Emma On Stage at Family Camp

Emma dancing to their song they learned at family camp.  James and I would have never gotten up on stage and danced in front of a group when we were her age.  :) 

More Pillow Love

I never get tired of making pillows.

I'm not sure what number pillow I'm on.

There were times I wasn't sure of the colors on this one but the more I looked at it, the more I liked it.

Pictures don't do it justice...not that I take good pics anyways. :)

 

Wrap Around French Braid

I'm sure there is a better name for this french braid but I don't know what it is.

I started on one side of Emma's head and continued around.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do once I got it around her head but ended up just putting it in a little side bun. 

She sat really well for me while I did this.

Some mornings when I start, I just have to give up but yesterday morning we both did great!  :)

Round Crochet Table Top

This project took me a couple evenings.

Because I decided I didn't need to follow a circle pattern, I ended up having to rip some rows out here and there.

Live and learn.

Sometimes it's easier to follow a pattern...especially for a circle.

I picked some lovely roses from my garden to put in a jar and place it on top.  I think it looks lovely!

These little roses and chives are the two things I know I can get to grow in my garden.

 

Flannel Wipes

Here is a great way to save a little money with that extra flannel you have.

I realized a few months ago how much toilet paper I was using.  

So I made some flannel wipes.

I know, sounds a little gross but it really isn't.

You can cut them to any size you like.  Put the wrong sides together and sew around.

 

I have a little drawstring bag by the toilet and once used, I just drop it in.

You can throw the bag in with a bag of towels or sheets to wash.

 Thanks to Sarah and her mom for the brilliant idea.

 

Some questions you may have.

Do they smell?

Only a drop or so ends up on the wipes.  I haven't noticed a smell coming from the bag but I don't let them sit there for weeks without being washed.  I throw them in the washing machine every time I throw in a load of towels or sheets.  I would also throw them in with diapers if I was using cloth diapers.

Do you use them for everything?

Nope.  I don't use them during that time of month and I don't use them for #2.  I suppose you could but that seems a little to gross for me.  

If I come to visit you, do I have to use these?

No, guests still use regular toilet paper.  Just want to put that out there in case you are thinking of visiting.  :)

What will they look like after the first wash?

The reason why you need to sew around the edges is that the edges will fray after the first wash.  They will also shrink a bit so make them a little larger than you'd like.

Does this really save you money?

It does for me.  With my endometriosis and small bladder I use the bathroom a lot especially when I'm drinking the required amount of water a day that you are suppose to.

Evening Project #2

I was able to come up with another quick evening project.

I made an ugly lampshade into a thing of beauty. 

It really cheers up the room.

Adding Some Color to My Kitchen

Last night I wanted to be creative.  I didn't want to start a project that would take me days or weeks though...so I looked around and saw my container holding my spoons, spatulas etc.

I thought about how boring and dull it looked.

So I spruced it up with some crocheting.

I think it looks colorful and cute now!

It adds a splash of color to my counter.

Newborn Hats

 After we got back from Florida I was in a newborn phase.   

For therapy I came home and whipped up some of these cute newborn hats. 

There is just something special about a new little baby.

We can't forget about newborn boys.  

....we didn't bring her home but we have the privilege to pray for her every day.

Emma and her special moment.

Beaded Bracelets

I have been working on crocheting some bracelets.  I love working with the finer material and the beads.

You can find instructions here.

You can use cotton thread or waxed linen.  I like working with the waxed linen.

You can find waxed linen at this store. 

Busy Spring

We have had a busy spring.  It has been a time of excitement and disappointments for  our family.  Through it all, we know that God always had a plan.  Here are just a few pictures.

Emma always clowning around.

Emma's Easter basket with the bunnies I crocheted.

We started doing respite foster care.  Emma loves helping me take care of the little ones.  She is a good helper learning how to be a good mama one day.  It's a good ministry for us to do from home.

In April we spent a few days in Florida.  We were hoping to adopt Oliva Erin but God had different plans.  After taking care of her for three days, her mama changed her mind and decided to parent.  It was heart breaking but I knew when her mom couldn't go through with it, she wasn't our baby to take home.  

I was blessed to be her mom for three days! 

We were fortunate to spend a few days with cousins in Florida and Georgia before heading back home.  We were also blessed to visit with Emma's foster mom...we didn't have long enough to spend with any of these people we love!

Emma loved Sea world.

Emma and her cousin.

Our sweet Emma is always making us laugh!