Weight Loss Update

OK, it's Friday again!! The day I jump on the scale and take my measurements!!

The results....well, I only lost half a pound. A little sad....I was hoping for more. But I guess those cookies I had yesterday didn't help, LOL!! But, on a positive note, I did loose one whole inch on my hips and half an inch in my thighs!!!! So that makes a total of one inch in my waist, one inch in my hips, 1.5 inches in my thighs and one inch in my calfs!! All since August 9th! I guess all that walking may not be burning a ton of calories....but they are doing great things for my bottom half!

This week I started doing a short exercise video in the mornings. It was just a basic and short 20 minute thing that worked on some abs and a little weight training in my arms. Next week I hope to move up to one of the longer routines on the tape. But I still need to figure out what I can do to keep up with my walks!

OK, so it is Labor Day Weekend! What do you have planned?? We will be heading out to Ouray again....so you won't here from me until Tuesday! Stay safe and have a great holiday weekend!

Update

OK, I'm feeling better now. Thanks for all your kind words!! I ended up having a not-so-healthy snack of cookies and milk (comfort food) and managed to doze on the couch for about 20 minutes. Then I made sure to drink lots of water....I think I may have been a little dehydrated. That happens a lot here in the desert! By dinner time I was feeling like my old self again and managed to pick up my crochet project too!!

Night everyone!

BLAH!!

Wow, I don't know what happened, but I feel very BLAH right now. I'm not sure how to explain it, but all I want to do right now is curl up and take a nap....but my body/mind just won't let me!! My day started ok, then all of sudden...BLAM!! I don't want to do anything!

My day started with Heather having a meltdown. I knew it was going to happen sooner or later, what with all the big changes in her life over the past few weeks, but she DID NOT want to take a bath or shower this morning and ended up in a full crying meltdown over it. I ended up standing her in the bath....crying and stomping...while wiping her down and pouring water over her head! I felt HORRIBLE! I ended up snuggling her afterwards until she calmed down. Then she was fine and got ready for school. I think she needs more sleep. I need to think of how we can do that. As of right now when I return from my walk at 7:45 she has a snack and then off to bed at 8. Brush teeth, potty, two stories and some mommy snuggles. But she never actually falls asleep until 8:30-8:45. Then it is up at 6:30 to say goodbye to daddy and get ready for school. Luckily this is only 4 days a week. Guess I need to figure out a way to get her to sleep earlier. Poor thing!

Then after she left I exercised and showered. At 10 I met one of my crochet students and helped her figure out how to re-create a crocheted purse that she loved. She bought me coffee and paid me enought $$ that I was able to buy myself a new crochet book!! Crochet ME has some great stuff in it that I can't wait to make for myself!!

Then when I got home it hit!! I talked to Trevor on the phone and she was having a bad day...so I guess it rubbed off on me! I don't feel like doing anything right now...and that includes CROCHETING!!! Can you believe that!

So, I guess I'll just go lay on the couch and watch some tv. It's really HARD for me not to snack when I feel this way!! I'm just gonna hang until it's time to pick up H from school. Glad the weekend starts tomorrow!

August Free Pattern - Retro Rings Tam

Here it is!! Sorry it took me so long! I hope you all like it!! The pattern is available in PDF format and instand download on my website. Just click HERE! Also, this pattern has not been tested yet, so if you find any errors, please let me know!

Retro Rings Tam Hat
By Jennifer J. Cirka/Jaybird Designs
Fun and Funky for fall 2008!

Materials
• Any worsted weight yarn
• K-10.5 / 6.5 mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle

Finished Size
One size fits most, approximately 20-22 inch head circumference

Gauge
First 3 rounds = 4.5”

Pattern
Round 1: With MC and magic adjustable ring technique
(http://www.crochetme.com/Dec_Jan_0405/reads_round.html) ch3. 11dc in ring.
Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3. (12dc)

Round 2: ch3, 2dc in each dc around. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
(24dc)

Round 3: ch4. (dc, c1) in each st. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (24dc
and 24 ch-1 sps)

Round 4: ch3. dc in each dc and sp around. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-
3. (48dc)

Round 5: ch3. dc in same st as joining. dc in next 3 sts. *2dc in next st, dc in
next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3. (60dc)

Round 6: ch4. sk next dc. *(dc, ch1) in next st, sk nest st. Repeat from * around.
Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (30dc and 30 ch-1 sps)

Round 7: ch3. dc in each dc and sp around. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch- 3. (60dc)

Round 8: ch3. dc in each dc around. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3. (60dc)

Round 9-11: repeat rows 6, 7, and 8.

Round 12: repeat row 6.

Round 13: ch1. sc in same st as joining and next 2 sts. Sc2tog over the next 2
sts. *sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. Join
with a sl st to first sc. (48sc)

Round 14-17: ch1. sc in same st as joining and each sc around. Join with a sl st
to first sc (48sc)

Round 18: *ch3. sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot made). Sl st in next 2 sts.
Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to first st. Finish off and weave in ends.
(24 picots)

Copyright
Copyright 2008 by Jennifer J. Cirka (aka Jaybird Designs) all rights reserved.
This pattern is for personal use or for gifts only! Sales of this finished product
are discouraged. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without prior written permission from the author. Please feel free to
link back to this pattern.

A lot to share!

Boy do I have a lot to share with you today!! As I mentioned yesterday, my newest pattern is in the October 2008 Edition of Crochet World Magazine! Mine arrived in the mail yesterday....so they should hit bookshelves soon and those of you with subscriptions should get them anyday now! These socks were truly a challenge for me!! The editor contacted me and asked if I could create them, so of course I said YES!!! Well....truth be told....I had NEVER crocheted socks before!!! So, what did I do? Picked up every crochet sock pattern I could find and practice!! Then, once I got the hang of it, I created my own pair in the style I liked best! I would LOOOOVE to hear your feedback if any of you decide to make them!


I have also been featured a few times in the last few days, LOL!! It was my pleasure to be interviewed for the WAHM Spot! This site showcases inspiring Work-at-home-mom's and their businesses!

Also, my new wholesale line was even mentioned on the Dashin Fashion Blog! And the Designing Minds Blog too!! Click on any of the logos or blog names to read the articles! Leave them a comment too so that they know you came from the Jaybird Designs Blog!

Oh, and as for my free pattern for August, I'm still looking for a model!! It is so difficult to find adult models, LOL!! Seems not many women like to have their pictures taken!

School Week #2

And so week number two of school begins!! And since Heather is in a mixed class of kindergarteners and first graders, I'm not sure which grade she is in!! LOL!! And if she does well this year, does that mean that next year she will go into second grade?!?!?!?!?!?!



But, so far today I have managed to get everyone up, lunches packed, and off to school/work. Then I enjoyed a cup of coffee while chatting on the phone with Trevor as her kids first day of school started.



Then I popped in an exercize video and proceeded to start my new morning exercise regime! Let's hope I keep it up!!



Then it was off to a nice long...and quiet...shower followed by sorting laundry. I now I have my first load in the wash and am checking in on the computer. Next I need to start cleaning the house and finishing the laundry.



Also on todays adgenda is a quick trip to the grocery store and to finish some baby hats for my local MOPS group. It looks like we've had about 6 babies born this summer!!



I do have my latest free pattern done, I just need to find someone to model it for pictures. I am really excited about this one and can't wait to share! I also have a sneak peek for you....something coming out soon!!See the picture----> Check it out here!



OK, back to getting my work done so that I can have some free time to play before picking the kids up at school!! Hope you all have a great day!

Just a Quick Update

I just wanted to update you all on my progress. I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but when we got back from vacation I decided it was time to try and loose those last 20 lbs that have been bugging me, LOL!! I started watching what I eat again and doing a little exercise. Right now it is just walking in the evenings with my neighbor. We average about 5 times a week and walk just under 3 miles in 40-45 minutes. Next week I plan to add in an exercise video in the mornings. Anyone have one they'd like to suggest???

So, that being said, I've managed to loose 3.5 lbs and one inch from BOTH my waist and my thighs!! WHoo hooo!! My goal is to be at 140lbs for Christmas and make my dh buy me a new wardrobe!!!!

Wish me luck and I'll keep you informed of my progress.

Vacation Post #2 - Cedar Point!

Boy, did we have a blast at Cedar Point! We had reservations and got to stay in their Campers Village! It was so cool to be able to walk to everything!! The beach, the park, the water park! We got to come back to the RV if we needed a break....or to come back and make lunch. I highly recommend it!! And the best perk of all was that everyone staying on park property got to enter the park an hour earlier than the public and each day they would open a few special rides just for us!
So what's the first thing we do??? Take Heather on her first roller coaster of course! The Iron Dragon! It's one of those types of coasters where you sit in the little cars under the track! We actually made her ride it once both days, and on the second day I had her ride it in the front seat with me!! I told her to pretend that we were riding on Cassie's back (from Dragontales) LOL!!! She did great and didn't complain too much. So we purchased her a tee shirt to commemorate the event!

We didn't get to ride too many of the big rollercoasters because Heather was just an inch too short. But the park did have this great program where one adult waits in line and gets to ride the ride, then when they get off that parent gives the workers a card and the second parent gets to go up the exit ramp and ride the next round. We did that a few times.

Heather's two favorite rides were the kiddie bumber cars and the mini-gemini rollercoaster! Daddy said that the little rollercoaster banged him up worse than any of the BIG ones that he got to ride! That's them in the front seat...daddy in the yellow.

I've got a ton more pictures, but I think you get the gist of the day! She had tons of fun in the children's areas riding all those silly little rides, but she had a BLAST!

Now, the Soak City is a different story! Can you say FUN for my little fishy!! Even though she was still to small to ride the big slides, they did have a ton for the little ones to do including this little slide into a kiddie pool! I didn't get many picures here since I was too wet and having too much fun, but you can check out the link! Be sure to look at the Splash Zone! It was super cool!!!! I even ran through it a few times, LOL!! The waterpark did have one of those HUGE family innertube slides that is like 7 stories high! Well, that was H's favorite! And we rode it 7 TIMES!!! I can't believe I climed that many stairs! LOL!!

OK, enough for now! Have a great day everyone!! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Jaybird Newsletter

Look at what I managed to make this week!

New for fall is this fun and funky crocheted Tam Hat! I've been seeing these everywhere in fall trend catalogs! Now I will make you one of your very own! You get to choose the color too!

And for all those little punk princesses out there, you can show some attitude with
this Hat and Bootie set featuring skull and crossbones buttons on pink and black!

Now, if you have a little goth man in your life, or just want something fun and unique for Halloween, how about this pair of skull loafer-style booties?

I am currently working on a new one for August and hope to have it finished by next week! So keep an eye out for it!

Happy Crocheting!

Kindergarten!!

OMG!! I can't believe it! MY baby is now officially a kindergartener!! I dropped her off first thing this morning and will pick her up later this afternoon!!

We have enrolled her in one of our local charter schools called Independence Academy. Today they will test the new kindergarteners and then place them into their new classes. There will be a remedial kindergarten, a regular kindergarten class, and then they will be putting about 10 kindergarteners in with a first grade class. We'll find out which class when I pick her up....or tomorrow, LOL!!

The school is Monday through Thursday 8-3:30!! What will I ever do with myself??? Well, today it's house cleaning and laundry, LOL!! And then I can crochet and sew in all my free time! WHOO HOOO!!!

Ok, so I better go get my work done! It sure is quiet around here............

I am officially EXHAUSTED!!

It has been a long weekend here...and it's not even Sunday yet!! LOL!!

My weekend began yesterday with the Grand Opening of the Riverside Parkway her in Grand Junction. For a road that really doesn't "go" anywhere, they sure made a big hoopla over it! You can read more about it here.

Well, since I knew it was going to be crowded, Heather and I rode our bikes down to it. Wasn't really that far...probably about 3 miles each way. They had shuttle/bus rides on the new street, a classic car show, clowns, lots of cake...ice cream...cookies! The Botanical Gardens were free so we looked around in there, Heather jumped to her hearts content on the bump-n-jump, and basically we just enjoyed the morning. Then we headed back home, which included a BIG uphill section on our bike!! I am happy to say that we did pedal up it the whole way with only one stop!!

Then while we were lounging around the house in the afternoon, my neighbor brought me over yet another grocery bag full of plums from her tree!! So, I made plum pie!! LOL!! I found a really good plum pie recipe here. It was easy to make, especially since I had a frozen pie crust in the freezer!! And I did read all the comments and followed one ladies suggestion of microwaving the filling for a few minutes. If you like rhubarb pie...or a good mix of sweet and sour...this is an excellent pie recipe!!

Then, to finish off our Friday and the Grand Opening celebration, Heather and I headed to our local ice skating rink for a free hour of skating!! OK, now I used to rollerskate every weekend when I was a kid. And I am currently not too bad at rollerblading and have been teaching Heather how to blade, but I have only been on ice skates once!! And that was about 20 years ago!!! Heather was trilled to be ice skating for the first time. I actually did very well....only fell once while trying to help Heather. She did do good too!! By the end of the hour she managed to make it across the narrow end of the rink once all by herself!! I was so proud of her!! And she only broke down in tears once!! LOL!!

Then Friday night the family took a nice leisurely stroll down Main Street. I love looking in all the windows!! But needless to say, when I laid my head down last night, I immediately fell asleep! LOL!!

OK, so this morning I get up and hubby tells me to pick the plums off my side of the neighbors tree!! Now what!?!?!? I was on the search for another plum recipe!! LOL!! I found this one for Plum Bread. Again I read the comments and ended up reducing the oil to 1/2 cup. It was WONDERFUL!! Next time I think I will just make it in a 11x13 pan and eat it like a cake! LOL!! And it looks like it will work with peaches....yum!! Looks like I may be heading to the Palisade Peach Festival tomorrow, LOL!!

Whew!! And just when I think I am done, my OTHER neighbor stops by and gives me 2 cucumbers, three jalapenos, and three green peppers from his garden!! Now what!?!?!?! I decide that for my walk tonight my neighbor and I would head to the grocery store. I pick up more supplies and come home to make salsa!! YUM!! I haven't made it in years!! So all night tonight I have been chopping...and chopping...and chopping! My back is now killing me from bending over my slightly too short counter tops, my hands are burning from all the onions and peppers, and I'm even too tired to try my salsa! LMAO!! It will have to wait until lunch tomorrow!

So now, as I type this, it is already past my bedtime and I am exhausted!! I think once my head hits the pillow again, I will be out like a light! I wonder what will happen tomorrow as we prepare for the first day of Kindergarten on Monday???? And I'll probably be dreaming of all the wonderful fresh fruits and veggies to come!!! Peaches.....apples.....

Do you like it??

OK, so I realized all my headshots are pretty old. So today I had a friend take some new ones of me. What do you think? Do you like it or not? Think I should try again? Or will this one do? I'd love to hear your opinions!!!

And yes, I have big teeth and little eyes! LOL!!

JBD Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jennifer J. Cirka

sales@jaybird-designs.com

www.jaybird-designs.com

Jaybird Designs Releases Wholesale Catalog for Fall/Winter 2008

Grand Junction, Colorado, August 13, 2008 - Jaybird Designs announced today that their first ever wholesale line is now available for purchase.

Jaybird Designs, a mom owned and operated custom crochet boutique, features many unique crocheted and knitted designs for babies, children, and women. They specialize in crochet baby blanket sets (which include a crochet baby blanket, matching crochet hat and booties), boutique style children's clothing and accessories (such as halters, sweaters, and hats), women's accessories (beautiful purses, scarves, and more!), and original crochet patterns. The designer, Jennifer J. Cirka, is also a published crochet designer with beautiful designs published in major crochet magazines such as Crochet Today and Crochet World. She also has a leaflet of her designs in the works with Leisure Arts.

The new line of wholesale items include adorable baby hat and mitten sets for both infant boys and girls. It also includes other amazing accessories for babies and children. The women’s accessory catalog features stunning hats and scarves along with a unique crocheted purse. Other items listed on the Jaybird Designs website can also be considered for wholesale purchase if requested.

The Jaybird Designs wholesale catalog is now available for viewing by contacting the designer at sales@jaybird-designs.com . It will be available up until December 1, 2008. All orders must be received by that date.

Customers love the unique designs of Jaybird Designs. “I am always impressed with the quality of her [Jaybird Designs] work, attention to detail and her unique flare. She's always coming up with something new just to keep us on our toes!” raves Robin of Robin Long Photography, the photographer for the Jaybird Designs Wholesale catalog. All Jaybird Designs items are handmade with quality materials and attention to details. Buyers are guaranteed that they are working with a professional and all Jaybird Designs items are of the finest boutique quality. Jaybird Designs offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

“I’m so excited to be able to do something that I love [crocheting and designing] while still being able to stay home to raise my beautiful daughter and bring in a little extra income for my family.” says Jennifer, who has been a stay-at-home mom for 5 years now. If your child is not wearing Jaybird Designs, they might as well be naked as a Jaybird!

###

Vacation Post #1....

...Adventures with a 30 year old RV...



So we left bright and early on Saturday morning (July 26).... really early!!! 5:30AM! Yikes! Little did I know that this would be the theme for most of our driving trip. Seems the old girl, now affectionately kown as "The Brick", really likes the cool early mornings to drive.



The sun comes up and at about 100 miles from home the power steering belt BREAKS!! So, my super-man of a husband (BTW, he is also a mechanic) decides to drive The Brick without power steering until we find a parts store. Have I mentioned yet that we are taking the L-O-N-G way to PA to avoid going over big mountain passes? At this point, we are actually heading north to Wyoming! We find a parts store in Craig, Colorado....purchase the new belt we need....but get back on the road. Super-man decides that he will change the belt when we stop for the night.



So into Wyoming we go....Ever been there?? Well....you're not missing anything! There is NOTHING there but wind! Seriously! Even driving through the capital, Cheyenne, is like a little spot. Blink and you miss it! But it is pretty....in it's own way.

Then it is onto Nebraska. I personally think Nebraska smells like cows, LOL! It's a BIG state to cross, but by this time it is time to find a stop for the night. Since it was a Saturday, we ended up having to stop at three different campgrounds to find one with an opening! So we did get a little further than planned. And the one we did find had train tracks right next to it. Luckily we were all tired enough to sleep through most of them!

Sunday morning it is up at dawn and on the road again. Today we need to cross the entire state of Nebraska! Like I said before, there is not much here but farmland, so I don't have much to comment on! OH! And the belt didn't fit, so Super-man is still driving without power steering!

We do manage to cross Nebraska and end up stopping for the night just over the boarder in Missouri. A nice little KOA with a toad infestation!! Heather was FASTENATED with all the toads hopping around. And it was BAD!! You really had to watch where you walked or you may step on one!

And by this time the humidity is KILLING me!! We live in a very hot and dry climate, so the hot and humidity was driving me nuts! Not to mention that the RV does not have A/C when on the road. So every night when we stopped my first priority was always to get the A/C turned on!

Monday we decide to take it a little easier. We drove across Missouri and Illinois and ended up stopping just west of Indianapolis. Again, by strongest memory is the HUMIDITY! By this time my skin is breaking out like crazy! I feel as if I am 14 again! ICK!! It's not even worth it to try and put on make-up because it melts right off!

Tuesday is another easy day of driving. Across Indiana and Ohio to our first destination of Cedar Point!! WHoo hoooo!! We get set up at the park campground, which is in walking distance to both parks and Lake Erie. That first night we walked along the lake and swam in the campground pool. These pictures are from this area. I'll admit, I was a bad blogger and didn't take pictures of everything. I just didn't have the urge to lug a camera around with me all the time. OH!! And I think we got the power steering belt fixed somewhere in Indiana! LOL!

Tomorrow I will blog more about our adventures at Cedar Point!

News from JBD!

Have you all seen the new category on my website??
FREE CROCHET PATTERNS!
Here you will be able to quickly find all your favorite Jaybird Designs patterns that I offer for FREE!! And I'm working on my latest one now! So stay tuned!
Now, I've also been busy loading new items onto my site. The first is my newest pattern, The Transitional Baby Doll Top!

This sweet pattern is at an intermediate level and great for any little girls wardrobe! Wear it alone as a halter, or over a tee as a vest! She's sure to LOVE it!

Now, for all those sweet little babies out there, I just listed two hat/mitten sets! Little Boy Blue for Boys and Pretty in Pink for girls! What a great baby shower gift these will make! They are sure to get lots of "Ohhhhh's and Awwwwww's!"

And be sure to check out all the other new items I have listed! Lots of goodies for mom's too!

I also want to add that I have just finished up the Jaybird Designs Wholesale Catalog for Fall/Winter 2008/09. If anyone who owns a boutique would like to purchase some of my designs wholesale, please contact me for a copy of the catalog!
Well, that's it for now! Be sure to check out all the great SALE items I have listed! Have a great week and Happy Crocheting!

HOME!! Safe and Sound!

YAY!! We made it!! What a WONDERFUL vacation we had! It was great seeing my niece and nephew too!! I've got lots of things to do now that we are home, but I wanted to let you all know that we are back! I have lots of great pictures to share too...but here are a few of the kids just to wet your appetite!! Heather is on the left, James (3 in November) is in the middle, and Anna (6) on the right. You don't know how hard it was for me to NOT pack those extra kiddos in the RV with us and bring them home!!