It's Here!!! It's Here!!!

An owl arrived today with my swap kit!!! I'm so excited. I know you wouldn't believe the awesomeness of everything I got, so I took some pictures to show you!

I could post a three page blog entry with photos of everything, but that would be a little too much like bragging, so I took a group shot....

I got some soft 'n silky Tofutsies sock yarn, in a very Magpie-worthy colourway.... along with the Lothlorien sock pattern. (I almost bought this pattern myself! Good think I didn't!)

There was loads n loads of extra goodies.... Chocolate (mmmm, chocolate), candies, notepads, a bath bomb from Lush (I can't even begin to explain my addiction to Lush bath bombs!), super-cute black & white stitch markers from Bumblebirch in an adorable little tin with my Magpies Jersey on it!!! (so cool) Some Harry Potter colouring posters and markers, a really neat little pyramid shaped bag, a super cool sock-blocker keychain with a maple leaf on it (yay Canada!), already adorned with a sweet little mini-sock. (my daughter insisted I put this on the Christmas tree - I obliged, but will be putting it on my keys after Christmas) and a Hedwig book bag. (these are so cool, they actually protect your books! I've been wanting one for ages)

And, saving the best for last..... An owl cabled hat and mitts!!!! These are sooooo cool! And super-comfy too!

love (1,000,000)

My little house-elf got her own little package too! I would've included her stuff in the group shot, but she wasn't giving any of it up, even for a photo.... I snuck a quick picture of her with my zoom lens while I was writing this blog post.

She got her very own knit hat (it fits her great, and she actually wants to wear it), a Dora the Explorer necklace and bracelet (you should've seen her face when she saw those!), stickers, and chocolate. The chocolate was tactfully left out of her gift, so Mommy could decide if she should have it. As you can see, I did let her have it. I was expecting super-hyper kid right about now, but she's actually having an afternoon nap. Wow. I guess the craziness will happen later. ;)

Where's Winnie

My guess for this week is Freidburg, Germany.

Where's Winnie

My guess for Winnie's latest whereabouts?

Transylvania, Romania

oops! blog neglect!

I totally forgot to blog last week! Ack! Sorry Magpies!
I'm here and I'm busy trying to work on my spoilee's kit. Everything is ready except for the handmade item. I've recently developed a really bad case of tendonitis (from playing guitar) and have been told not to go near my guitar (or knit) for at least two weeks. My doctor originally said six weeks, but that literally made me almost cry, so he then downgraded to two weeks, and then take things really slow, and if I feel any pain, to stop immediately. I've had to cheat and work on my kit anyway. It's going really slow, because I can't knit for very long at one time, but I'm determined to have it finished in time. I'm thinking I might even get it done this weekend! Wish me luck!

Where's Winnie

She's at it gain.... hopping (or flying, or perhaps aparating?) all over the globe, leaving little clues about her destinations.

My guesses this week are,

Visiting Horace Slughorn for sure.... where? my guess is Al Mamzar, Dubai.

Next, she's checking out the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt.

Where's Winnie

My guesses for this week

Mexico City, Mexico

Santiago, Chile

RioDiJanero, Brazil

Where's Winnie?

My guess for Winnie's Whereabouts this week is Tibenham, Norfolk, England.
Still not sure what all those bold letters are going to add up to, but I'm getting curious.

Oops! That was close!

Oops! I almost forgot to blog this week! Phew, that was close!
I don't really know what to write about this week.... I'm still waiting for my yarn arrive so I can get started making the handmade item for my spoilee. I'm getting impatient though, and might have to go the my LYS and get something else. We'll see if it arrives this week.
I didn't sign up for shuntbumping, but I'm having fun watching the competition... and getting inspired by the patterns they're doing. I think I might have to make a pair of those mitts.

Where's Winnie

*** Changing my guesses!!!*** I've been thinking about this very carefully, and I think my orignal guesses were off.... so I'm making new ones, that I think are more logical.

Winnie's first stop was Wellington, New Zealand,

and her second stop was Haileybury, Canada (now known as Temiskaming ).... I think.

Where's Winnie?

Judging from her recent letter, and the photo she included with it, I'm thinking that Winnie must be at the Ministry of Magic , in London, England...for now. I wonder where she's heading next?

First Blog Assignment

I like to refer to this first assignment as the "human scavenger hunt" ;)


1. Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).
Hermione Bagnold has the same craft as me - knitting.... and dabbling in other crafts too! :)


2. Someone who was born in the same month.
Olive Bumblebirch - born in August is our wonderful assistant captain of the Magpies team! Go Magpies!

3. Someone from a different country.
My Spoilee, Perenelle Tejedora, is from the US. (I'm from Canada)

4. A new HSKS Quidditch player.
Stellwa Quinn is a brand new HSKS Quidditch player!

5. A player who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.
Pandora Phelps has been in 4 HSKS swaps (including this one)

6. A player who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!)
Wisteria Lovegoods claims to have the biggest stash, while mine can fit crammed into five boxes that all fit under my bed, oh, and one drawer of my dresser.


7. A player who both knits and crochets.
My awesome spoiler from HSKS Summer Camp, Rowan Dragonsinger, can knit and crochet!

8. Someone who has the same favorite color as you.
Antonio dela Weasley has the same favorite colours as me.... Blue and Green.


I really liked this assignment. It gave me a chance to look through some other peoples projects and read a few blogs. We have a fun group here!

First Assignment (all about me!)

WooHoo!!! I tried out for the Montrose Magpies quidditch team and I made it!!!! I'm so excited! I've wanted to play professional quidditch ever since my first day on the Gryffindor team back at Hogwarts. All those years practicing have finally paid off. Now lets just hope I can make my team proud and play some mean quidditch when the season starts.

Pre-season has begun already, and we're already staring our early morning practice sessions. Here's my first assignment:

All About Me! (this is intented to help our spoilers, but all my quidditch fans can read this too, if they are curious)
Where to start? Hmmmm.... Well, lets start with the easy stuff. I'm 28, married, and I have two beautiful little girls, aged 2.5 years and 6 months. (March 2007 & April 2009) No pets. I love animals though. We adopted a really, really, really old dog from the animal shelter and took care of him for two years before he passed. It was really difficult and I'm just not ready for another pet right now. Maybe when the kids are older and start asking for one?
I'm trained as a draftsperson (structural & architectural - I've done both) but have been a stay at home Mom since my oldest daughter was born. I love being at home with my kids but I have been feeling a little bit isolated lately. (my huband has been working out of town a lot this summer) It's really great when I get a chance to talk to somebody older than two!
We're starting on my favorite season right now (Fall). I love the crisp, cool air and the frosty mornings. Ah, sweater season, love it. My favorite holiday is definately Christmas, which is a little strange I guess, since I'm not actually Christian. I was raised Christian, but have since found my own path. I do not believe in organized religion, at all, but I do believe very strongly in being a good person.
My hobbies include Knitting, Crochet (I've made some toys), Spinning (with a wheel, I'm having a rough time getting used to spindles), I've done a bit of Weaving (would do more if I had more time), Cross-Stitch (back-burner hobby), Drawing, I love reading, especially when somebody hands me a book they really like themselves.(hint, hint to spoiler)
What kinds of things do I like? Candy. Yes, I love candy. Especially those 5cent gummy candies you get at the corner store (gummy frogs are my favourite). Chocolate is always a good choice too! Mmmm, chocolate.
I don't like anything with a heavy floral scent, but I do like fresh/fruity/or sweet scents. (I wonder if that has anything to do with my love of candy? hmmmm)
I'm a kid at heart and love cartoon stuff, especially things from when I was a kid (think 80's cartoons - Ninja Turtles, Rescue Rangers, My Pet Monster, etc) And, of course, anything Harry Potter.
I love all colours.... I tend to lean towards cooler colours, blues & greens, but I also wear a lot of browns/earth tones. I will even surprise myself and choose something bright orange, or , or even pink. So, basically, all colours are great for me!
My oldest daughter loves to "help" me open my parcels... so if there's something little in there for her, she would be very surprised/excited beyond belief. ;)
That's all I can think to write about myself right now.... feel free to ask questions if I missed anything important!

Still Here

Sorry for the lack of blog posts lately! I'm still here! I've had a lot of family obligations lately and the swap had to go on the back-burner for a while. Sorry for letting my cabin mates down.

Summer Camp Game #6

Powdered Moonstone & Syrup of Hellebore are for the
Draught of Peace
which calms anxiety and soothes agitation

The Mandrake Draught will cure someone who has been Petrified.

A Babbling Beverage, will make you talk nonsense.

If you accidentally lose the other half of your Fever Fudge, the antidote is Murtlap Essence.

My Owl Arrived!!!

I received my swap kit today from my awesome pal, Rowan Dragonsinger!
Here's some photos of my amazing kit....
Let's start with a group shot of everything all together.


Knitting needles and a crochet hook. Why both? Well, because.... Rowan sent me two workshops! Thank you so much!


For my Herbology knitting workshop, I received this beautiful lace beanie pattern complete with Gryffindor-worthy yarn to make it with.


For my Care of Magical Creatures crochet workshop, Rowan sent me this adorable lion pattern and yarn. My house elf nabbed the fun fur as I was taking this photo.


She says it's "Tickly"
(she also insists that I make the lion for her right away)


And what will I carry my WIP's in? This awesome hand-painted Gryffindor tote bag!!!


And I will mark my place on my lace beanie with these gorgeous Gryffindor stitch markers.

My house elf was very helpful while I was opening everything.... she made sure everything was in working order. "Yup, these magnifiers work great."


Clipboard, Jornal, Notepad & Coloured Pencils. (Rowan must've discovered my secret addiction to new notepads/journals)

This little iron-on owl is soooo cool!

My house elf, digging through my stuff again.

"Oooooh, pretty colours!"

I've actually been wanting one of these little kaleidoscopes for ages... Thanks Rowan!

Well, I must say, Rowan is awesome!!! Thank you so much for everything!!!

Cornish Pixies Camp Game

The most unusual knit/crochet item:

I found this photo on the internet.... so cool!!!

Now I want to make sweaters for the trees in my yard! (don't you?)

Summer Camp Game #5

1. Animagus

2. Daily Prophet

3. Bowtruckle

4. Extendable Ear

5. Radish Earrings

6. Forbidden Forest

7. Golden Cherub

8. Thestral

9. High Inquisitor

10. Educational Decree

I'm here!

I'm back. And I survived the 10 hour drive (each way) with my two kids who were surprisingly good travellers! Yay! Only ten minutes of crying on the way there, and about two hours on the way back. It could've been a lot worse.
Now I'm going to find out what I'm supposed to be doing for Game #5.

Weekly Posting

Wow, I didn't think I was going to be so busy this summer! I thought I would have loads of time to dedicate to this swap but I've been crazy busy. Luckily, I do have my kit put together for my swap pal, I'm just waiting for her to move into her new place before I can send it off with Owly McFeatherpants.
Anyway, gotta go pack by bags so I can head out on the road again.... this time for a family member's wedding.

Summer Camp Game #3

To defeat my Boggart, which takes the form of Professor Snape, I imagine one of his own potions exploding all over him in class. Take that, Snape, I mean, Boggart!

Wish List

I just realized that we were supposed to make a wish list. I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner. I must've missed the post about this. Anyway, I just did a bit of internet browsing and came up with some links on the sidebar to things I think are cool. Note to spoiler: Please don't feel obligated to get any of these particular items, but it probably helps to get an idea of the things I like. ;-)

I'm Baaaaack!

Phew! I'm back. And everybody is healthy and happy. Camping with the kids was great! Only one big car barf on the way home.... so I'd call it a success! ;-)
Haven't checked on the blog or the rav site yet but wanted to post really quickly so I don't miss a week blogging.

Another Camp

Quick blog post before I have no computer access for the rest of the week! I'm taking a little break from Hogwarts Summer Camp for a bit of family camping. Going camping with a toddler and a newborn. Am I crazy!?!?!? Although, when I say "camping", its not a tent. We rented a trailer, so it would be easier with the kids. See you all in a week!

Wingo Help

I'm in BC Canada
I love penny candies.... gummies, etc
I have 2 siblings
I have 22 project in my queue
My patronus is a wolf
I've made my own stitch markers for the last 3 swaps
This is my 5th time in HSKS
Born in August
I'm a Gryffindor!
I'm a spinner

Hope this helps!

Summer Camp Games!

"What's in your trunk?"

Cassandra brought:


Crochet Amigurumi Project
Candles
Cauldron
Cornish Pixies (we're totally going to release these in another cabin as a prank!)
Chocolate Frogs!
Card Games
Candy
Cross-Stitch Project
Chuddley Cannons Sleeping Bag
Circular Needles and Yarn

RAOK

I received a Random Act Of Kindness in the mail yesterday! I was totally surprised!

Chrysta the Cursed totally spoiled me! Thank you so much!

Swap Kit!!!

Yay!!! My swap kit arrived today! Wisteria really spoiled me rotten!
Check out the amazing kit she put together for me.....

Let's start with the bag..... she did such an awesome job! It's nice and big, with lots of great pockets, perfect for knitting projects. Although, with two kids now, this may end up as my "everything" bag!

A really cool fingerless mitts pattern..... I've never made any before but I've really been wanting to try my skills at making a pair. This particular pattern looks really fun to knit.

Along with the pattern there was two different types of yarn.... Wisteria couldn't decide which she liked best, and neither can I! (the panda silk feels soooooooo nice though!) Two different sizes of knit picks needles. (my faves!)

And check out this sweet little trinket box.... I think it's really cute.

Of course, it was loaded with tons of little goodies....

A really cool tape measure/pen (I've never seen these before, I think its awesome!)

A beaded row marker. (I've never used one before but it came with instructions so I'm totally going to try this!)

A Gryffindor BookBeads Bookmark

A cute knitting keychain (this has already found its new home on my keys)

A Gryffindor crest pin

The coolest stitch markers I've ever seen!!! Seriously, these are really neat, they have a tiny little symbol of each different Hogwarts house on them.... so cool.

A HP sketchbook.... aparently this was made from an old board game... cool, hey?

A mini-pencil crayon set.... super-cute.

A tin of Roobios tea. (it smelled soooo good when I opened the lid!)

Box of Fudge Flies (don't worry, they taste far more like fudge than like flies!)

Candy potion
Shortbread (gone...I ate this while taking the photos!)

Wand cosy (I think muggles also use these for their knitting needles)
Mr.Tickle and the Dragon book..... my daughter is going to LOVE this!

Yup, I'd say I'm spoiled!!! Thank you Wisteria!!!!

Quidditch!

1. This “Harry Potter” character’s first name comes from Roman mythology. The mythological character’s twin brother is named Romulus. What is the Harry Potter character last name?

a. Black

b. Lupin

c. Pucey

d. Finnigan

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greed Goddess Athena?

a. Evans

b. Malfoy

c. McGonagall

d. Flitwick

3. In ‘Harry Potter’ World, this wizard has created the Philosopher’s Stone (called the Sorcerer Stone in the US). The historical figure from the 14th and 15th centuries was a scribe and a manuscript-seller who became famous as an alchemist. Who is this individual?

Nicolas Flamel

4. What is the first name of a character whose last name is the name of a Bulgarian leader from early 9th century who doubled the country’s territory?

a. Theodore

b. Cedric

c. Viktor

d. Vincent

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?

a. Creevey

b. Patil

c. Zabini

d. Vane

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?

a. Maurice Sendak

b. Chris Van Allsberg

c. Ezra Jack Keats

d. John Steptoe

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts?

a. The Flagrante

b. The Thieves’ Downfall

c. Anti-summoning Enchantments

d. The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?

a. Another Death Eater’s back

b. George’s wand hand

c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand
d. George’s face

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).

a. James was older

b. 6 months

c. 1 month

d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?

a. Grimp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration

b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration

c. Gamp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration

d. Grimp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration

Picture Hunt

George

McGonagall


Patil

Where the Wild Things Are

Future Hogwarts Student

My future Hogwarts student was born yesterday afternoon! Welcome baby Kenzie!!!

Just In Case

Nothing to really blog about right now, but I wanted to make sure I've posted in case I go into labour and can't post for a few days. ;-)
Ya never know!

Up, Up, and Away!

Owly McFeatherpants has left the building! Keep your eyes open for a scruffy old owl heading your way Waverly! I hope you like your kit!!!

Muggle Artifacts

I just got the coolest new muggle artifact! It's called a "laptop" and it's some kind of muggle computer. Anyway, I'm able to make my weekly blog posts with it so I'm super-happy. Now I won't feel like I'm missing out on so much that's going on around here at Hogwarts because of my limited computer access.
In other news, I'm sending Owly McFeatherpants out with the package for my spoilee on Monday.... Keep your eyes open Waverly. (although it might take him a while to fly all the way from Canada)

Almost Ready

My kit is almost ready to send!!! I just need to take pictures of everything and pack it all into a box. I also need to give my owl a few lessons on international flying, this is his fourth trip out with a swap package, but his first time flying one out to the US. I'm sure Owly McFeatherPants will do fine. Quit laughing! He was a second-hand owl, I didn't name him!

Quidditch Round 2 - Picture Hunt

Lily

Ron

Snape

Luna

Godric's Hollow

Quidditch Round 2 - Trivia

1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry?
a. Tuesday
b. Sunday
c. Saturday
d. The day of his 17th birthday

2. During all this chaos with Voldemort and the Death Eaters, people still had lives to live and Ron's oldest brother, Bill decided to marry Fleur Delacour. Who were the uninvited guests at Bill and Fleur's wedding?
a. Voldemort
b. Death Eaters
c. Scrimgeour
d. Grindewald

3. Voldemort had seven Horcruxes hidden in different places. Six of them were hidden at the Gaunt shack, Hogwarts, a cave, inside Harry, inside his snake, Nagini and Tom Riddle's Diary. Did Voldemort hide the last Horcrux inside the Malfoy's vault at Gringotts?
a. Yes
b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow?
a. The reason is unknown
b. They were tired of their old home
c. The father went to Azkaban
d. It was a better place for their children to grow up

5. Harry and Hermione read a part of "Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," written by Rita Skeeter. Then they met Dumbledore's brother Abeforth and he told them the same story, just with a few details changed. Which of the following did Aberforth and Rita Skeeter agree on about Dumbdore's past?
a. Why the Dumbledore family moved to Godric's Hollow
b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.
c. Why nobody outside the family noticed Ariana much
d. The reason for Dumbledore's father's imprisonment in Azkaban.

6. When Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow, they visit the graveyard to see Harry's parent's graves. Harry walks by a tombstone that we later learn belong to tone of "The Three Broother'. The brother buried there once owned what?
a. The resurection stone
b. The cloak
c. The wand
d. The sword

7. The Trio finds out that Luna had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters , and that they won't give her back until they got Harry Potter. Why did they kidnap Luna?
a. Her father sided with Harry and Dumbledore
b. They though he would come to her rescue
c. She was a muggleborn
d. Her father failed as a Death Eater

8. After Voldemort killed Snape, he left the room and Harry came out from under the cloak. Snape gave Harry some of his memories all the way from when he was a child to just months before. Harry dived into the Pensieve and which of the following did he not see?
a. Dumbldore telling Snape that at some point Snape had to kill him.
b. Snape telling Lily she was a witch
c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class
d. Snape talking to Dumbledore on a hilltop

9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to talk to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive?
a. She didn't remember because she had been dead for so long.
b. Rowena Ravenclaw.
c. Helena Ravenclaw.
d. A girl who was put in ravenclaw 800 years previously

10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron's children?
a. Rose
b. Hugo
c. James
d. Victoria

Checking In

Wow, it's already been a week since I've posted! I haven't had much access to a computer lately, but I'm determined not to miss another week! Can't let my fellow Gryffs down!!!

Swap kit update: I've nearly got my kit together now. I was pretty discouraged after the bag disaster, but that's all taken care of now.... Just a few more things to add, and I'm all set to send!

Homework

Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard, blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her.

Homework

Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard, blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her.

Bad Gryff

I'm so sorry for not posting last week. I was really ill with a terrible flu. Before you all start hexing me, let me tell you that having the flu when you're nearly 8 months pregnant, while taking care of a two year old (well, she'll be two in 10 days) while your husband is out of town is NOT fun. But, the important thing is I survived and I'm back posting again! Yay!

I've almost finished the bag I'm making for my swap pal.... and it's HORRIBLE!!!! I HATE IT!!! Don't worry, I'm not actually going to give it to her now, it's too awful. I had a feeling it wasn't looking right while I was knitting it, but I figured it would all work out after it was felted. Nope. So, I've cast on for something completely different. I really hope this one works out better. Wish me luck!

Quidditch - Round 1 Picture Hunt