Knit and Pray

Catholic woman talks about knitting, sewing, crocheting, cross-stitching, crafting and Catholic Faith and family.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

HUNTING AND GATHERING

While surfing through some blogs I came across some that I'd like to share with ya'll.
1) The preview of the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits. I like the tilted duster and would more than likely make the cobblestone pullover for one of the boys.
2) Some adorable patterns for knitted place mats for sale.
3) A nice tip on keeping your yarn and sweaters smelling nice.
4) A couple of cute baby blankets here and here.
5) Along with some baby booties.
6) An amazing stash!
7) An even more amazing stash busting Gingerbread House!!! I SO want the yellow Feather and Fan tablecloth!!!

Monday, July 30, 2007

MONDAY MADNESS


I'm happy to say that the recycled jeans quilt top is done!! I'll wait 'til cooler weather to finish it. I've also finished a couple of the Mason-Dixon bibs using Sugar'n Cream Stripes in the Tie Dye Stripes and Pinky Stripes colors. I'm planning on making a few more of these.
There are five blankets that are on the needles right now, so each one gets a day to get worked on. Hopefully they will get done around the same time. One day is set aside for my own knitting since I started another Clapotis and want to get that knitted shirt done before it gets cooler.
There are only so many hours in the day, but I say three rosaries a day just like the Pope and he's a very busy man. I say one in the morning, one around three o'clock and one around eight at night. I like to say the last one with Mother Angelica and the nuns. I've been known to say parts of a rosary during the day and especially when I'm behind the wheel. It's a good habit to get into.

CROCK POT RECIPES

Barbara is hosting a crock pot festival August 9. Send in your recipes before then and we can all benefit from all the ideas. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite recipes:
HAMBURGER LENTIL SOUP
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onions
4 carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 garlic clove, minced, or 1 t. garlic powder
1 qt. tomato juice
1 T. salt
2 c. dry lentils, washed with stones removed
1 qt. water
1/2 t. dried marjoram
1 T. brown sugar
Brown ground beef and onion in skillet. Drain. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover. Cook on Low 8-10 hours, or High 4-6 hours.
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SOUL-SATISFYING BEEF STEW
2 lb. stewing beef, cubed
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/3 c. all purpose flour
1 large onion, chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can condensed french onion soup
1 jar, 16 oz., mild chunky salsa
1 can, 16 oz., solid-pack pumpkin
1 can tomato paste
2 cups water
10-14 small red potatoes (about 1 1/2 lb.), cut in half
Put meat in slow cooker. Add salt, pepper and flour. Stir to coat meat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on Low 10-12
hours, or High 5-6 hours.
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CROCKPOT PASTA
8 oz. small shells (cooked)
8 oz. mozzarella cheese
8 oz. provolone cheese
1 lb. hamburger (cooked)
1 can mushrooms
1 pint sour cream
1 quart spaghetti sauce
Mix sauce, hamburger, shells, and mushrooms together. Put half in crock pot, sour cream over this and sliced provolone; now rest of sauce mixture with sliced mozzarella on top. Cook on Low for 6-7 hour. Excellent for parties.
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SALMON CHEESE CASSEROLE
1 14 3/4 oz. can salmon with liquid
4 oz. can mushrooms, drained
1 1/2 c. bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. grated cheese
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. minced onion
Flake fish in bowl, removing bones. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into lightly greased slow cooker. Cover. Cook on Low 3-4 hours.
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TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
2 61/2 oz. cans water-packed tuna, drained
2 101/2 oz. cans cream on mushroom soup
1 c. milk
2 T. dried parsley
10-oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
10-oz. pkg. noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 c. toasted sliced almonds
Combine tuna, soup, milk, parsley, and vegetables. Fold in noodles. Pour into greased slow cooker. Top with almonds. Cover. Cook on Low 7-9 hour, or High 3-4 hours.
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here's one for serving hot or cold:
SPICED WASSAIL
2 32-oz. jars cranberry juice
2 c. water
6-oz. can frozen orange juice, concentrate
3 3-inch cinnamon sticks
3 whole cloves
Combine all ingredients in 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low 2-8 hours.

Friday, July 27, 2007

FRIDAY FUN





Today I got to get some sewing done on the recycled denim quilt. It's coming right along. The boys helped get some odd crayons sorted, depapered, and broken as per instruction here. The first batch is currently in the freezer. They will be sent to Iowa for The Preemie Project's craft/bake sale.
If you want to know the six weird (I prefer "unique") things about me, check out the January 28, 2007 entry.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

SAINT ANNE AND JOACHIM FEAST DAY

Saint Anne is my patron saint and it's her and Joachim's feast day. Good Saint Anne pray for us!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

MOVING RIGHT ALONG






I finished a couple of cute hats for medium sized preemies pairing them with my usual booties adorned with simple bows. I found a cute cross stitched bib I did before Michael was born just in case I was having a girl;~) I also found a button to go on a Mason-Dixon knitted bib I knitted up when I first got their book. All these will go in the next donation to the Iowa chapter of The Preemie Project.
I've been working on another Round or Pinwheel Baby Blanket that is coming right along. I was inspired by Knitnana to get this baby started too. I think I've been out in the sun too long:~p

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

WEDNESDAY

Wednesdays are days we honor St. Joseph. Here is a blog that honors him with remembering the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph.

Monday, July 23, 2007

SAINT BRIDGET

Today is the feast day of Saint Bridget of Sweden. Here is a link to the 15 prayers she was given to say.

BOYS AFTERNOON AT WILSON CREEK






Norm, Eric and Daniel got to spend Saturday afternoon at Wilson Creek National Battlefield watching an artillary demonstration. They toured one of the houses and museums and Norm was sweet to take some pictures of things he thought I'd like. Can you guess what those things might be?;~D
I got to sew in peace as Michael was napping and I feel like I got quite a bit accomplished in that time. The boys did the recycling and we had some company. We ate some delicious Papa Murphy's pizza while watching "El Dorado", one of the three John Wayne movies Eric got for his birthday.

A LITTLE BIT OF SEWING




I worked on getting the top of a simple green quilt sewn. Also I took apart a cute knit (18 month size) sweater I got from a thrift store and sewed it into a cute little purse. I also made a couple of flannel pillowcases for my hubby and me for when the weather will turn cold again. There are some tutorials and cute ideas for pillowcases.

FATIMA MORNING OFFERING

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings, all that this day may bring, be they good or bad: for the love of God, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for all the sins committed against the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

SCRIPTURAL ROSARY

If you haven't tried the scriptural rosary then I highly recommend you try at this work in progress.

Friday, July 20, 2007

BURIAL BUNTING











The pattern for this burial bunting can be found here. Once it gets knitted up I have some favorite flannel I like to line it with. I then sew up the top, weave in 18" of 1/4" ribbon through the eyelets, tie into bows and put in a ziplock bag to be sent on to The Preemie Project in Iowa. There are many ways to help in The Preemie Project. They are always in need of hats/booties and blankets, but also have a bereavement committee (they've started painting memory boxes) and could use gently used baby clothes and other craft items they sell at their craft/bake sales. If you aren't interested in one area there are several more to choose from. It's amazing how this organization has grown in such a short period of time!!
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OFFERING OF DAILY ACTIONS
Eternal Father, by virtue of Your generosity and love, I ask that You accept all my actions, and that You multiply their value in favor of every Soul in Purgatory. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.




Thursday, July 19, 2007

SMALL TREASURES






What a cute plastic treasure box! I'm sure you were wondering what was in such a small container...*sniff*...Eric's last baby tooth!!! Daniel is getting his first permanent teeth now, but the baby teeth aren't loose yet. The dentist will check him in October and may have to pull the bottom four teeth(!) I sure hope they come out by themselves!!!
Besides going to the dentist we took a trip to the Springfield Art Museum to see their Watercolor USA exhibit. Verdict...we were underwhelmed. We would have taken photos but that was a NO-NO. A trip to the Library Center and Michael's to redeem a 40% off coupon and we are home to blog and cool down.
In knitting news, in addition to knitting squares for the Greensburg project, I've been working on some black and yellow squares for a Hawkeye baby blanket I hope will get done sometime in August.
Finished knitting this burial bunting last night and can't decide which ribbon to use. I like them both equally well. The top one is shear and the bottom one is a nice cream color. Which do you think works better? I'll line the bunting and sew up the top before it's done.
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PRAYER TO REDEEM LOST TIME
O my God! Source of all mercy! I acknowledge Thy sovereign power. While recalling the wasted years that are past, I believe that Thou, Lord, can in an instant turn this loss to gain. Miserable as I am, yet I firmly believe that Thou can do all things. Please restore to me the time lost, giving me Thy grace, both now and the future, that I may appear before thee in "wedding garments." Amen.



Tuesday, July 17, 2007

KNITTING AND PRAYING








Finished the small cross stitch project! Yeah! It was a nice diversion.
Finished a large preemie hat/bootie set. I used "Bravo Baby" yarn by Schachenmayr Nomotta. It's 100% acrylic and is carrot orange and neon green. I will use the rest doubled up to make up some more squares for the Rebuilding Greensburg-Block by Block. I'm on the 23rd block for the second donation. I'm really enjoying using up the rest of my odd-balls in my stash:~D
These three books are a few that I use to pray with. The NOVENA TO SAINT ANNE begins today.
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PRELUDE TO PRAYER
You do not have to be clever to please Me; all you have to do is want to love Me. Just speak to Me as you would to anyone of whom you are very fond. Are there any people you want to pray for? Say their names to Me, and ask of Me as much as you like. I am generous, and know all their needs, but I want you to show your love for them and Me by trusting Me to do what I know is best.
Tell me about the poor, the sick, and the sinners, and if you have lost the friendship or affection of anyone, tell Me about that too.
Is there anything you want for your soul? If you like, you can write out a long list of all your needs, and come and read it to Me. Tell Me of the things you feel guilty about. I will forgive you if you will accept it.
Just tell Me about your pride, your touchiness, self-centeredness, meanness and laziness. I still love you in spite of these. Do not be ashamed; there are many saints in heaven who had the same faults as you; they prayed to Me, and little by little, their faults were corrected.
Do not hesitate to ask Me for blessings for the body and mind; for health, memory, and success. I can give everything, and I always do give everything needed to make souls holier for those who truly want it. What is it that you want today? Tell Me, for I long to do you good. What are your plans? Tell Me about them. Is there anyone you want to please? What do you want to do for them?
And don't you want to do anything for Me? Don't you want to do a little good to the souls of your friends who perhaps have forgotten Me? Tell Me about your failures, and I will show you the cause of them. What are your worries? Who has caused you pain? Tell Me all about it and add that you will forgive, and be kind to them, and I will bless you. Are you afraid of anything? Have you any tormenting, unreasonable fears? Trust yourself to Me. I am here. I see everything. I will not leave you. Have you no joys to tell Me about? Why do you not share your happiness with Me? Tell Me what has happened since yesterday to cheer and comfort you. What ever it was, however big, however small, I prepared it. Show Me your gratitude and thank Me. Are temptations bearing heavily upon you? Yielding to temptations always disturbs the peace of your soul. Ask Me, and I will help you overcome them. Well, go along now. Get on with your work or play, or other interests. Try to be quieter, humbler, more submissive, kinder; and come back soon and bring Me a more devoted heart. Tomorrow I shall have more blessings for you.~Anonymous


PRAYER FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them.
Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames.
And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.

GOLDEN ARROW PRAYER

May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most mysterious and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in heaven on earth and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament of the altar.
~~~Our Lord told a Carmelite Nun, "This Golden Arrow will wound My Heart delightfully, and heal the wounds inflicted by blasphemy."

14 AND COUNTING

It's so hard to believe that it's been 14 years since the birth of out 1st born son. Our trailblazer has taught us so much about the love of God and his infinite mercy. I know full well that it is ONLY by the grace of God that my boys have been born in a time and place where they and I could survive birth.
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LET US PRAY
O God, Who by the resurrection of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, has given joy to the whole world, grant, we beseech You, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the same joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

HATS AND THINGS





Just finished a Feather & Fan Baby Cap made with Hawkeye colors for the craft/bake sale for The Preemie Project.
Also finished a pumpkin hat using the pattern I normally use.
I'm also working on a little cross stitch sampler found here. There is SO MUCH on my TO DO list that I'm having to step back a bit and prioritize. We'll see what pops up next:~D
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PRAYER FOR CHURCH UNITY
God our Father, it is your purpose to bring the whole of creation into unity with you. Give us the grace to further this aim and to live out your truth on earth. Bring all your people closer to one another and unite us in the sharing of your good news. Come, Holy Spirit, and help us join into one community of believers. Amen.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

PRAYER OF SAINT VENANTIUS
O holy Flower of David, most blessed Virgin Mary: You have brought forth for us the long-awaited Emmanuel. You are the Holy City, founded by God himself, O Virgin worthy of all praise. You are, O matchless one, she whom God has laden with all the riches of the universe, the true Tree of Life, planted in the midst of Paradise, from whose branches do not hang the fruit of sin, but the food of immortality.
Hail, Queen, clothed with the sun, for whose feet the moon is a footstool, whose crown is set with the stars of heaven, hail, Mother, who became for fallen peoples the Gate of Paradise. Hail, Glory of Heaven, Splendor of God, first Fruit of our reclamation, fairest Creature of the hand of God.
You are more beautiful than the rose, purer than the lily, more spotless than the fallen snow. You shine with greater glory than the radiant sun. You are above all angels and saints. You are the Child of Grace who has given the children of Eve eternal life by giving your Son.
O loving Mother: commend us to your Son; for every prayer from you is honorable. Through the praise we give you, obtain for us our goal of heaven, where we will rejoice in your glory for all eternity. Amen.
PRAYER TO UNITE WITH GOD'S WILL
My God, I do not know what may happen to me this day; but of one thing I am certain: that nothing will happen but what you have foreseen and ordered from all eternity. I submit myself to your eternal plan and accept it with a willing heart. I unite myself to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, my Savior. In his name, and through his merits, I ask of you patience in all my trials and disappointments, and a total submission to all that will happen to me according to your divine plan. Amen.
THE APOSTLES' CREED
This prayer is an ancient creed used at baptisms in the early Roman Church. It is called the Apostles' Creed because it is thought to be a summary of the teachings of the apostles.
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I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

PRAYER TO END ABORTIONS
Mother Mary, as you carried your Divine Child in your womb you rejoiced and glorified the Lord. Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who think of murder, not motherhood. Help them to see that the child they carry is made in God's image--as well as theirs--made for eternal life. Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a mother alone can give. Mary, Mother of Christ, show us all, one day the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. (Mother Teresa says, "that abortion kills two; the baby and the conscience of the mother." "The fruit of abortion is nuclear war.")
Mother Teresa gave her sisters the following rules to follow in order to practice humility...
Speak as little as possible about yourself;
Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others;
Avoid curiosity;
Do not interfere in the affairs of others;
Accept small irritations with good humor;
Do not dwell on the faults of others;
Accept censures even if unmerited;
Give in to the will of others;
Accept insults and injuries;
Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded;
Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone;
Do not seek to be admired and loved;
Do not protect yourself hehind your own dignity;
Give in, in discussions, even when you are right;
Choose always the more difficult task.
STEPS FOR PRAYING
Adoration
Contrition
Thanksgiving
Supplication

Friday, July 06, 2007

A SAINT AND A PRAYER

Today is the feast day of Saint Maria Goretti!
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
O my God, this day in my prayers, I pray for:
*For all families to pray together
*My spouse and my children
*For all the youth of the world
*My mother and father
*My grandparents
*My brothers, sisters, relatives and all friends
*For all those who have no one to pray for them
*The Holy Father and all his intentions and his safety
*All bishops, priests, brothers and sisters
*Mother Church and all her children
*The poor souls in purgatory
*All those for whom I have promised to pray
*Those who love me and those who hate me
*The dying and those who die today
*The sick, the poor, the rich
*For the homeless that they find shelter and food
*The neglected, the persecuted, and the enslaved
*Those endangered and in distress
*The tempted, the doubting, the despairing
*My country, its president, and all its officials
*Those who died in military service for their country
*Those who lost loved ones in the struggle
*For all nations and all races
*For peace in the world and all its people
*To end all ABORTIONS
*Men of good will that they may come to the fullness of the faith
*Men of evil ways that they may be converted
*For all those called to serve in the Mission
*That all will respond to the request for a global consecration
*For the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
*For the Reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
AMEN!

Thursday, July 05, 2007

A CONTEST AND A PRAYER

Knitnana is having a contest where you guess which purse is her 500th (!) bag to make. All of her bags are super nice! So go take a guess at which of the beautiful bags is #500 and get in on the first and second drawings and do it before midnight EDT, July 6:~D
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CARDINAL NEWMAN'S PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART
Most sacred, most loving Heart of Jesus, you are concealed in the Holy Eucharist. I worship you with all my best love and awe, with deep affection, and with my most resolved will. For a while you take up your home within me. O make my heart beat with your Heart! Purify it of all that is earthly, all that is proud, of all perversity, and of all disorder. So fill it with you, that neither the events of the day, nor the circumstances of the time, may have the power to ruffle it; but that in your love and your fear, it may have peace. Amen.

READING "THE CITY OF GOD"


I've been savoring "The City of God" by Venerable Mary of Agreda. It's about 794 pages and I'm currently on page 547. This book is such a blessing!! The Life of Our Lady from preconception to the Coronation. I highly recommend this book as it will be sure to give you even greater devotion to Our Blessed Mother!

HAVING A GOOD TIME SO FAR:~D


1001ST POST!


This deserves a car-burst!!!

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

A BLESSED 4TH OF JULY

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FOR A GENTLE LIFE
Teach me, my Lord, to be kind and gentle in all the events of life; in disappointments, in the thoughtlessness of others, in the insincerity of those I trusted, in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied. Let me put myself aside, to think of the happiness of others, to hide my pains and heartaches, so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path. Let me use it so that it may mellow me, not embitter me; that it may make me patient, not irritable; that it may make me broad in my forgiveness, not narrow, proud, and overbearing.
May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow traveler in our journey toward eternal life. As I go my rounds from one task to another, let me say, from time to time, a word of love to you, my Lord. May my life be lived in the supernatural, full of power for good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity. Amen.

JULY 3, 2007

Here is something I think is pretty. Not sure it would work here in Springfield as we are pretty conservative in most things. I think this particular piece looks nice, so I thought I'd share.
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PRAYER FOR ONE'S ENEMIES
Almighty God, have mercy on my enemies and all who bear me ill will and wish me harm. Have mercy on their faults and on mine as well. Through your tender plan for harmony and mercy, and using such means as your infinite wisdom will devise, amend out conduct and redress any wrongs that have been done, and grant us to be saved souls in heaven together, where we may ever live and love you and your blessed saints, through the bitter passion of our Savior and the glory of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
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AN OLD PRAYER FOR FRIENDS
Blessed Mother of those whose names you can read in my heart, watch over them with every care. Make their way easy and their labors fruitful. Dry their tears if they weep; sanctify their joys; raise their courage if they weaken; restore their hope if they lose heart, their health if they become ill, truth to their hearts if they fall into error, and repentance if they fall into sin. Amen.

Monday, July 02, 2007

TEA COZY HAT & BOOTIES DONE

The newborn size Tea Cozy Hat and full term booties are finally done. The pompom is made from some oh-so-soft unlabeled yarn that was from the STASH. #2 is enjoying haveing his Dad mostly to himself. Norm and I played one game of Scrabble that I won by 1 point. Then Norm, Daniel and I played Sorry and Norm won that. It was fun, but was hard on Michael when he couldn't fully participate too.
This morning we went to mass and then to Scramblers for breakfast. Daniel has a double header tonight. I know Eric has had a wonderful time with his friend but I'll be glad to have him back tomorrow.
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PRAYER TO MARY FOR AN INCREASE IN FAITH
Hail, Mary, queen of mercy, olive-branch of forgiveness, through whom we receive the medicine that heals our sickness, the balsam of pardon; Virgin Mother of the divine offspring, through your Son, your only Child who stooped to become the brother of humankind, you are the true Mother of us all. For the sake of his love, take me, unworthy as I am, into your motherly care. Sustain, preserve, and enlighten my conversion. Be for me for all eternity my cherished mother, tenderly caring for me throughout my earthly life, and enfolding me in your arms at the hour of my death. Amen.
~SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT

Sunday, July 01, 2007

CHECKING IN







Well, the matching hat is done. YEAH! I also tried my hand at making a Hawkeye tutu that turned out ok. Daniel tried it on for me but I won't subject him to a picture.



Norm and I have played Scrabble with each other for a while now, but he is so smart that he wins about 95% of the time. I challenge him every so often and tonight will be one of those nights. Here's hoping that you have a good evening too:~D