Knit and Pray

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

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH

Just a bit of good advice for the trick or treaters. Will be out of touch for a few days. We will be very busy doing this and that. I finished Daniel's sweater yesterday and he loved it:~D
All Saints is tomorrow and All Souls the next day. It's also FIRST Friday and Saturday. I won't be attending the knit-in at Simply Fibers, like I was hoping. Daniel and I stopped by to drop off one of the papipads. December 2 will be the next knit-in. So, here's hoping I get to go to that one.
I've started Eric's Cobblestone sweater and got more yarn for the baby blanket. Things are progressing at various rates. We got a new computer and DH is slowly getting things attached and what-not. The boys are SO excited.
The boys had a nice Halloween and I hope to post pictures soon.
Take care and God bless!

Monday, October 29, 2007

"PRAYERFUL BEADS"

If you need some awesome jewelry, rosaries or chaplets, check out Prayerful Beads.

NICOLE KIDMAN SHOULD KNOW BETTER!

She professes to be a Catholic but she's starring in a movie that is blatantly ANTI-CATHOLIC! Catholic Caveman has the scoop.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

"IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS"


That is the theme for this year's Knit Unto Others knit-along where we knit for others between November 15-30.
Another link that might inspire some selfless knitting is at Loves Many Cloths.
Knitting For Charity has some good links too.
Handmade For Charity lists charities accepting handmade items.
I hope you get inspired to do even one little thing. Remember the mustard seed and how tiny it is. It grows very large.
Have a blessed day:~)

Thursday, October 25, 2007

HURRY! CONTEST!

If you'd like a chance to win a Taste of Home Cookbook AND a magazine subscription get yourself over here fast. Contest ends October 26! Good luck:~)

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

HEY! TWO MONTHS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!


Unbelievable as that sounds, when I go to the store Christmas is here! I did finish another papipad slightly changed. Used US 11 needles, Red Heart in colors Cherry Red, and Hunter Green, and cast on only 60 sts. It ended up being 27" long and 22" wide after 120 rows.
I contacted my local American Red Cross today and have an outlet to give my cotton cloths and soaps. The cloths and soaps will be included in their "Comfort kits". I would encourage anyone who likes to make cloths to contact their local Red Cross centers and see if they can use these cloths and soaps. You can locate one at http://redcross.org I'm still waiting to hear where we can send cloths to California. The woman I talked to said the outpouring of support has been so great that they had to find another warehouse to store items. God help and God bless America!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

TIME TO GET OUT THE BIG GUN


THE ROSARY. The weapon Our Lady has asked us to use. It can't hurt and may indeed help. You don't need to be a Catholic to say it. It's the story of Christ in prayer. May God bless us all!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

GOT SCRAPS?

There are a couple of sites here and here that have some good ideas for using up those fabric scraps most of us have. They might be good gifts to give:~D

SCARECROW

Artwork by Daniel Johnson

AUTUMNAL PAPIPAD

Using Red Heart in Coffee and Vibrant Orange. US 11 CO 67 sts ended up at 27x23-inches. Papipads are good for using up all those odd ends of acrylic since the animals don't care what colors are used.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

PAPIPADS

For some reason I am unable to keep the pattern for papipads on my side bar. If you have any acrylic yarn you need to use up why not consider making a papipad and donating it to your local Humane Society. Especially during the colder weather, they are nice for the cats and dogs to "nest" and snuggle with.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

SOME THINGS THAT ARE COOL

Now here's a cool project! Something I'll think about doing.
Here's one of the CUTEST hats I've ever seen.
Have you seen something good today?

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

ASKING

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve...
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things...
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy...
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men...
I was given weakness, that I might feel that need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life...
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, most richly blessed!
~Anonymous

ALL IS WELL

Thank you for your prayers! Everything went well. He is just feeling "weird" from the anesthesia. He still needs some help getting around, but he's been spoon-fed some chocolate milk and some pain relief meds. He's going to take it easy today and should be back at school tomorrow.
In knitting news, I am about half way done with the second sleeve of his sweater:~D
Must tend to the boys now. Have a great rest of the week:~D

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

BEFORE YOU BUY PINK...THINK

Barbara at Praying for Grace has a couple of eye opening posts about all the pink ribbons on our grocery shelves. FYI.

A CONTEST TO WIN A COOL APRON


Marye at Baking Delights is having a contest for this cool reverseable holiday apron. Why not check it out?

SWEATER TIME AND TEETH



Strange title, no? Well, I had to show the beautiful cardigan I got at the same garage sale for Michael for only $2:~) Another very nice sweater was only $.50 and just in time for the weather to start getting more autumnal.
I've started the sleeve on Daniel's sweater. He's very anxious for me to get it done even though it's too warm for him to wear it yet. If you would, please say a prayer for Daniel, as tomorrow morning he is to have dental surgery to remove the three remaining bottom front baby teeth. They'll need to put him under to do the surgery. Fun times.
Also, please say a prayer for me as my gout is acting up and it's SO PAINFUL! I see my doctor next month and I hope he can prescribe something for it that will work. It's hard to get around when you feel like you're walking on hot shards of glass. Thanks everyone and know that you are in my prayers too.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

MY GUYS ARE BLESSED

This Sunday all the second graders and their parents came up for a special blessing. The kids are getting ready for their first confession.

MOMMA'S GOT A BRAND NEW CHAIR


While coming back from eating at Ryan's with my boys we came across a garage sale and saw this awesome chair. $40 and it was MINE! We'll need to do some rearranging of furniture, but everyone loves to sit in it already. You can't tell by the picture, but it sure is purrrty:~D

ONLY FOR TODAY

Esther has a fine post I wanted to share with you:~D

Friday, October 12, 2007

KNITTING AND PRAYING



The top hat is for a medium size preemie made with this pattern. The other two are large preemie size and are slight variations of the CareWear basic hat pattern. I'm really liking the button accents too. I'm hoping to get a lot of use out of these cute accents especially for Valentines and St. Patricks' days. It's amazing how much knitting can get done while you wait to get your brakes fixed and while your son's PSR (parish school of religion) is going on, etc. I love being able to knit but when that isn't an option then I take the opportunity to pray silently for the person or persons around me as well as the poor souls in purgatory, especially for those who have no one to pray for them. The rosary doesn't have to be said all at once. Sometimes I say it while driving, doing dishes, the laundry and at various other activities.
Tomorrow at noon will be a special time for our family to say the rosary to honor Our Lady of Fatima. The rosary is the key to personal and world peace. It's definitely worth striving for.

THE FLIGHT OF THE MONARCHS

The Monarch butterflies are migrating and they are so beautiful!!! What a wonderful gift to watch them flutter by:~)

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

AFLITTER AFLUTTER I NEED SOME PEANUT BUTTER



Having FINALLY finished the Hawkeye blanket measuring about 45"x48" I am hurrying to make a few small and medium preemie sized hat/bootie pumpkin sets to go in the box too. I plan on working on the sweaters for my guys next week for sure. Hopefully I will plan better next year and make a pumpkin set here and there during the year so I won't feel so rushed. I'm currently out of orange yarn. I'll need to start a few holiday themed sets too. I want a good chance of winning something fabulous in the contest Sarah is having until November 29.
I'm on the front of Daniel's sweater and want to finish it before Halloween, which is doable. It would be nice to have the other two sweaters done before Thanksgiving. I know I'll have to throw in some holiday preemie knitting along the way too. Now where is the peanut butter? I'm feeling a little light headed when I think of all that knitting;~p

Monday, October 08, 2007

PURPLE AND PINK PRETTIES FOR PREEMIES




Buttons and bows add just the right touch to these large preemie hat/bootie sets.
Thank you to everyone who left such nice comments on my sons' art work. He's pretty proud of himself:~D
Sent out one box and am working on filling a couple more to go out this week. Happy Columbus day to everyone!

Thursday, October 04, 2007

NEED A HAND?


Artwork by Daniel

THIS AND THAT



The lavender blanket is completed! 36"x32". Boxed and ready to mail off. I got the green hat for afghans for Afghans put in an envelop and felt it needed to have another hat, using this pattern, put in so here we are with the purpley hat I hope to get finished tonight and sent off tomorrow. I got my invite to Ravelry after only a two month wait. I'm Knitandpray (surprise, surprise;~p), but don't know when I'll find the time to really enjoy all the benefits it offers. #1 son is having to use the computer to do homework, #3 son is being a handfull and dear hubby even has some homework. I don't get to visit as many blogs as I'd like or even post as often as I'd like. The house does need tending and knitting must be done in between housework and fun with my boys. Thankfully praying can be done at any moment even if it's a short "Jesus I trust in you!" and of course the Rosary is prayed while driving, doing dishes or knitting a row or two while waiting for the umpteenth load of laundry to get done. October is only the beginning of some of the busiest months of the year. I confess I am looking forward to going to the knit-ins that my LYS will be having in November and December. As soon as I get the preemie booties done and boxed I will be working on the sweaters for my guys and items for little ol' me.
Oh! The first of the two babies in the family has arrived! Cody Thomas arrived October 1! We hope to go visit him sometime this weekend. Hope you all have a wonderful time too:~D

HOW PRETTY ARE THESE!

Major Knitter has a picture of some yarn topiaries in this post. They are too gorgeous not to share!!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

LITANY OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS

(for private use only) Litany Two
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Holy Angel, my guardian, pray for us.
Holy Angel, my prince, etc.
Holy Angel, my monitor,
Holy Angel, my counselor,
Holy Angel, my defender,
Holy Angel, my steward,
Holy Angel, my friend,
Holy Angel, my negotiator,
Holy Angel, my intercessor,
Holy Angel, my patron,
Holy Angel, my director,
Holy Angel, my ruler,
Holy Angel, my protector,
Holy Angel, my comforter,
Holy Angel, my brother,
Holy Angel, my teacher,
Holy Angel, my shepherd,
Holy Angel, my witness,
Holy Angel, my helper,
Holy Angel, my watcher,
Holy Angel, my conductor,
Holy Angel, my preserver,
Holy Angel, my instructor,
Holy Angel, my enlightener,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Let Us Pray
Almighty and everlasting God, Who in the counsel of Thine ineffable goodness hast appointed to all the faithful, from their mother's womb, a special Angel Guardian of their body and soul, grant that I may so love and honor him whom Thou hast so mercifully given me, that protected by the bounty of Thy grace and by his assistance, I may merit to behold, with him and all the angelic hosts, the glory of Thy countenance in the heavenly kingdom. Thou, Who livest and reignest world without end. R. Amen.

Monday, October 01, 2007

100 GREATEST MOVIES OF ALL TIME

According to the American Film Institute the following are the 100 greatest American movies of all time. The ones highlighted are the ones I've seen.
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. Casablanca (1942)
3. The Godfather (1972)
4. Gone With The Wind (1939)
5. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
6. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
7. The Graduate (1967)
8. On The Waterfront (1954)
9. Schindler's List (1993)
10. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
11. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
12. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
13. The Bridge On the River Kwai (1957)
14. Some Like It Hot (1959)
15. Star Wars (1977)
16. All About Eve (1950)
17. The African Queen (1951)
18. Psycho (1960)
19. Chinatown (1974)
20. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
21. The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
22. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
23. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
24. Raging Bull (1980)
25. E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
26. Dr. Strangelove (1964)
27. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
28. Apocalypse Now (1979)
29. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)
30. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
31. Annie Hall (1977)
32. The Godfather Part II (1974)
33. High Noon (1952)
34. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
35. It Happened One Night (1934)
36. Midnight Cowboy (1969)
37. The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)
38. Double Indemnity (1944)
39. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
40. North By Northwest (1959)
41. West Side Story (1961)
42. Rear Window (1954)
43. King Kong (1933)
44. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
45. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
46. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
47. Taxi Driver (1976)
48. Jaws (1975)
49. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
50. Butch Cassidy and the Sunshine Kid (1969)
51. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
52. From Here To Eternity (1953)
53. Amadeus (1984)
54. All Quiet On The Western Front (1930)
55. The Sound Of Music (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. The Third Man (1949)
58. Fantasia (1940)
59. Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
60. Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)
61. Vertigo (1958)
62. Tootsie (1982)
63. Stagecoach (1939)
64. Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)
65. The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
66. Network (1976)
67. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
68. An American In Paris (1951)
69. Shane (1953)
70. The French Connection (1971)
71. Forrest Gump (1994)
72. Ben-Hur (1959)
73. Wuthering Heights (1939)
74. The Gold Rush (1925)
75. Dances With Wolves (1990)
76. City Lights (1931)
77. American Graffiti (1973)
78. Rocky (1976)
79. The Deer Hunter (1978)
80. The Wild Bunch (1969)
81. Modern Times (1936)
82. Giant (1956)
83. Platoon (1986)
84. Fargo (1996)
85. Duck Soup (1933)
86. Mutiny On The Bounty (1935)
87. Frankenstein (1931)
88. Easy Rider (1969)
90. The Jazz Singer (1927)
91. My Fair Lady (1964)
92. A Place In The Sun (1951)
93. The Apartment (1960)
94. Goodfellas (1994)
95. Pulp Fiction (1994)
96. The Searchers (1956)
97. Bringing Up Baby (1938)
98. Unforgiven (1992)
99. Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (1967)
100. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
*****
WOW! Haven't seen 29/100. Well, let's consider the age factor too. Still, that's a lot of movie time. If you'd like to play along just leave a comment and I'll come see which of these movies you've seen.

SPEAKING OF LITTLE...


Here's a large preemie pumpkin hat/booties set with a little round button accent. Also there are two pink medium preemie hat/booties with heart button accents. The box is almost full and will be sent out this week to The Preemie Project in Iowa. Small things that mean so much to the recipients. I feel like St. Therese in that I cannot do great things but it is within everyone's ability to do small things with great love. Thank you St. Therese for your "little way"!

LITANY OF SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, etc.
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus,
Saint Therese of the Holy Face,
Saint Therese, spouse of Jesus,
Saint Therese, child of Mary,
Saint Therese, devoted to Saint Joseph,
Saint Therese, angel of innocence,
Saint Therese, model child,
Saint Therese, pattern of religious,
Saint Therese, flower of Carmel,
Saint Therese, zealous to save souls,
Saint Therese, converter of hardened hearts,
Saint Therese, healer of the diseased,
Saint Therese, filled with love for the Blessed Sacrament,
Saint Therese, filled with angelic fervor,
Saint Therese, filled with loyalty to the Holy Father,
Saint Therese, filled with a tender love for the Church,
Saint Therese, filled with extraordinary love for God and neighbor,
Saint Therese, wounded with a heavenly flame,
Saint Therese, victim of divine love,
Saint Therese, patient in sufferings,
Saint Therese, eager for humiliations,
Saint Therese, consumed with love of God,
Saint Therese, rapt in ecstasy,
Saint Therese, dedicated to pray for priests,
Saint Therese, who refused God nothing,
Saint Therese, who desired always to be as a little child,
Saint Therese, who taught the way of spiritual childhood,
Saint Therese, who gave perfect example of trust in God,
Saint Therese, whom Jesus filled with a desire for suffering,
Saint Therese, who found perfection in little things,
Saint Therese, who sought bitterness in this life,
Saint Therese, who told us to call thee "little Therese,"
Saint Therese, who gained countless souls for Christ,
Saint Therese, who promised after thy death a shower of roses,
Saint Therese, who foretold: "I will spend my Heaven doing good upon earth,"
Saint Therese, Patroness of the Missions,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, Saint Therese,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray
Hear our prayer, O Lord, we beseech Thee, as we venerate Saint Therese, Thy virgin and martyr of love and longing to make Thee loved, and grant us, through her intercession, the gift of childlike simplicity and the spirit of complete dedication to Thy divine service, Thou who livest and reignest world without end. R. Amen.
*******
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, The "Little Flower"; Born in 1873 in France of middle-class parents, the youngest of nine children, St. Therese entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at age 15 and lived a hidden life of great love of God through the practice of her "Little Way." She died in 1897 at age 24 after writing her autobiography, "The Story of a Soul", one of the most widely read spiritual books of all time. With St. Francis Xavier, she is Patron of the Missions. St. Pius X called St. Therese "the greatest saint of modern times."
*******
Barbara has a wonderful post about our beloved St. Therese of the Child Jesus.