I made this adorable project for my Etsy shop. I even placed a plastic Easter egg filled with pony beads in the middle to make it a rattle! Oooh...impressed, aren't you? Well, evidently my friend Tashia was, because she snatched him up the same night I listed it. I think that may have been the quickest Etsy sale I've ever made. Ha!

I'm currently making another one, but sans the bonnet. So cute!

Pattern: Baby's Elephant by Red Heart Yarn

Currently For Sale On Etsy

New to my shop - printable cards and envelopes! I've had a blast designing these and I hope one catches your eye as well. It's a simple as pay, print, and personalize! Check them out!

I'm also working on some more critters, so check my shop often!

Memorial Day

We spent our Memorial Day with my grandma and aunt (my grandfather is currently in a short-term care center, recovering from knee surgery). Here are some highlights.

My grandma cut some of her irises for my uncle's grave. Drew was napping, so we took Rob with us to the cemetery. It was a bit for him to take in, but he was very grown-up about it and tried to understand the best he could.

The land renter's horses were grazing by Cher's house when we pulled up. The mare was more than willing to allow the boys to feed her grass and pet her.

The boys (all three) decided to go explore the old barn, until some barn swallows chased us all off.

Grub was had and it was good! Burgers, beans, and polish dogs. Mmm.

Robby reading to my grandma. "If You Give A Moose A Muffin" is a favorite of ours.

We stayed through nap time, but we had the boys lay down and rest when they started to fall apart a bit. Rob passed out right away, but Drew didn't want to have anything to do with it. Until a very tired daddy, fresh from mowing my grandparents' lawn, came and cuddled up next to him for a rest, too. Both were out like a light.

Thank you to those who have served or are currently serving our country. While I have not lost a solider or am waiting for one to come home in my circle, I pray for those who have/are. For us, it was a quiet day to remember lost loved ones and enjoy the ones still with us.

Another Afghan Thief

Someone figured it was her turn to partake in the fruits of my labor...

Between her and the kids, my afghans don't stay folded for very long in this house. But that's what they're made for, right?

The Charmer & The Nut

The charmer.

The nut.

Vintage Stripe Afghan

According to Ravelry, I started this project on November 2nd of last year. I just not finished it today. Yikes. But in all fairness, there were many commissions and gifts that back-burnered it and it's huge. 80" X 70" makes it only slightly smaller than my Ripple Afghan. I love, love, LOVE the colors!

Obviously, someone else is rather fond of it, too. Little punk.

Pattern: Vintage Vertical Stripe Crocheted Blanket by Bella Dia

Blueberry the Cow

Grandma & Grandpa Come to Visit Again

I love it when my dad and step-mom are here. They're such laid-back, loving, and genuine people; our time is always incredibly sweet, but always too short. Such was the case this time, too, even though they were here for a full week. My heart aches when I have to hug them good-bye, but thankfully their visits have become a yearly occurrence. Can't wait for next year already!

Grandma Kathy hanging out with her boys on the porch. The weather was decent, so we did a lot of porch sittin'. And napping. Naps are good.

Both boys sitting on Grandma. Poor Grandma.

Smooches for Drew. I have a picture very similar to this when Drew was a baby. So sweet.

My dad makes these really neat walking sticks and brought us each one to keep.

Not the best family photo. The boys were being difficult.

Dad jokingly said that this picture was "deceiving". They looked too sweet and quiet. =)

I probably say it every time, but I really wish we lived closer. I miss them sooooo much. =(

One last one of Grandma and the boys. Aww.

More Baby Gifts

We seem to be having another baby boom in our church lately. Two more shower gifts down; there will be at least two more to do before the year is over. I can barely keep up with these gals!

First up, for a motorcycle-lovin', first-time mama and her brand new baby boy, we have Marlon, the Motorcycle Mutt. I really had a blast making this, although it was a bit challenging. It was a pretty big hit at the shower. I love all the new and interesting things I get to make!

Pattern: Motorbike & Dog by MysteriousCats

Second, we have yet another first-timer and baby boy combo. Mama's mama is the one who commissioned my first Stripey Giraffe, so I settled for making this Round Ripple Baby Afghan in lieu of another critter. I love the colors and so did Mama!

Pattern: Lyn's Round Ripple Baby Afghan by AngelCrafts

What will I make next? Nobody knows. =)

Rob

My little drop of (talkative) sunshine.