Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Newest Girl in the Family

This is the newest doll I made just for my niece who's turning one today. Here are a few pics of her and I'll post later next week to talk about how I made her.



Monday, November 28, 2011

When God Created Your Toes

I'm always looking for books to share with my nieces and nephews.  A special book that I'm looking forward to sharing with them soon is When God Created My Toes by Dandi Daley Mackall.  The story, through colorful illustrations and simple, fun rhymes, teaches a little one just how special they are in God's sight.
Source: Amazon.com
The first time I read the story, I enjoyed the simple rhymes and the fact that the story moved through all the body parts we teach our little children making it an engaging book for a toddler.  I also appreciated the focus on the little child through the language and illustrations.

On my second reading, however, I understood that the little girl was imagining what she and the Lord might have done as each part of her was created. For example,
           When God created my hands
           Did my fingers snap?
           Did he help me clap?
           Did we cheer for angle bands when God created my hands?


With this understanding, the story affirms the message from Psalm 139:13-16 (quoted at the beginning of the book):
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Sweet affirmation for a growing child. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to sharing it with the children in my life.



Full Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Giving Thanks


All that we behold is full of blessings. 
~William Wordsworth

My childhood pastor was a firm believer in the importance of giving thanks daily for what we have received. He challenged us on several occasions to make it our habit to pause during our day and give thanks to God for four things. I don't know if there was any significance to the number, but the spirit of making it a regular practice to give thanks has always stayed with me.

Thanksgiving the holiday has passed, but still there is much to be thankful for. On my list today is-

1) The sight of my favorite bird, the great blue heron, landing in front of me. I snapped this photo of him to try to capture his beauty. Sigh...

2) My puppy crawling up on my lap to take a nap. It's so sweet the way she wants to be with us.

3) Nephews and nieces that are growing up healthy and strong. I'm excited to be seeing them soon.

4) My supportive husband. I got pretty sick over thanksgiving and he took good care of me and Mollie.

What about you? What are you thankful for today?

Friday, November 25, 2011

Crochet for Christmas

It's Black Friday and if you happen to enjoy staying home in lounge pants more than wrestling through crowds looking for a likely already-sold-out deal, then I've got a treat for you- 10 great gift ideas you can crochet for Christmas!

All of these would brighten someone's Christmas morning. And they all could be made in an evening or two of crocheting in front of your favorite Christmas movie. For me, it'll probably be one of the classics- It's a Wonderful Life or White Christmas.

1) Nook or Kindle Case
How about crocheting a case for a friend's Kindle?  I've seen lots of takes on these including chevron stripes and granny squares.

Source: Little Birdie Secrets 

2) Make a Monster
These are sooo cute!  Wouldn't they make fun stocking stuffers for the kids in your life?

Source: Crafty is Cool

3) Ornament Bookmark
As I'm getting back into reading, I'm finding that a good bookmark is hard to find.  How about giving one of these (and a book) to a reader in your life?

Source: Julie K

4) Light Blue Julie Cuff
Ok, so I LOVE bracelets and cuffs!  How cool would one of these be with a t-shirt and your favorite jeans?

Source: Simply Stoked

5) Baby Moccasins
These are ADORABLE!!!  You've got to know some little girl to make these for!

Source: Little Eme

6) Bath Foamie
I haven't seen anything like this before, but wouldn't that be a fun gift for a little one you know?  I love the mix of amigurumi and practicality.

Source: Petite Purls

7) Granny Stripe Boutique Bag
I saw this last summer and bookmarked it- how cute and fun is that?  Filled with some sweet smelling lotions, lip glosses or nail polish and this would make a great gift for a teen in your life.

Source: Tangled Happy

8) Sweet Home Sweet Pillow
I want this pillow!  And isn't the sentiment simply perfect?

Source: Purlbee

9) Crochet Spring Frills Scarf
My absolute favorite accessory to wear is a scarf!  I must have well over a dozen in different textures and colors.  I'd love to add one of these to my collection, wouldn't you?

Source: Aestheic Nest

10) Fuzzy Bear Hat
I love all the children's hats that Alli Crafts comes up with.  And having made this particular one, I can say that her hats look adorable on the kids you crochet them for!

Source: Alli Crafts

Enjoy this holiday crafting season!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Giving Thanks!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!


For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

On the bookshelf

I used to be a voracious reader. As a student, I read all the time. But somewhere between graduation and getting a job, my reading slowed down significantly. Such a disappointment.

To begin amending this situation, I've made it one of my recent goals to begin reading at least one book a month. Thus far, I'm up to three months and three finished books: The Help by Kathryn Stockett (loved this- neglected everything to read it all in one weekend), The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (fascinating to delve into another culture like this) and most recently, The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore (such an interesting and bittersweet look into the lives of these two young men).

What about you? Has anyone read a good book recently? What's on your reading list?