In the midst of company and VBS, we celebrated a very special little boy's 4th birthday. Nothing fancy, but he did ask for Spider-Man...everything. I did my best to not disappoint. Rob talked about it for days after the fact, so I'm assuming he was pleased.

His birthday started with our pastor calling him to the stage and serenading him in front of ALL the VBS kids. Rob just stood there, petrified. It was hilarious. Later, Pastor Bear gave him a whole Snickers bar. Far better experience than the serenading.

More after the jump...

Kathy

We were blessed to have my step-mom, Kathy, come and stay with us for a week. The only thing that could have made it better would to have had my dad here, too, but he had to work. =(

It was a crazy, busy week, mostly filled with VBS - which she, true to her sweet, servant's heart, jumped right in and helped where ever she could. Much to my pride's dismay, she also clothed and fed my children every morning (after making coffee), did my dishes every night, and even folded my laundry while watching the boys so Matt and I could go out on a date. She's notorious for doing things like this and, while it drives me nuts for the moment, I deeply appreciate her love and willingness to help.

African Flower Kindle Cozy

I've seen the African Flower motif kicking around the internet a few times, but never got around to playing with it. Then, I found these lovely shades of lime and teal (which are lighter in person) crochet threads just sitting next to each other on the shelf at Michaels. I had to find a project. HAD TO. I know I've made so many Kindle cozies along the way, but what fun to have one made out of cute teal and lime hexagons?

So, I set out to map out a template. Printing off and hand cutting out a bunch of little hexagons, I pieced together what my finished pocket should roughly be shaped like. Then, I set out to making the hexagons (nine full ones, two halves) and then started sewing them together. Which was a bit of a task. Weird shapes going all sorts of directions, aiming for that pocket shape. Thankfully, it didn't take too long with too much fuss. Viola! A pretty little cozy for a Kindle. Again. What? I like making Kindle cozies.

African Flower Motif Tutorial

Half African Flower Motif Tutorial

Pocket design loosely based on this (must be logged into Ravelry to view).

Spider-Man Afghan

Tada! Rob's Spider-Man afghan. Isn't it spiffy? I've never made a "round ripple" before. It was fairly straight-forward, but for some reason I kept messing up on the color changes. The pattern instructions weren't clear on this, so once I got the gist, I chucked the pattern. I so hope he likes it! I managed to keep it hidden from him, only working on it during naptime or bedtime, but he came out of naptime one day much earlier than I anticipated and saw it. Thankfully, he went back to sleep and forgot about it, but then brought it up a couple days later. I told a Mama lie (I hate that!) and said that I didn't have time to make him a Spider-Man blanket...better luck next year. Bad me! But you do what you have to when it comes to birthdays, right?

Spider-Man Afghan, Superhero Dream Catcher Afghan by Stitch 'n Frog Crochet

"Can I Have a Snack?"

Rob: "Can I have a snack, please?"

Me: "No, you can wait for dinner."

Rob: "But I only have time for a snack."

Me: *chuckles* "Do you have a hot date tonight or something?"

Rob: "Well, while I was sleeping, I was pretty warm. Can I have a snack?"

4th of July - Marshall Style

We didn't do a whole lot of fireworks, but the boys, of course, we're thrilled with what we did have. That's all that matters.

 The boys' first sparklers!

More after the jump...

South Hills Picnic & Stroll

After a crazy week, we decided to load up in the 4Runner and head for the hills!

 Pretty weeds.

More after the jump...

Sssnake!

I asked Rob what kind of animal I should make and this is what he suggested. Good stash buster. Rob loved it, but Drew keeps trying to steal it. I might have to make another one in order to keep the peace.

It measures 57 1/8" from tongue to tail and is the largest amigurumi I've made to date.

Snake, Crochet Snake by The Spotlight Inspiration Room

New Wheels

It started when we got home from our trip. We were returning our rental car and I had to follow Matt to the airport in our Taurus, which is in pretty bad shape. And getting worse. The blinker randomly won't work. The ignition is broken. The transmission is starting to slip. Let's face it - we're the old folk's home for cars. We get them near the end of their lives and then usher them into the afterlife. It's depressing, really. I started to get mad. Really mad. Why are we ALWAYS stuck in this situation? My anger was unjust. God has ALWAYS provided us with more than we deserve and we've never had to hoof it, no matter how bad of shape the car may be in. He's always provided another vehicle JUST in time. I prayed and let it go, doing my best to trust Him once more. One week later, I receive a call. It's about a possible car that is PERFECT for us. I pray and wait. A little over a week later, it's sitting in our driveway.

Once again, God used the people around us to bless and help us. We were able to get a loan all by ourselves (no cosigner), giving us an opportunity to glorify Him through better stewardship and finally build GOOD credit. It's a BIG deal!

I got to drive it home. I smiled the whole way. =)

God is so overwhelmingly kind to this little family. May He be glorified.

Duckie

I made this cute little guy for a friend from church's baby shower. She later informed me that they plan on naming him "Marshall". =)

Duckie, K.I.S.S. Series Duckling by K4TT

Daddy's Waterpark

 Since the weather has finally decided to switch to summer (for now), we decided to buy the boys a little swimming pool. Of course, Matt had to take it to another level and add the slide and a mister. The boys were thrilled, needless to say.

More after the jump...

Sidewalk Chalk/How to Beat Thursday Boredom

 Scribble, scribble, scribble...

More after the jump...

Project 52 - Week 25 - Seasons

I guess I missed a week somewhere. Oops?

I've thought a lot about life's seasons over the course of my mama career. The world looks down on stay-at-home moms like we're some sort of bums mooching off the system; like all we do is sit around and eat Bon-Bons while watching soap operas, while the children run amuck, screeching like wild animals and ripping the place apart. If you're a stay-at-homer, like myself, or you know someone who is, you know this is far from the truth.

Okay, the screeching wild animals part is partially true.

I may not earn a paycheck or have an impressive list of degrees, but the job I'm entrusted with is one of the most important positions I will ever have. It's exhausting, dirty, undignified work and it demands every ounce of my time, energy, and sacrifice.

But the benefits are plenty and the regrets are few. That is the season that God has placed me in right now. To be completely devoted to Him and the children He has so graciously blessed me with.

I wouldn't trade it for any six-figure salary in the world.

Sidewalk Shawl

I decided to make another Sidewalk Shawl like I made for the wedding last year. This one, however, is for sale.

I washed this one, so it's SUPER soft.

Sidewalk Shawl, Sidewalk Shawl by Kimberly K. McAlindin

Project 52 - Week 24 - Fatherhood

God has blessed my boys with an amazing dad. ♥

Happy Father's Day to all the dads (and soon-to-be dads) out there. Thank you for doing one of the most important jobs in the world!

Wrestling With Daddy

Poor Rob. But he really does ask for it.

More after the jump...

Honoring Marriage

Our pastor recently wrote a wonderful, God-glorifying article in our local paper on marriage and I wanted to share it here. It's an excellent read - not that I'm biased or anything - so please click the link and enjoy.

I was honored that he wanted to use one of my images of him, but I'm slightly peeved (if not surprised) that the paper completely cropped out the most important part. I posted the original image here - because it's ALL ABOUT THE CROSS.

Honoring Marriage - Times News

Droid Robot

I made this cute little guy for Matt for Father's Day. Dorky, yes, but it sure made him smile.

Droid Robot, Droid Robot by bethsco

Project 52 - Weeks 22 & 23

After being on vacation for a week, I was grasping on both of these. Atleast I'm caught up, now.

I still love my cheapy little macro conversion lens!

Denver Trip!

Back from a wonderful week in beautiful Denver, Colorado! (I really think it's stolen my heart.)

It was a week packed with family, fun, and LOTS of pictures! Click here to see what we did!