pal party: part 10

LORAJEAN KELLEY

(aka LJ)

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"THE LEVEL OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS AT PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED."

(read more about this wondermom after the jump!)

Sleep deprivation. I think I know what it is, but do I have two kids, work part time, run a business almost full time, and have a husband to take care of? N-O. So I believe LJ when she issues this warning... as sweet and snuggly as she is. When I first started my job, little did I know what a treat I was in for. As soon as we were introduced I loved this lady- she is bossy, badass, and full of more sass than a bathtub of... sass. For real. She manages to bust out every task thrown her way and then some at work, all with a smile (and probs some sass too). She spins and dyes gorgeous yummy dreamy yarn for her business Knitted Wit and still finds time to raise two little piglets, Eli and Owen. SERIOUSLY? Not to mention a husband at home to look out for. Sheesh. I am constantly amazed by this woman's commitment, perseverance, and sense of humor- a million laughs at work, even if she IS being bossy. She is such a G. Days with her at GX are my favorite days!

Just a precious lil pal.

STATS 

FULL NAME: Lorajean Rachel Kelley (used to be Smith)
HOMETOWN: born in Sitka Alaska, one year in Sacramento, high school in Blaine Wa, college here in p-town. Haven't left since. Now that I have two boys from Portland I feel like I'm supposed to claim it as my hometown.

SLEEPS: I sleep in bed with my husband Eric and my smallest monster Owen.  He is a fatty patty who hogs the bed, I want him out soon.  But he's a nursing fool!

FREQUENTLY CAUGHT EATING: you could really just stop at caught frequently eating.  When I was pg with Owen it was pizza, a-l-l the time. With Eric cooking food for me again it's noodles (ugh) and cookies.

WOULDN'T BE CAUGHT DEAD: shopping at wal-mart. Just about everything else in life can be justified.

^KNITTED WIT GET IN MY MOUTH.

WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER: A MONTH LONG VACATION DURING WHICH YOUR CHILDREN ARE ANGELS AND YOUR BUSINESS RUNS ITSELF, OR $5000 DOLLARS? WHY?

Wow this is crazy tuff.  I want to say the $$$, but wow.  My boys being angels, a month long vay-kay and the business runs it self?!  I think the money would win.  It would be such a let down after a perfect month.  The $$$ could do some immediate good since we're b-r-o-k-e.

TELL US YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT HAVING TWO LITTLE BOYS.
The way they love each other. I had no idea Eli could love like this. He is always telling Owen he loves him, he misses him, he wants to nuggle (snuggle).  Loads of kisses and hugs too. Some times it's all a little too much love, but it's so genuine. I also really like that Eli has no idea about being dirty or bugs. He'll get down on his belly and follow spiders around on the floor.  I'm not saying a girl wouldn't, but his exploration is pretty amazing.

YOU HAVE A SERIOUS DECISION TO MAKE: YOU CAN GIVE UP SEEING BLUE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, OR GIVE UP SEEING GREEN. WHICH IS IT?
This is crazy hard. I love all shades of green and I'm going into a blue phase. I think I would give up blue. There is so much green in our world, it would be depressing not to see all of it.

WHAT WAS THE LAST SCARY THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU & WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
I think Eric being sick and having a surgery was the scariest. The unknown, the recovery, having a small baby and not getting to recover myself.  Sometimes it felt like every moment I was unsure if I could survive to the next. But I think that is what I learned. One minute at a time. And the motto I utter constantly: this too shall pass. I knew life wasn't always going to be so terrifying, Eric would get better, Owen would get bigger, Eli would stop being a 2 year old (one day!).

DESCRIBE SOMETHING YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE LAST YEAR THAT YOU ARE SUPER DUPER PROUD OF.
We're all still alive. Everything is about basic needs being met. The kids have clean diapers and clothes. I've eaten. When I'm not worried about the basics I'm pretty proud of my business. I think knitted wit is one of my children. I love it so much and love working on making it a successful functioning business. 

On this day I took a trip out to visit LJ at her new studio. Eli was at daycare, but Owen was pallin' around so you'll get to enjoy his cuteness, too!

LJ: What should I do? Should I put some yarn on my head?

Me: YES!

... I didn't have to any more convincing than that. ;)

 I KNOW, RIGHT? TOO FREAKIN' CUTE.

 This is Blanche, LJ's trusty steed. They roll deep y'all.

 WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO SMILE? 
I WANT TO FROWN... ARE WE DONE YET?

 Twisting pretties.

 Stirring brews.

LJ gets Mom Of The YEAR award from ME. That includes back massages at work, my full Swirl punchcards when applicable, and bites of my snacks. That could never be enough to show this pal how special she is, but I hope she knows it anyway. LJ, you are amazing!

<3