Well I thought I would have my shalom cardy all done as well as the ramona ruth sweater but I need just a little more yarn for both before they can be called finished........(insert sighing here!!) So until those 2 skeins get here those projects are on hold for now.....hence the title loose ends!
So meanwhile I whipped out this adorable hat for Hannah Grace over the weekend! It's from the book 60 Quick baby knits and it's using cascade 220 superwash yarn......ravelry notes here. And not to leave out her brothers I am knitting up some rib-a-roni hats for them. This is a fun quick knit.

We started reading the Jesus Creed with the kids this past week. We got the student version and all ages are enjoying it! It focuses on Matthew 22:37-40....basically we are to love God and love others and as Christians our lives should be a reflection of this basic principle. It has also been talking about not just talkin the talk......but walkin the walk! And really living this out day to day. In our big family we always have opportunities to put the "love others into practice" and it is not always easy! But practice makes perfect right!!!!

Jacob's rib-a-roni

Hannah Grace's Garter Ridge ear flap hat

Hopefully next week will find my loose ends all tied up and done in the form of new sweaters! Until then head over to Ginny's and enjoy all the wonderful projects and good reads everyone is sharing this week!!! Happy Knitting!!!

I did it!! This week I found a way to knit and read at the same time.......I've only had my iphone for a few weeks but I must say that I find  new ways for it to make my life easier every day!! I joined Titus 2 University last week and our book for the month is The Pursuit of God by Tozer. I found the free audiobook at Librovox ......downloaded to my iphone and voila I can now knit and read! So cool!! I am only on chapter 2 but such a good read.......if you are looking to go deeper with God and really pursue Him.
On to my knitting update.....still working on the body of my shalom so it's coming along! The Ramona Ruth sweater is on hold until I get another skein of yarn to finish the sleeves.....it looks beautiful but is turning out a little bigger then I had hoped ...that will teach me to check gauge next time! Oh well Hannah Grace can wear it for her next b-day!! So since I needed more yarn for that sweater and it looked a little big for this birthday.....I decided to cast on for the small things sweater in hopes that my little one would actually have a birthday sweater that would fit this year! I pulled out some spud and chloe sweater yarn in a yummy warm yellow from my stash and this sweater whipped up in 3 days!! Such a great pattern and one I know I will make again! I just need to find the right buttons.....any suggestions? 



Also joining me for today's yarn along is my son Jacob......he has taken to knitting and is right now whipping up a cowl for his Dad.......yes that is a lovely shade of bright orange wool perfect for next hunting season! I love that he wants to knit with me.....he is all about making warm wooly things to keep him warm while he hunts and he loves to knit for others like his Dad and brothers too!
Please head over to Ginny's where everyone is sharing their knitting and reading today! I'm grabbing my tea and clicking over for some inspiration!! Happy Knitting!!

It's the first yarn along of the New Year! And also some first's in the knitting technique area for me this week! I am knitting myself a sweater for the first time! Yeah for me!!! I decided to do the shalom cardigan...so lovely and (also it looked easy!! hehe!!) It is coming along rather quickly and I'm using knitpicks city tweed....(ravelry notes here).....



I also cast on for Hannah Grace's Birthday sweater.....I can't believe she will be one in 2 months! I wanted something pretty and sweet and I searched ravelry for hours and finally decided on the Ramona Ruth sweater. I love the lace work and the pretty neckline! I am hoping the size comes out alright as the original pattern is for a new baby and uses sock yarn..I am using cascades superwash 220 which is a sport weight yarn and so far it looks like it might be just a little big......but big is better then too small! This pattern has a chart for the lace work and I have never used a chart before so I am learning it as I go and I think I like it!



As for reading...I started a new 2 year reading plan for the Bible and my bedside table is piled high with books on my to read list.......but when it comes down to it I'd rather knit then read when I can catch a minute and so not much reading is getting done!! Maybe I too should look into getting some audio books on my iphone......hmmmmm!

Jump over to Ginny's and get ready to be inspired! So many great projects from such talented ladies!! I love Weds. and the Yarn Along!!!!

Blogging took a back seat these past months but just the other day I was looking through some old posts and realized how much I enjoyed having past moments and thoughts captured here to go back too. So I am going to try to be more present here and on that note I will begin with my one little word for this year......
Prepare.....just last week as I was thinking  about this God placed this word in my head and I have not been able to get it out! So this year will be all about preparing....

Preparing my mind.... But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15
studying His word.....going deeper in

Preparing my body..... "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body," 1 Cor 6:19-20
healthier eating habits and regular exercise.....remembering my water and vitamins


Preparing my spirit......Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Being in constant communication with the one that keeps me on track.....organize my prayer life to be more effective....be still more to hear His voice

I am also praying about how I am preparing my children.......and how I might do better at that. More thoughts on that to come. But for now as we begin this New Year I know I need to draw close to the only one who can give me the strength I need to accomplish His plans for me......

Well it has been a while since my last post........but it's the last Yarn Along of 2011 and I wanted to share some of my Christmas knitting........mittens for Claire, a hat for Emily, ear warmers for Elaina ( and also for myself! These will be great for running in the cold!)  and Spud the sheep for little Hannah Grace......Hannah Grace also ended up with these adorable mitts to keep her little hands warm. The boys didn't end up with hand knits this year but they did not seem to notice! I linked each pic to my ravelry notes.

Ear warmers for me!! A first time doing cables...so fun!!

Star Flower Hat

In Threes A baby cardigan This was not for Christmas but I don't think I posted it yet so here it is.......just needs buttons! And here is Hannah Grace modeling it!

Chunky Mittens

Fast and Easy Mitts

Spud......isn't he cute!!!

Well that was a picture heavy post! I look forward to seeing what everyone else is up to today! Join Ginny over at Small Things to play along!! Blessings to everyone for the New Year!!

{this moment}

Good morning.....I missed the last two yarn alongs....last week we survived the hurricane but had no power for 4 days! Watching the news I know a lot of people had worse to deal with so I am not complaining about a few trees down and no power for a few days......it did give me a lot of time to knit!!
I am trying to finish up some projects and in between have started others so this is a very picture heavy post! I did put these fingerless mitts on the needles yesterday after seeing them on pinterest.....I have never done cables before of mitts so I am having fun figuring these out.....and they are fast and easy! You can find them here



For reading this week I have been busy preparing for a study I am leading on 21 Days of Prayer for our sons.  We have a facebook group online and we are all covering our boys with scripture prayers.....I can't wait to see how God uses this in the lives of me and my boys!



And speaking of my boys.....after seeing the cute booties i made Hannah grace last week everyone wanted a pair! So I started in on making each of the kids and Dad a pair of mukluk slippers. I finished Emily's first (no pic) and then whipped out Christopher a pair....these are so easy and will keep tootsies nice and warm this winter! I will leave you with a few pics of Hannah Grace modeling here newest booties and trying to get them in her mouth! These really stay on well even with all her kicking and pulling! Love them!!! Ravelry notes here






Looking forward to seeing what everyone is knitting over at Small Things today! Head over grab a cup of tea and be ready to get inspired! Happy Knitting!!