing Mormons are healthier and therefore live longer than the national average. In 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is the way to live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life.


• Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average.


• Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the national average.


• Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments, and full-time missionary service throughout the world.


• And fifth, we place strong emphasis on self-reliance and a solid work ethic. We encourage active involvement in our communities and in providing service to others. The Church continues to donate substantial money, goods, and services to humanitarian causes around the globe, including untold hours of labor donated by members to assist in disaster cleanup and relief.

LDS- "What We Believe"

I've been getting a lot of questions lately (Not here) about my faith. I figured this would be a good place for a Q & A. Here's something to start with. These are our "Articles of Faith". Basically, they're a concise "We Believe" type thing... Only unlike the Catholics, we don't recite it during services.

I love them all, but my personal favorite is number 11.

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Quidditch Round 3!

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?


a. Europa


b. Fiji


c North America


d. South of France


2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?


a. True


b. False


3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?


a. Emmeline Vance


b. Dorcas Meadowes


c. Amelia Susan Bones


d. Bellatrix Regulax


4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?


a. Alice Longbottom


b. Marlene McKinnon


c. Emma Fenwick


d. Dorcas Meadowes


5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?


a. Terry Boot and Mandy Brocklehurst


b. Luna Lovegood and Ernie Macmillan


c. Cho Chang and Michael Corner


d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil


6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?


a. Gryffindor


b. Slytherin


c. Ravenclaw


d. Hufflepuff


7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?


a. Pink


b. Peach


c. Yellow


d. It is transparent


8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.


a. Hannah Abott


b. Padma Patil


c. Luna Lovegood


d. Marietta Edgecombe


9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?a. Splattergroit


b. Splittygrot


c. Spottygroit


d. Spattergroit


10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?


a. "New Theory of Numberology"


b. "A Compendium of Common Curses and their Counter-Actions"


c. "Acheivements in Charming"


d. "Moste Potente Potions"

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Padma Patil

Hannah Abott

Percy

Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory

(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?)-Twilight! (yummo)

Ravalympics

On ravelry, the "Ravalympics" are being held! We can compete in as many events as we choose, and can cast on during the opening ceremonies in Beijing (Aug. 8 at 8 pm, which is 8 am here- Hey! 08-08-08 at 0800!) and must finish by the time the flame is extinguished at 11pm the 24th (which is 11am here). I'm competing in the Cowl Jump (making a neckwarmer) and the Sweater Sprint for Team 2Peas! Go Team!!! I'm super excited, and can't wait to cast on!

'Puff KAL update

Here's how it's looking so far. I love the way the yarn is knitting up. The colors are great together. Here are a couple photos: One close up to show detail, the other the full length so far.

Photos Galore!

Outside of the bag. This is up next to my sofa, so you can see how HUGE this bag is! :) *yay* Shot inside the top. The blue yarn you see is my 'Puff KAL.
My new patterns and sketchbook!
Needle roll and new needles!
Inside, already all filled up!
Stitch Markers, and Row counter bracelet.

Close-up of first set (fit to size 10.5)

Close-up of second set (fit to size 5)Close-up of bracelet. See how pretty?Pens and stitch holders (Red, Gold, and Blue)Both yarns together. Lorna's Laces in Bittersweet.Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Cabin Fever.

An Owl Arrived!

WOW... I don't know what to say, other than the whole thing is incredible... A gorgeous tote sized bag, hand sewn by Perenelle (Lucy) in Gryff colors. Inside were TONS of pockets of all sizes, and built in needle holders along the two side walls. With the bag came a *beautiful* needle roll from EHwa Aprons etc. It's so perfect for me... the outer fabric has paisleys, which I adore!

Three types of goodies: a variety bag of Lindt truffles (yummo!), a bag of Dove Beautiful milk chocolates, and a bag of sour Jelly Belly jelly beans (the ONLY kind of jelly beans I eat. I'm pretty sure I never mentioned that, either!)

Notions: TWO sets of stitch markers, made by Perenelle herself in Gryff colors: one set fits up to size 5, and the other goes to 10.5! A gorgeous row counter bracelet (I've wanted one for so long!) in Gryff colors, a set of 5" size 1 bamboo dpns for socks, two sets of aluminum straight needles (red in size 2, and gold in size 7. :) ), a set of three stitch holders from Boye.

Patterns: "BarenakedLacy Socks"-she picked this because my favorite band is Barenaked Ladies, and the sock title reminded her of that. :) and "Peace Socks" by Wendy Johnson-chosen because she's one of Perenelle's favorite designers. Also, two great scarf patterns were included in case I get tired of socks (gasp! The horror! lol)

Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill sock in Cabin Fever and Lorna's Laces in Bittersweet. I've been dying to try both, so I squealed, and was shaking a bit when I took them out of the box. Dh laughed at me, lol... The CTH is for my Gryff yarn, and the LL is because the colors reminded her of me. :)

Extra Awesomeness:
A sketchbook of sorts... It's graph paper inside, and the outside is decorated up beautifully in Gryff colors. Also, a set of four gel pens: 2 red and 2 gold.

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart... Like I said before, I was shaking at parts. Oh, and Lucy (I know you're reading this ;) ) The last part of the note? Good luck getting rid of me! :D

Hopefully I'll have camera access tonight, and tomorrow you can all see the wonder that is Perenelle! :)

For Fun (ganked from Lucy)

1. What is your first name? Veronica

2. What is your favourite food? Meatloaf and Mashed Potato.

3. What high school did you go to? Plainfield (Panthers)

4. What is your favourite colour? Green

5. Who is your celebrity crush? Val Kilmer

6. Favourite drink? Coke

7. Dream vacation? Scotland

8. Favourite dessert? Cupcakes (yellow with choc. frosting)

9. What you want to be when you grow up? A Mom

10. What do you love most in life? The girls

11. One word to describe you. "Chatty"

12. Your flickr name. vpkrol

Choose 1 image from the FIRST page of results, remember the image you choose doesn’t have to be exactly what you were looking for - just the image you like best from the first page.Copy your URLs to the Mosaic Maker here: (http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php) and publish your mosaic to your blog.

Gryff Quiz 4

S
"E FM YJA DBFU," QFET KFXXG EY F VJD RJESB, WHXG YJD PHMPEYN
"I AM NOT WEAK," SAID HARRY IN A LOW VOICE, FURY NOW PUMPING
S S
AKXJHNK KEM QJ AKFA KB AKJHNKA KB MENKA FAAFSU QYFPB EY F
THROUGH HIM SO THAT HE THOUGHT HE MIGHT ATTACK SNAPE IN A
S S S S
MJMBYA. "AKBY PXJRB EA! MFQABX GJHXQBVW!" QPFA QYFPB.
MOMENT. "THEN PROVE IT! MASTER YOURSELF!" SPAT SNAPE.

The 'Puffs are doing a KAL!

And I'm in! They're doing Wendy Bernard's Dream Swatch head wrap. It's one that I printed out a while ago, and put in my binder of "To-Knit Items". The binder has since multiplied into two binders, but that's neither here nor there, lol.



So anyway, the KAL starts Friday, and ends around the 16th-just in time for the next round of Quidditch!



I'm going to use Fingering Weight, while the pattern calls for DK. I want to use one of my new Dexter yarns for this... Bay Harbor Butcher, to be specific. Here it is, in all it's glory:

So, I'll be knitting it on size 3 needles, and can't wait to CO! I'll be knitting through the party on Friday. Woo Hoo!