Yarn Eater Throw and Life Update

Just a warning up front this will be a crochet post but sightly more personal post too! :) 

So far I've not gotten very far in my Yarn Eater Throw. I've been busy with crochet alongs, designing and of course orders that are starting to pickup! Excited for busy fall season! 

Here is a current image of the progress. 

You can find the pattern and more about it through my previous post.

The Beginning of a Yarn Eater Throw

I bought 21 skeins of the yarn and I'm half way through the 4th. I have the pattern memorized by now so I work on it when I have time. I've spent a lot of time in the car traveling this month and this has been what I call crochet therapy. 

My hubby's ME-ME passed away and then a few short days later my Granny passed away! (Not to leave out my hubby's other Grandmother that passed away in June) These were amazing beautiful women on the inside and the outside. It's never easy to loose a loved one especially so close together. I'm glad I was able to attend their funerals to celebrate their lives! 

Crochet is good for therapy and I've been working on this blanket in spurts through it all! It will be a wonderful reminder of their lives! I'm glad to say it's turned out to be a great project during this time. I will continue to think about them and pray for family as I finish this project in the coming months. 

I wanted to personally thank you for all the wonderful emails, messages and notes many of you have sent me through these difficult weeks. I don't know many of you but I know that many of you were thinking and praying for me and my family! 

I am a Christian and without my faith, family and friends, I don't know that I would come through these times stronger. I'm glad that I have a hope that I will see these dear people in Heaven some day! 

Here is a sweet tribute to my Granny. A strong and faithful women of God that never gave up and gave  her all to those around her. She was the type of person that everyone thought she was there best friend. She can always make you smile. We'll miss you Granny! 

Photo-a-day Challenge Dec 2012 - Week 2

Photo a day challenge : Still time to join in. You can find the list here

Want to see week 1? 

  Click Here

Week 2 

8. Ornaments

We have a small home with large furniture and two small kids, a large and mediums size dogs so we don't have room for a big tree. So I have a few small trees instead that are up high away from little fingers. All the special ornaments are packed away for the future possibilities of having a big tree again someday. So Here is a close up the the kids ornaments. My Sons is a John Deer tree - see that Sweet Tea Ornament from Macalisters ( yeah hubby brought that one home the other day) He loves his sweet tea! My Daughters tree has candy and puppy ornaments :) 

9. Something your reading

I was given a large tub full of crafting supplies a few years ago. There was a lot of knitting supplies in there but I don't knit, well not until recently. I am determined to learn more about it. I have some of the basics down. This little book was in there but it's really old and I'm pretty sure and English/UK book. 

10. Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper this year is candy themed. Calleigh was pretty excited but wants to know where I'm hiding the presents? :) 

11. Green

My little tree! Hubby bought this shimmering greenery that was for the porch but it kept falling over. I need a planter for it. I just like the sparkles :) It's now taking up space on my kitchen table. 

12. A Beautiful Sight

Okay this one is a little corny but I thought it was funny. I was browsing new stuff on Netflixs and came across the fake fireplace. There is even one with some festive Christmas music that I left on while we made krispy treats on Wed. The Kids loved it! 

13. Family 

Love my babies! They got new jammies for cousin Christmas Pictures. 

We got this great shot of my kiddos! 

14. Christmas Tree 

The kids trees! 

I hope you enjoy a peek into our December! We'll be back with more next week! 

Father's Day Gift Idea - Crochet Paracord Bracelet Cuff Pattern

My sweet hubby of Public Safety Survival Bracelets recently saw a photo of a hat made from paracord. He's been asking if I could crochet him a hat from it. So I decided to try. Well after just a couple rounds my fingers and wrists hurt. I crochet tight and there is no give or softness to it. So decided on a much smaller project. I made a bracelet in just a few short minutes. I think I surprise him with how fast I did it. I really like how it turned out and he did too! He even asked me to make another.  So I thought what perfect timing with Father's Day coming up next Sunday, here is a quick project that a guy will like ! 

Paracord Cuff Bracelet

Here's what I used to make it:


Paracord - 14-15 feet 
We order our paracord online for his biz but there are a few random army supply shops and uniform shops around town that sell it by the foot for about 10-15 cents. If you're in OKC just ask and I can tell you were to get it. If not you may have to ask around and see where you can find it. 


Shackle  3/8ths - you can get these at your local hardware stores like Lowes or Home Depot. There about $3.00  

N- Hook 


You can make these anysize. You'll first want to get a wrist measurement. I would say about 7-8 inches is a regular size.


You're going to do a 11 sc chain-less foundation sts,{click link to see how to do chain-less foundation} ch 1 loosely {you'll need to be able to get the screw of the shackle through it} , sc in each of the chains on the opposite side of the bracelet. Join with a sl st to the 1st sc, 

Weaving in ends is really hard so what my hubs usually does is tie off the two ends in a knot or two and melt the ends down with a lighter (be careful) 

You'll slide the bigger part of the shackle through the end where we ended. Nowhere specific just through a few stitches. {you might have to stretch it a little}

That's it! If you want it bigger or smaller just add or decrease the foundation chains or change hook sizes. 

We still want to be able to use it as a lifesaving bracelet and unravel it in time of need. Crochet is so super easy and fast to unravel if you need too! That's what these are all about. {you can read more about his shop in this post}

I hope your enjoy making one. If you do I'd love to see pictures!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Calleigh

Today is my sweet Calleigh's 2nd birthday. I can't believe how fast time flies by. She's at such a fun age and full of personality! I thought I'd share a few (I promise just a few) from her birthday party last Saturday and if you endure the photos you'll find a discount code and possibly a giveaway ;)

Her darling cake and cupcakes. I bought the cake at Sams (called Ribbons and dots) and then I added the cupcake wrappers and toppers. ( i bought the templets on etsy, printed them at home...so fun) 

Calleigh's in her big cupcake bow (she hates bows and hats so this picture is a miracle!) 

Opening presents and Cards

She's enjoying us singing happy Birthday! 

Ready for cake! 

she dived right in for chocolate! 

Enjoying time with her favorite cousins. My strong Ayden pulling the wagon :)

It was a fun day and I look forward to watching her continue to grow up! 

Just for today I'm offering Free shipping in my Etsy shop (May 26, 2011) 

Just enter the code:  HAPPY2BIRTHDAY at checkout. You can also just email me to order and mention the coupon and I can invoice you for special orders and such ! 

I'm also going to start a giveaway for one free crochet pattern. I started Selling my Cuddle critter cape patterns two weeks ago this saturday. I've almost reached my first 100 and I can't hardly believe it so be watching for a post shortly for the giveaway! I bought yarn today to start a few new ideas I have for these! I can't wait to share them with you! 

Whimsical Forest Owls

I've been slowly making Calliegh's bedroom girly. We're still in a rent house so I'm not going to paint or  do anything drastic but it's all in the little things. Calleigh shared a room with her brother when she was a baby in the old house and I just passed the same neutral baby bedding so I wanted something new and fun just for her.

I had intentions of making some things for her room but I ran across this adorable forest owl theme at Target and just had to get it. I bought the bed set for Calleigh's toddler bed but she'd nor I are quite ready for that transition so it's on her crib till I get her a bed. I'm really wanting to get a white daybed of some sort. I've not completely decided yet.

Isn't it adorable! Of course I needed to get the big owl pillow too! 

We got a few decor items at hobby lobby. I came across this cute wooden tree with pegs and a pink owl hanger that matched perfect. It's for her little purses and head bands.

For her birthday her Grandma picked up the valances to match the bedding. I was so excited! Just need to get some curtains panels to match. I might make those ;)! ( there is also an adorable lamp and wall decor but I'm hoping they will go on sale soon.) 

My new favorite is wall sticker art. It's great to add some fun to the wall without damaging it!

I added her name!

a "c" initial for her door.

I got the set of stickers from Target as well! 

McReady Oklahoma

So have you ever visited every McDonalds in your city in one week, every week for a month. Well that's just what my hubby and I are doing. I'm sure your thinking why in the world would you do that?

Explanation to follow :)

If you live in Oklahoma you know what time of year it is? It's storm season! Although we are in a drought I would love some rain minus the tornados.

My sweet hubby has been a volunteer for Oklahoma County Emergency Management for several years now and has his school background in Emergency Management. I'm glad he loves to volunteer but don't get so excited when I have to stay home with the kiddos and know he's out playing in the storms. I think he loves the adrenaline of it but most times he's in just at the Emergency Management Center on the radios keeping their guys safe!

This month is McReady Oklahoma. It's a program to help families be prepared in emergency situations especially during storm season.

My husband and I are helping out by setting up displays at most of the OKC metro- McDonalds (33 to be exact) and are in charge of keeping the displays stocked every week this month with information on sever weather preparedness.

If you'd like to know more about the program or get the weather preparedness info you can find it here 

If you'd like to see the exact information pamphlets or even download a kids activity you can get it here

BE prepared and BE safe! 

p.s. even though it's like a second job we've been having fun exploring the city as a family a few days during the week and eating a few french fries along the way ;)

Fourth Wedding Anniversary

{Favorite Photo- from our special day!}

Today my sweet husband and I are celebrating our 4th Wedding Anniversary. He say's I didn't know what I was getting myself into but I wouldn't change a thing. I sure do love him. Marriage is never easy it has it's ups and down but through it all God has blessed and continues to bless and hold us together and I know he will for years to come.

If you'd like to read more about our story you can read it here: Engagement Memories

I went through our Wedding pics today and I wanted to share a few but It sure is hard to choose from 1000's. Here is a handful of my from our special day!

Bridal Portrait 

The dress! 

The Ceremony!

Just Married! 

Our rings!

Another one of my faves!



*all images are from Jerry Palmer Images - he's a great friend of the family and a fantastic photographer and I'm thankful for the blessing that he is and was that day! 

Spring Seeds

As long as I can remember my parents always had a garden both flowers and food. I'd like to say I love to garden but it's just not my thing. I'm lacking a green thumb. {plus I hate pulling weeds and bugs...LOL}

I do love to watch the process of a tiny seed grow into something big and beautiful! My sweet hubby brought home these cute little seed kits for the kids. So today we planted some watermelon and tomatoes. I don't know if I'll ever see fruit but I think the kids will enjoy the process of growing something all there own.

So here is what we did for our first day of Spring Break...

the kit! 

Ayden was so excited to plant his watermelon seeds

Add a little water and love......

OH don't forget the sunshine! 

I'll let you know how our little garden grows....if I don't kill it first... ;P

The ABC's of ME

I've seen several of my blogging buddies writing the "ABC's of Me" I thought it would be fun to do! I think it's a simple way for you to get to know a little bit more about me!

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

A: Ayden - My first born son. He's 3. He can always make me smile

B: Baking - Love it! Hate cooking! 

C : Coffee and Crochet- Two things I can't live without!

D: Dogs- We have two puppies! Piper and Snowbell

E: Elisabeth -  It's my name! with a "s" not "z"

F: Family- Very important to me! My mom is one of my best friends and God's truly blessed me with my Hubby's side of the family too! 

G: Grace - God's Grace is amazing and undeserving. plus it's my middle name! 

H: Husband - Married almost 4 years March 26

I: Ice Cream - who doesn't like ice cream! 

J: Jesus Christ- He's my Saviour! I would be nothing without him!

K: KIDS - I have two already mentioned Ayden, I also have Calleigh who will be 2 in May! they sure grow up fast don't they! 

L: lizard- My nickname! I've had since I was little. My Grandpa used to call me Lizard breath and in College my roomies decided I needed to be called Lizard and it's stuck through the years. 

M: Mommy - Being a mommy is really hard sometimes but I don't think I'd rather do anything else! Love my babies! 

N: Needles - Ouch! i hate needles. The most terrifying part of my pregnancies were the stupid IV's!

O: Oklahoma - This is where I live. I've lived here since I was 13.  Grew up in Tulsa, Went to college in OKC and now live in Moore. It's a crazy place weather wise but I guess I like it. I'd like to live in Colorado some day! 

P: Piano - Been playing since I was 5. I went to Bible College and got my Degree in Music and now I teach piano Lessons at the College I graduated from. I really enjoy it and so glad I get to use my talents for the Lord at the College and my Local church. 

Q: Quiet time - I live for nap time everyday! because Quiet time is craft time!

R: Rantoul, IL - Where I was born. I was an Air force brat. I've also lived in Great Falls, Montana, Germany, Rapid City, South Dakota, Las Vegas, Nevada and now Oklahoma

S: Sonic Drive - In- I worked there for 7 years. {and I said I would never work fast food} It was a fun job most the time. I still love happy hour! - Cherry Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper Please! 

T: T.v. -  I watch to much. Need something to do while I crochet!

U: UGGS - I don't usually splurge on shoes but my hubby's bought me two pairs of Ugg boots and I love them in the winter

V: Violin - I tried to play when I was younger. I have small hands and had a crazy teacher. {really crazy} 

W: Weight Watchers - I've always struggled with weight. I did weight watcher after college and lost 40 pounds. I looked pretty good and loved wearing 4-6 clothes instead of 14-16. Then I caught me a husband and had two kids back to back and let just say I need to lose 80 pounds now...totally bummer! I have to tools now I just need the motivation and time! HELP! 

X: Extovert - I'm a quiet girl, pretty shy actually, I have to work really hard on being out going. Once I get to know you I open up pretty well. so don't be offended if I don't say Hi or cringe if you try to give me a hug. It's just not my personality. 

Y: Yarn - I have alot but I "Need" more! so many ideas to crochet so little time

Z: Zebra Print - I love it! I think because I love Black and White! 

A Mommy Moment - Oh poo!

Okay so this may be TMI but looking back on my morning I find it quite funny and I'm sure I'm not the only Mommy that's had a morning like this. I hope to just make you laugh!

So I'm not feeling well and am attempting to get ready for church this morning. While in the shower I hear someone pounding on the front door  {7:00 in the morning}!  The puppies had escaped out the tiny crack in the wooden gate which I underestimated apparently because there isn't another way out. Just glad someone saw them and brought them home.

Meanwhile Calleigh my 22 mo old is up but playing nicely in her crib which is nice because I'm trying to finish getting ready. {i love to listen to her play with her stuffed animals} . My son {3 yrs} got up and I got distracted, got breakfast ready and let the pups out again just to discovered a smell. my sons brand new shoes we bought yesterday is where I discovered the smell. Apparently he'd stepped in poo yesterday and I hadn't noticed. {good thing they were just in the garage.} So I had to clean those up {because he just had to have them today}

I finally get around to getting Calleigh! I opened the door to what I thought was a very stinky diaper. Oh it was and it wasn't on her. She was completely naked and playing with her poo. it was on her face, hands and body. {remember I'm not feeling well} I thought I was going to be even more sick!
(did I mention I bought her a brand new bed set last yesterday and put it on before bed last night)
So laundry is going and the poo is cleaned up but I'd like to say please no more poo today!
I don't think I can handle it!

So do you have any mommy moments like these? Please feel free to share!

Wordless Wednesday

{Big Brother - Lil Sister - New Pups}

Meet our newest addition - Tank!

Many of you from facebook noticed I was looking into getting a puppy for my now 3 year old Ayden! We couldn't have one in the old house but we can in our new home so we began to look. We really like labradors and huskies so we looked on Craisglist and checked to local shelters to see what they had. I didn't really want a new puppy because I don't have the time to train him even though itty bitty puppies are ad-or-ab-le! My hubby found a really sweet puppy in the Moore, OK Shelter. We went to take a look at him and he was just perfect and I really liked that he was a year old and already trained very well. He'd only been there about a week was already neutered so he was only $5.00. Can't really beat that.

He took right to my husband and our family. He needs no training and is super great with kids.

His name is Tank and he is an American Staffordshire Terrier also known as an Amstaff.

I have to admit I've never heard of these and we did do alot of research on them before we bought him.

They are great family dogs and do really well with children and are very tolerant of there pestering. They love to be part of the family! They are very playful and need lots of exercise so good thing we have a nice size back yard he can play in. They are very protective but super friendly too, loyal, intelligent and strong. He is a medium sized dog and won't get any bigger than he already is.

The history of this breed is quite interesting. If you'd like to read more you can on this offical web site for Amstaffs.

We love our new puppy and he couldn't be a more perfect pet for our family!

Calleigh's Accident

What a crazy week! Started back to teaching Piano Lessons at the College Monday. I'm excited about each of my students this semester.  I also packed up my entire house and moved across town with help from family! We managed to do it in a day and I'm happy to say almost everything has been put away in the new house already. I love our new home and am so glad to be done moving!

On top of this crazy week on Thursday when we went to pick up the kiddos at Gee-Gee's (grandma), Ayden and Calleigh were playing around chasing each other as brothers and sister do and Ayden accidentally knocked Calliegh down on the tile floor in the kitchen a little to hard. I didn't even notice at first but she chipped both her front top teeth really good.



OUcH! They were chipped pretty high so we called a emergency line for the dentist and got her an appointment for the next day since it was late in the evening. I knew they were chipped more than half way up and there was nerve damage so something would have to be done. We had a few options but we decided that best would just to remove the teeth completely. We could have put on the silver caps but there was high possibility of infection and that her teeth would discolor and more work would have to be donet. I didn't want the metal in her mouth anyway and it was like $350 a tooth for the white. So after discussing it we did just have her teeth removed. I was really sad at first but I know that she'll get her big girl teeth in about 6 years....:( 

Poor thing after her surgery. She was pretty comical waking up from sedation. 

She took a really good nap with momma when she got home!

this is Calleigh a few days after. She's is great spirits and doing really well . We just think she's as adorable as before. She reminds me of Goofy and it fits her personality! 

Plus She really loves to eat pudding :)

Happy 3rd B-day Ayden

Today is my Adyen's 3rd birthday! It's hard to believe it's already been that long. He was such a little baby weighing in at 6 pounds when he was born. I loved that I seem to have tiny babies.

Here is one of his first pictures from the hospital. My hubby and I had some fun with photoshop. I just Love this photo. 

This is another favorite of mine. Daddy put ayden in the tiny side pocket of his motorcycle. (no they didn't go for a ride. Just used as a prop) He thought he was a cool kid! He was about 6-9 mo here.

Ayden's 1st birthday!

Ayden's 2nd birthday!  Only good photo I had from the day :)

And today! Ayden's 3rd b-day! 

So Happy Birthday Little man! We sure love you!