Spring has sprung... I think

Today is in the upper 40s. Still a chill in the air, but the smell of spring is present. I'm not one to usually complain about a long cold winter, as I like to be cozy, but this winter was a tough one.

Please continue to keep Fargo in your prayers as the river is expected to have a second crest, possibly a foot higher than the first crest last week. Apparently there is a lot of water on its way from different sources into the Red River.

I'm continuing to knit and can't seem to get enough. I finished a baby sweater for a dear Bible study friend. It was my first "real person" clothing item.





I'm now making myself a sweater. I have tons of patterns in queue waiting for me to tackle. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to clean, cook according to our dietary needs and educate my kids :) Yet, I knit... it keeps me sane. I feel so blessed that the Lord allows me to be home with my family doing the things I love.

Our sporting season starts soon. Isaac plays Little League baseball and was recuited to "play up" in his age bracket. He's very excited and we are very proud. Isabel and Isaiah will start soccer in a couple of weeks. Scary for me to think that Isabel will be playing 2nd grade soccer and Isaiah 1st grade soccer. Where has the time gone?

Off to read to my kids. I was at the MACHE homeshool convention this past weekend and two venders in particular caught my attention. The first is a man/dad from Williston, ND (my home state) who as a result from family devotions has written a series of books called the "Kingdom Series". It is medieval parables following stories of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.



We bought the dramatized audio version and we are excited to get started. Isaac has made it perfectly clear to me that we will start studying medieval history in the fall.

The second vender was a teenage girl from Minnesota who at the age of 12 started to write a series of horse stories. She has horses of her own and plays the violin. Isabel has informed me she will start writing her first story very soon. This young lady, the author, has actually been on a several book sign tours around the United States.




There are currently six books in the series following a herd of wild mustangs. We started the first book last night, and I must say I am beyond impressed. They are simple, captivating stories. We are hooked, and Isabel is begging me to come read... then knit.

Waiting & Praying

The wait is on. I won't go into all the details as many news reports have already done that. My mom feels that there is still a long road ahead. There is still so much snow to melt and more coming.

My mom has helped with making meals. My dad makes a killer coffee cake. He made 6 rings of it and delivered it the city workers this morning. They were glad to have it.

I just have to share this video. It has amazing photography and the song is simply perfect. Keep praying.

Fargo

My heart is constantly in my throat these days. I cannot stop thinking of my beloved hometown. I cry just writing this. Lord Jesus, please protect this community. There is such a sense of wholesomeness that you will find no where else. They face adversity with such determination. Hospitals and local universities have been evacuated. Relatives of mine forced to leave their beautiful home. The next few days are crucial. Please Lord, keep the levies strong. Let your glory be revealed through the works of your hands. Bring them peace and rest that only you can give.

This is a video is very well done. Love the song.

Praying for those in Fargo

My thoughts and prayers are with all those in Fargo (especially mom & dad), and many others that I know. I pray the flood waters crest and cease soon, and that no one incurs disastrous damage. I check the weather.com site several times a day and am discouraged that it continues to rain.... and rain. May the Lord protect all the volunteers and the many homes and personal belongings.

I've finished another ensemble for Gabby. I call it her Spring Gray's. I'm currently working on a baby sweater (for a real baby). I'm using a luxurious cotton/rayon yarn. It is such a treat to pick up and knit. I can't wait until it's finished so that I can give it to a wonderful Bible study friend.

Here is a picture of Gabby's latest...click on it to view the really cool knit/purl stitch.

Just call me the "Yarn Cobbler"

This past week has been busy making shoes...yep, you read that right... shoes. I found a cute pattern for Mary Jane Skimmers using yarn. Yarn relaxes me.

I'm currently working on my third pair... a pair for Isabel. Once completed I may need to start working on other things. Isaac is consistently asking when I might make him some stuff. He's currently requesting a scarf and fingerless gloves. Have the patterns, now just need the right yarn. Isabel is also requesting additional clothes for her "Gabby". So here's the most recent creations...

This weekend's creation

I suppose I better start knitting for my kids. Or even taking more pictures of them instead of Gabby... but I'm just having too much fun whipping out these ensembles.

Just wanted to share this past weekend's creation. Some of it is my own design... like the flowers and headband. I think the Mary Jane's are just too cute and can't wait to make more. Very springy.

Isabel's comment to me regarding her doll's new wardrobe... "Mom, you can't stop knitting until Jesus comes back!" She also wanted to know if I could knit in heaven. I thought that was cute. Thanks for letting me share.



Does this make you thing of spring? I crocheted this dress instead of knit.



Flower Power.



Love the Mary Jane's.





I designed the headband. Can't believe I got it to fit the first time.

My newest obsession

My latest addiction... knitting clothes for Isabel's new American Girl doll... Gabby (Gabrielle). Is she not the cutest thing? ... and she looks so much like Isabel. So far Gabby has gone to church, out to eat and violin lessons wearing her new wardrobe.

Every pattern I've made has been free off the internet and done with yarn I already have in my stash. I have a three ring binder full of free internet knit/crochet doll patterns. Do you have any idea what American Girl doll clothes cost in the store? Very expensive... Gabby will have an outfit for every week of the year at the cost of one American Girl outfit.

Gabby will be the best dressed of any of us here in this house :). Anyway, here are pictures of my two recent creations. More to come in the next few days.




Gabby wearing a knitted all-in-one sweater with matching jester's hat and leg warmers.



Jester's hat with tassles.



Tweed cape with matching fur muff.



Tweed cape back with hood.



Wouldn't this cape be too cute in Little Red Riding hood red?



Love how the hood frames her sweet face.