Things I've made...

So I just finished a big sewing and crochet project for my cutie little sis-in-law who is expecting her first little one in May. (Her baby shower is tomorrow.) I always feel so good and accomplished when I finish a project like this one, on time and I'm pretty proud of how everything turned out... so I thought I'd post some pictures. And while I'm at it, I might as well post a few of my other projects I've done (since I don't take the time to post pictures often).

Here is the diaper bag, burp cloths and crocheted monkey and lion for Melanie Odom (my sis-in-law). There is also a matching changing pad inside the bag that isn't pictured:












Here is a Winnie the Pooh baby quilt I made... my first experience with a log cabin quilt:









Here are a few of the crocheted blankets and other items I have made (mostly for friends' babies):
















































And lastly, a Care Bear I made for my niece... complete with heart on the butt:












Okay... after posting all of this, I now remember WHY I do not post pictures often. Posting on Blogger is a pain in the butt. Tonya, you are going to have to tell me your secret to easy picture posting... *smile*

Got out early...

Got out of work early... so I got to have a nap, did dishes, had time to make (from scratch) a chicken pot pie and large salad for dinner and will start a sewing project after dinner... I love having ACTUAL time at home to get things done. *smile*

I feel like Hannah...

Last night, one of my precious friends announced her pregnancy. She hugged me and said "I was so nervous and unsure as to how to tell you"... I just smiled and told her that I was so happy for her.

I feel like Hannah (see story 1 Samuel). When she was barren and heartbroken, longing for a child, she received a promise from the Lord (through the priest Eli) that her prayers would be answered. Then she went away and was happy, even though she did not know when her miracle would come to fruition. That's where I am today.

Recently, I was spending some special time in prayer and the Lord led me to Hannah's story, and then to Psalm 20 and then to Matthew 7:7... touching my heart and answering my prayers in such a quiet peaceful way. I feel spiritually pregnant. I am just waiting for God's timing.

I talked to my mom and she was sent for some special blood tests today. Her doctor asked her "you have three daughters, right?" and she said "yes"... he then asked "have any of your daughters had miscarriages?" Apparently, there is some factor that they are looking for in her blood that is hereditary that causes miscarriages. And if that is the problem, it's a simple fix. Maybe this is my answer.

My new passion

Sometimes I wonder why the Lord allows some of the struggles in my life. Why I have had to walk the difficult road of empty arms while my husband and I battle with infertility. But I have recently discovered something... and I may have my answer.

I LOVE babies.

Okay... that may not be an epiphany to most, but not only do I just love babies, I love pregnant women... I love hearing birth stories and am not offended or grossed out by any gory detail.

I have recently delved into the deep controversial world of homebirth and am facinated by it. I am enthralled with the beauty of the Lord's designs... the way he made women to give life to precious babies. The way he built us to carry and protect his new little creations for nine months and then gave us the ability to bring them into the world.

Granted, not all women are good candidates for homebirth. For example, any with high risk or complicated pregnancies... but those women are a minority. And most women nowadays would rather have the hospital experience and want to have easy access to pain medication. And there is nothing wrong with that.

But after the difficulties I have had just in the hopes to be able to get pregnant, I have become passionate about being able to experience pregnancy and birth naturally. I want to be able to control the birth experience of my children without medical intervention (unless it is an emergency situation...)

Yes, this is a contraversial issue and I am not one to push my ideals or crazy notions onto those I love... but there is so much factual information out there to prove that homebirth is as safe as and sometimes safer than hospital birth. And most of the "horror stories" of birth that I have heard usually revolve around hospital protocol and being pushed with interventions that were unnecessary and not wanted by the mom in labor. I think that American women have become so fearful of labor and birth that often they just go along with whatever they are told... in hopes of something that can make the pain go away.

But I guess I can't say much since I have not yet had a baby... but I intend of studying this further to be prepared for when my time comes.

Okay... I will get off my soapbox... for a moment. But if anyone is interested in figuring out why I am so consumed with this topic, go to http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/. You will be amazed.

I wonder if I would be a good midwife.

2011... the year of expectation

So my sisters have LOVINGLY deemed 2010 "The Year of Suck". I think it fits. We had a rough year... to say the least.

And we are expecting 2011 to be filled with miracles. We have prayed for months and months for miracles. The time is now.

So far this year, we've already had one miracle... a new job for Andy! We are grateful.

My dad has really been struggling... especially since just before Thanksgiving. We need a miracle. A BIG miracle. Mom is just about worn out caring for him and he is not the man he used to be. We need our dad back. God has a big job for him and right now, he cannot even leave the house often. We need God's intervention FAST.

Andy and I have been praying for, hoping for and longing for a child. After two miscarriages, and almost two years of trying, it is so easy to be discouraged and upset. But I still have hope.

Other miracles we are praying for: financial security, dependable vehicles and a child-friendly home (studio loft is not baby friendly) for me and Andy; a job, husband and home for Sharee'; a new job for my brother-in-law Steve so he can stay home and not travel so much; and a safe pregnancy and delivery for my sister-in-law Melanie.

The Lord has protected my pugs from sickness, kept my family (besides Dad's struggles) healthy and although we've had tight finances, He has always provided enough. That is a miracle in itself.