In Which I explain my Absence

I must apologize for my absence! If I had realized how busy I was going to be these past few days, I would have had some scheduled post. But, I didn't think of that. The past few days have been really full! On Thursday, I went to school and then spent the rest of the day at Merrill Auditorium in Portland for my orchestra concert. We had a dress rehearsal in the afternoon, I sat backstage while my sister had her dress rehearsal, and then it was the concert.

Friday was All State Audition day. I auditioned for chorus. After school, a group of chorus and band students auditioned for the All State band and chorus (All State is an auditioned group of people that rehearse one weekend and then perform at the end). I don't know whether I made it or now. I know my score (93.5 out of 120 points), but I don't know what the cut-off score is yet. Hopefully I will know soon! Friday was also my birthday. I was gone all day until 8:00, but we still had presents and cake. :)

Saturday morning I went out for breakfast with my dad. It is a birthday tradition in our family to go out to breakfast with Daddy on or near your birthday. We went to the Cracker Barrel (I am soo excited that we have one up here in very un-Southern Maine) and then went shopping. After that, I decorated for my birthday party, cooked meals for people in our church and wrapped the Operation Christmas Child gifts from our church with my Bible Study group, and had a joint birthday party with one of my friends whose birthday is in a week and a half. Here are some photos from the party:

I turned 16, she will be turning 15.

I GOT GIANT TANGLED COLORING PAGES!!!!!!!!! 

Then yesterday I went to church and was able to get on the computer, but only enough to catch up on e-mails, blogs, etc. 

That brings us to today. :) Today I went to school took some photos of my recent knitting projects, took care of my little sister, and read for a little while.

So, now we're all caught up! Thank you for being so understanding. :) Oh, and thank you to my new followers! I now have 33. You guys are great!

Fall Fashion and some tutorials

Happy Friday! Also, happy 11-11-11!

Today because my older sister and I did not have to go to school (the rest of my siblings are homeschooled, as we used to be), we went on a field trip (photos hopefully coming soon). We visited a few of the places mentioned in a book that my mom had read out loud to my siblings. It was pretty cool since we got to drive by two houses that we used to live in and explore some parts of Maine that I had never seen before. Plus, we spent a lot of time in the van so I got a lot of knitting done. :) {you can see a photo of what my project, a doll sweater will hopefully look like here}

Now, for the Fall Fashion Challenge. Today's theme was Fall Trends. I chose plaid. I didn't get a photo of my complete outfit, but here it is in pieces:

It was really cold!

I wore this plaid shirt {minus the purple long sleeved shirt} underneath that pink sweatshirt in the above photo.

Plaid Shirt: Christmas Gift (from Kohl's)

Jean Skirt: Made by me

Pink Sweatshirt: Hand-me-down

I have been inspired by some projects that I have seen recently! There are so many great ideas for Christmas gifts! Here are a few of my favorites:
No-knit yarn necklace:
{via}
Lovely scarf"
{via}
Fabric covered boxes:
{via}
Newspaper bowl:
{via}
5 Strand braided headbands:
{via}
Needlebook:
{via}
Knitted Cowl:
{via}
Also, check out Gabby's post and Kelsey's post for even more great ideas! And don't forget to check One Stitch at a time next week for a blog event with lots of tutorials, recipes, and Etsy treasures!

What have you been crafting lately?
What do you plan on doing with your weekend?

This weekend I...

This weekend I...

1. Went to the drive-ins for the first time on Friday. My family and two other families from my church went. The movie we saw was "Dolphin tale", which was really good!

One of the families brought popcorn for everyone to share. :)

2. Went to Willowbrook Museum, a great place. They have displays set up with carriages and objects from the 19th century. They also have houses and shops set up to look like they would have looked 200 years ago.

On the day we went, some men were acting as men from the Civil War. They demonstrated how to shoot their guns.

There was this really cool bridge that I love.

There was a sweet little store where they sold candy sticks for 20 cents. I got a lemon one.

I thought these candles looked really bright and cheery...so I took a picture. :)

This barrel actually had dill pickles inside! I love pickles, Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to have one of these. maybe someday. :)

3. Finished Emma. I am now reading An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott. I have to write a paper in school about an author, a poet, and an artist from New England. We have to read two books by our chosen author. My author is Louisa May Alcott, and I chose to read An Old-Fashioned Girl and Eight Cousins.

4. Finished the scarf from this post.

5. I started and finished this green hat/beret. I love the star/floral pattern on top! I think I am going to make a lot more of these. :)

6. Went to this lovely spot called Hacker's Hill. The view was gorgeous!

Just a little piece of randomness to leave you with...

What did you do this weekend?

Hope you have a blessed day!