Braided Rug--and a Bear Hood

Benji has been a great napper lately, giving me some extra time to work on craft projects I've been wanting to do for a while.  My first project was to "upcycle" some of Jonathan's old t-shirts (we needed some more closet space for Benji's ever-expanding wardrobe!)

I decided to make a rug that is braided while weaving the strands through the previous braid, so that there is no sewing necessary at the end.  I also decided to add a crocheted border.  Here are the instructions for the woven/braided rug that I used.  The biggest surprise in the project for me was how many t-shirts were needed.  I used about 12 large t-shirts to get this rug that is just 30'' in diameter!  Now it is brightening up our bedroom.

My second project was to try this hooded bear cowl pattern from the Velvet Acorn.  I made a toddler size so it should fit Benji best next fall and winter.  The pattern is really simple and quick because it uses extra bulky yarn and size 13 needles.  It did expand my limited crochet skills to make the ears, which was a fun challenge.

Now I have a cute little Ewok!  :)  I can't believe he will turn 1 year old in less than two weeks!

Celebrating Baby Neilson

Yesterday I went to a baby shower in celebration of my good friend Erin and the sweet baby girl she is expecting in April.  Erin and Phil are awesome people and will be amazing parents, so we are overjoyed to help them prepare for this big event!

The shower planners did a great job with a childrens' book theme, matching the food to books like: The Very Hungry Caterpillar (fruit salad), The Tale of Peter Rabbit (veggie tray), Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (meatballs), etc.!  It was cute and tasty!

Many women came to show their love and support for Erin.  It was such a fun afternoon.  I was especially glad that Erin likes the sweater that I knit for Baby Neilson.  :)

Now we just have to be patient in awaiting Baby's arrival! 

"For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; 

at the works of your hands I sing for joy."

--Psalm 92:4 

Erin and her mom

Valentine's Day Weekend

 It's been a LOVEly weekend (pun intended) for us as we celebrated Valentine's Day and Jonathan had the day off of school for President's Day!  Fun times included:

• Going out to dinner on Friday (some generous friends offered to watch Benji--I think it was our first dinner out with just the two of us since he was born!)
• Enjoying a special Valentine's breakfast:

• Playing tennis in 60 degree weather while my boys went on a hike:

• Receiving these beautiful azaleas and some chocolates from my thoughtful Dad:

• Eating a delicious stir-fry dinner prepared by chef Jonathan:

My valentines!

•  Finishing my first ever sweater for a friend's baby shower...Benji is my model:

• And working on our taxes (a President's Day tradition)...  So I guess the weekend wasn't ALL fun and games, but it was wonderful to be home and spend lots of time together before the busy tennis season begins--tomorrow!

 With love to all of our valentines--

Yummy cookies from Mom!  :)

Bethany Craft Sale and other Fun

This has been a really fun weekend so far!  Yesterday we got to help celebrate the birthday of my friend Olivia with dinner and ice cream cake:

Then today, Olivia and I took part in our very first craft fair at Bethany Church.  Every year I've lived in Gallup I have really wanted to sell at this sale, but never had the time to prepare for it.  This fall, Benji's naptimes have been my craft times!  I made knitted sheep ornaments, "Thank Ewe" notes, and photo stationery:

Benji "helping" me get the lamb ornaments ready

Olivia lent me her beautiful Nicaraguan Christmas tree for the display which just worked perfectly.  We had a great day selling crafts and enjoying some baby-free girl time between customers!

This evening the fun continued with an early Thanksgiving dinner at our friends' house.  Benji got really jealous watching us eat that delicious food, so we slipped him a taste of sweet potatoes...I also had my first taste of green chile apple pie, which was fantastic!

We are getting very excited for the holiday season and a visit from Jonathan's mom, dad, and sister in about a week!  :)