When Your Crafting Habit Begins to Take Over

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I saw this cartoon today while looking at the Lion Yarn Website. They have free patterns. Why was I looking at their site? I already am working on a project (a cute, soft, brown, wool baby hat with ears and a muzzle). I already have monkeys to be made. I already have more gnome materials. Why would I be searching that site? Because folks, I am a crafting addict.

Sock Owl

Sock monkeys are my latest craft obsession. I was nearly out of sock monkey stuff when I found that I could make a sock owl out of the leftovers. Isn't he cute?

Keeping Boys Busy on Sunday

Now, I cannot claim to be the inventor of this idea. Nevertheless, it is a good idea. As most of my friends know, I keep my children with me during church. This has its drawbacks, especially with one of those children being a squirrely toddler. With the bigger boys we have kept this pretty simple, bringing a bag with notebooks and pens. Some parents I know have the children draw a picture of the sermon (how educational!) but we don't ask for a particular drawing.

I have been thinking lately that Nai is getting old enough that he can be entertained by something other than nursing, but how does one keep a toddler occupied without making that the point of church. My plan is thus: I am going to make a church bag. I was thinking that it would be great to have some Biblically themed felt prints and coloring book, some small snacks, and a couple board books.

Another idea, perhaps for slightly older than toddler (due to choking hazard): A friend of mine used to hand each of her children one piece of hard candy at the beginning of the sermon. She would remind of the verse that tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Isn't that cute?

So, after payday I will be trying to get this fun sack together and I will let you know how it goes.

My Love/Hate Relationship with the Arts

I enjoy art... making it, viewing it, performing it, hearing it, talking about it. I think that creavitive ability was placed in us by God. God is creative (obviously) and as we are made in His image He made us creative too. He could have made one type of each thing (flowers, water, trees, etc) but instead He made a myriad of wonderful of things for us to enjoy which stimulate all of our senses. In this line of thought, I do not find art sacreligous, but rather an expression of life.

What I don't enjoy is going to art districts, art museums, listening to music and it being filled with grossness. I know I should expect it (and I do) because sin is a part of life therefore it is expressed in art but still I find it frustrating. Is it just me, or do the arts seem to attract extra nastiness?

Don't worry your pretty little heads. I will continue to create. I just wanted to say my piece...

Fair Entries

To our left we have Lucas' lovely rainbow necklace. He just had to have those beads. I encouraged him to get these super cute (boyish) sports or animal beads...."No, Mommy, these are beautiful...especially with these gold beads too." Lucas knows best.

Below is Abe's turtle drawing. In case I have not mentioned it before, Abe loves all things turtle. I thought he made a good use of color.

Again to our left we have Lij's Scissor-tailed fly catcher drawing (which, might I add, is the Oklahoma state bird). I really like the tail on that bird.

Below we have a blurry photo of Abe's most awesome beaded necklace. It took weeks to complete. He was very diligent.

Here is my rag rug. It is my first rug attempt...ever! I watched my friend ripping up a sheet once at park day. She did it in such a way that it was one continuous strip. She said that she was going to crochet a rug out of it.

Months later I came into a large number of girly colored sheets that were certainly not going to be used in my man-tastic household (at least not on their beds). So I gave it a try and fumbled around, crocheting and ripping things out, eventually ending up with this (as seen in the pic).

We are entering our local county fair, even Chris (who is entering some great photos). Entry time is today and the judging is on Saturday. I'll keep you updated!