Crocheting is Back

Don't let anyone tell you crocheting has to be just for old ladies and church bazaars - (even though if it weren't for these said "years experienced ladies" we wouldn't even know how to crochet! - so I say  - Thank you! to them).  Crocheting is so much fun - I was introduced to it several years ago by my mother in law. Her father had carved these crochet hooks from the limbs from a Bodock Tree.  I love them.  They are so smooth and glide just right through the yarn.  They've got all the love of handmade in them too.  She gave them to me during a visit to Mississippi and taught me a simple chain stitch in the back seat of the Tahoe.  I had one good long chain by the time we made it back to Birmingham!

 

So, my sister started a new photography business - Bellies to Babies - she's in the northern Indiana area.  A good midwestern girl!  She taking the most adorable pictures of, well, bellies and babies!  She had asked me to make her a few little hats for the little boys to wear.  I'm not sure these will be the right size for newborn heads though.  I tried cramming one on my 3 year old, but he wasn't having any of that.  Guess blood flow to the head is important even to a 3 year old, hmmm..

So, back to crocheting - it's very relaxing once you get the hang of it - gives you immediate results - and allows you to sit and still feel productive, (important if you are a crazed mother!) - and is therepeutic.  Guess that's another reason why I have been drawn to it in the last several days.  My family has been facing some really tough issues.  I don't need to say a lot about it, but I do want to say how much I admire and love my mother in law and would appreciate any prayers you send her way.

Now, go get crocheting!

Mouse Introductions

My kids in the land of the mouse, for the first time!
Just look at the grins on these faces!

Can't go to Disney without indulging in the Chocolate Covered Mickey ice cream!

"Mommy, can I please have this???? Please???? Please????? Look into my eyes....you are getting drowsy......I said Please!" How could I resist? (this cool toy lasted about 15 minutes before the bubbles were all used up, purchased more bubbles, used those up in about 10 minutes, now we're home and the dangedy dang thing won't work at all!)

Aw - now that's a sweet boy!

Mommy and Daddy had to get in on the action too!

Guess where we've been??? I know, it's so much fun looking at someone else's vacation pictures, Ha! If you lived closer, I'd have you over for punch and cookies and we could look at them on the big TV screen ;)

It was a fun trip - kids had fun (most important factor!), spent some fun time with a dear uncle and much loved grandmother, a few minor hiccups, some change of plans, some really nasty real-life stuff that reared up, but the kiddies had fun - and for that I am grateful!

It's been 18 years since I've been to Disney World. The last time I stepped foot there I was employed by the Mouse. It was such a fun experience, with loads of memories, as you can imagine. So, this trip was sort of like a home coming for me. I worked in the Magic Kingdom, in a little store called the Mad Hatter. It's been transformed a bit and is now called Fantasy Faire - doesn't look much like I remember. I've realized that it's a totally different experience seeing Disney as a parent, compared to a carefree 20-something. I had a few "Ahhh" moments, but it was mostly the "Ahhh" experiences for my kids this time around that I enjoyed most.

This is the Guide Book we used while in the park - I'd highly suggest it if you are looking!

Mommy and Her Little Cupcake

I've just finished a Mother/Daughter set of aprons - so super sugary sweet, you can taste it!

These are headed to Birmingham, AL shortly. Wishing that I had a child's size dress form for the little one....

Don't you just love that pink polka dot fabric? Wishing I had several more yards of that too!

"Keep Calm, Cupcake" (Apron)

Doesn't this little girl's apron just make you think of pink cupcakes with sprinkes?? I made this for a sweet, sweet little girl who is turning 4 years old - she's all pink, all the time, and sweet as sugar! I cut out enough pieces to make another apron to post on Etsy, soon..... (again, it's a time thing....you can relate, I know!)Why am I thinking I'd like to eat a nice, big, pink cupcake? Well, it is lunchtime - and I keep looking at this magnet on my fridge - probably not the best thing when you're trying to be healthy - but, seriously, can cupcakes be all that bad? Really?

Yep, he's Mine

See the focus?

See the determination?

See the fine motor skills?

See the little tongue sticking out? (ok, that's not from me, but it's sure cute!)

My little crafter - couldn't resist taking his picture. I love that boy!

Winner, Winner....

(Tried to get one of him with eyes open, but that wasn't happenin' this morning!)

Krisha from Fort Worth - you are the winner! Send me a message with your address and I'll send your scarf off to you -

Thanks so much everyone!

"E" is for Ethel

"E" is for....well, it's for "Ethel"! (for you Bobby Long fans, I keep wanting to sing the "T for Texas" song here!) I had to share this cute sewing basket I picked up at the flea market this weekend. For one thing, I loved the icky plastic thing because my mom has one just like it - and you know what it's like when you see things in antique malls or flea markets from when you were little - sometimes, you just gotta have it. I was sold before I even opened it up - but once I did, I found these large "E" monograms inside of it. My last name begins with an "E" so I thought it was perfect. But then....I saw the "Specially Handmade by Ethel" label and loved it even more.

I'm the new owner of Ethel's sewing basket!
It's fun to think about what she must have done with all those zippers, lace, the book on Collars, hem tape, etc. I'm just thrilled to have it - I also found this stack of odds and ends - basically really gaudy fabric that the hubs rolled his eyes at! I liked the little Ginger Snaps because they have little horse shoes on them - I live in Texas you know! Quirky and cute in my book!

Flea markets are fun - you just have to get past the grubby-ness of it all. If you look past the ickiness and focus your eyes on the prize, it's fun! What flea market treasures have you found?? Anyone been to Round Top this past spring?

Don't forget to sign up for the Facebook Giveaway if you are not already entered! The contest ends tomorrow midnight - you just have to be a Facebook fan to be entered. You can obtain a second entry by posting the Giveaway on your Facebook page, and a third entry by blogging about the Giveaway! (Just be sure to leave me a message)

See you later taters!