Purse/Tote Swap ...

Wow.............. was this fun! I cant tell you how much I enjoyed this swap. And it was first swap on C'ville too............. so for it to be so much fun was a bonus!
This was the bag I had made for Kris and all the goodies sent with it. I was so please to hear from her and find out that she loved her package.
Here is the BEAUTIFUL bag and goodies I received from my swap partner... Kris. The bag is called a *Haekelbeutel Bag* Now before I go any further... I want you to notice the color theme here with the bag I sent Kris and the one she sent me. Hmmmmm .... interesting... no? This wasn't planned. It just happened this way.
The bag was filled with all the goodies you see here. Pattern books... buttons... yarn needles...stitch markers... Lovely yarn.... Razzberry M&Ms.... Chocolate covered espresso beans... which by the way....................... YUM! and I think my favorite thing ...besides the bag itself.................. that sweet little turtle. There he is... see him........... down there in the bottom of the picture?

Okay..................... Here's a close up. Is he the CUTEST thing ever.. or what?! Oh .. I love him! I Love my bag. I love Kris for going to all this trouble for me!
I so hope Kris and I stay in touch more than just on C'ville. She is such a sweet heart!

Well.. its late ......... I have a few more rows to crochet and bed to climb into and pretend I'm sleeping in.... because we all know I don't sleep... :)
May your weekend be FANTASTIC!
Be thankful … for what you have… and don’t have.
Be thankful for the things you get done.. and things you have to put on hold.
When your Van breaks down… and you need to call the mechanic… be thankful you have a van in the first place. When a storm rolls in and you don’t have electricity for days… be thankful for having “real” time with your family. Get out those board games and have fun cooking on the grill.
When you have an argument with a family member or friend.... Be thankful that they are alive and well to argue with!
When you have a sick one at home… be thankful he is AT HOME and not in the hospital.
When you cant get anything done due to tending to that sick one at home… be thankful that you are spending that quality time with your child and not on the computer or watching TV.
How thankful are you? Can you find the good in the things that seem bad? Can you be thankful for the things that seem to be going wrong?

hugs
.........love
.................Blessings
.::T::.

**And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
~ Ezekiel 36:26**

I Got GOLD!

Crochet Games of Ancient Greece are OVER.... and I took a Gold Medal!

This is the 2nd 12 point round prayer blanket I was working on. Its done and I'm pleased at its outcome! Here are the two prayer blankets together. I did it.. I make the two prayer blankets and met deadlines with other projects all in the same time frame. WHEW
Thank you Ladies of Crochetville. For having the Crochet Games... for all the work.. all the fun and all the new friends made... while being on 'Teams' and cheering each other on.

I had a wonderful time doing this. Not did I just meet my goal.. but I exceeded it!
well... off to get more crocheting done. Just because the games are over... doesn't mean my projects are over. Always one in the works.

Have a GREAT evening.....
hugs
.......love
..............blessings
.::T::.

**The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
~ Psalm 34:18**

A Quick Intermission......

While taking a break from the Prayer Blankets due to dizziness from going round in large circles and the bright colors of this current 'ghan... I created this Cupcake purse for Samantha ( daughter of friends of ours) Her Birthday was today and she turned 7. She watches me intently every time we are together... which is ball games or practice... (baseball and football)
I have been working on a swap and and my Prayer Blankets for CGOAG during football practice lately... she loves to see what I'm making and recently asked if I would teach her how to crochet. Well of course I would. So we sat two evenings ago at a practice and I taught her a bit about crocheting... she then told me that it would be okay for me to make her a pink purse. hehehheeee.... alrighty then. Later in conversation.. I learn that her birthday is today... so now my brain kicks in to overdrive and starts dreaming up ideas of what to do for her for her birthday. Well later at home that night..... (while crocheting on the Prayer Blanket) I get to thinking about this 'pink purse' she wants. Then remember the Cupcake purses on C'ville. So I hop on over to C'ville and peak around at some lovely pics of Cupcake purses... find a pattern to use and think... okay... I'll work on one of these. Well... with all grand intentions... I have these other commitments to finish... so what am I going to do? YUP... work on the purse at 11:00pm until its done so that I can get a few hours sleep and then still work on my Prayer Blanket and Swap today. In a couples hours time and working from what I thought was my memory of the pattern... this is what I created.
Samantha LOVED it!
Here it is closed with the handles tucked behind so you can get the "cupcake" feeling.
Here it is with the handles showing. Oh yeah... the reason the handles are this color... she told me she wanted a pink purse with blue handles... this is what I thought worked.
This is the Cupcake open so you can see how roomy it is.
This is the inside... with 5 balls of yarn from my stash and a crochet hook. Now she can crochet all she wants.
I put a piece of round plastic canvas in the bottom.. covered with another crocheted round piece...sewn together to give the bottom some firmness.

Well folks... that's it for this intermission.....
Back to our regular crochet program
Have a wonderful night... sleep well all.
hugs
........love
...............blessings
.::T::.

**Come close to God, and God will come close to you.
~ James 4:8**

DAY 10 of CGOAG...................

TIME FOR A COFFEE BREAK!

Wow............. the days are just flyin' by. This may not look like alot of progress ... but it is. I have been working very diligently to get this and 3 other projects done on time.. (all the same time frame by the way) I want to make this 'ghan a bit bigger than the first... so I think 15 more rounds will do it! This has been so much fun. The pressure of reaching my goal has been exciting! I really had to give thought about signing up for the 'Games' knowing I had projects already in the works that would be due during the time the 'Games' were going on. But .... I can do this! I can get all these projects done and what a great sense of accomplishment that will be!

Anyway.......... here it is as of this morning.

Well.... back to the "Game Chair" the whistle has blown... Break over!
You all have a GREAT day.... and a Wonderful week!

Remember to remember yourself today! Bless yourself! Maybe you can get a manicure… or maybe drive to that favorite coffee shop and get the biggest most yummiest coffee… maybe you just need to spiffy yourself up today for noone other than yourself. Sit outside with your coffee and a book or craft for 30 minutes. I bet you notice things outside you hadn’t before. Once you bless yourself… you find it very easy to share that with others. You’ll end up having a lovely conversation with the manicurist… you’ll run into a friend you haven’t seen in ages getting that coffee and making their day. Maybe you’ll get a last minute call from a friend to have lunch...and you’re all ready to go….Or you’ll end up sharing some of the wonderful discoveries of the outdoors and blessing them with those visions and thoughts of Gods amazing creations.
You cant love others without loving yourself first… so you cant bless others without blessing yourself first!!!
Hugs… love and blessings,
.::T::.

**Don't be afraid, for I am with you ...
~ Isaiah 41:10**

Day 6 of CGOAG........

And beginning of the second Prayer Blanket I have committed to make. Here are the color choices for this blanket.... and I have decided to use... YES.... the one and only Jimbo Chophook!
Here is what I had done yesterday before bed. Not too bad for finishing up the first blanket... working on a few other items... taking one of my boys to weigh in for Football and getting this started.
I'm quite confident that I will reach my goal of getting this second blanket done in time. I still have other items I'm working on that I NEED to get done in this same time frame.... but I'm feeling good about getting them all done. I have things I would like to do when the 'Games' are over... and its hard to not start them now.
Okie Dokie...... I need to get one boy to weight lifting and the other to Football practice.
you all have a GREAT evening!!!
Hugs .. Love and Blessings,
.::T::.
GO TEAM AFGHAN

**Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.
~ John 7:37-38**

The crowd goes wild..............

*As the announcer voice comes over the speakers .... the referee hits the stop watch and Tammy jumps up from her 'Game Chair' and screams, "TIME"! She as completed the first of the two 12 point round Prayer Blankets she has committed to for the Crochet Games of Ancient Greece.
It turned out great... nice color combination ... and being just shy of 4' its a good size for a small child.
She will be taking a break on the side-lines for a few minutes as notes are being taken .. scores are being added.... inspection of the blanket for flaws or lose ends.... and yarn scraps are cleared for the next round.
The Call from the Officials..................

ITS GOOD!!! The blanket is complete... no lose ends.. no flaws... great colors... nice shape... and good size.
Time for this blanket...
start: 8 Aug. 2008 - 8:08am
finish: 13 Aug. 2008 - 12:24pm

Tammy will be starting her second blanket in 30min.

Gods Blessings to all,
.::T::.

**God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
~ John 3:17**

Day 5 of CGOAG...

Go Team Go!!! We are moving right along... some of the team is starting to feel overwhelmed by the large project of an Afghan.... but they can do it ... as a TEAM we will help them through it! One row at a time! I'm doing pretty good. In more regular circumstances... I would have had this blanket done by now.. but I have other commitments I have been trying to keep up on during the Games. I have Swap items and charity items to work on ... during this time. But all in all... I'm quite pleased at my progress. I do feel today I will finish this blanket and start the second one.
Before any of us had hit our 'game chairs' this morning..... I had shared with my team a sweet bit of 'on the way out the door' support from my hubby! I get my kiss goodbye for the day.... and as he walks away.. he says, "take the lead in the medal count today". Its a wonderful feeling to have his support and know he believes I can reach my goal of getting these two prayer blankets done!

I did run into a bit of a snag this morning............ I went to my 'game chair' ill-prepared. I ran out of yarn in the middle of a round. But without much concern ... I yelled to the sidelines to my other team members taking their break and getting ready for their round... to toss me the skein of Frosty Green yarn I needed. *Whew* what a relief .... I'll be finishing this round here before the washer bell rings and be able to pass the baton to the next player.

with that.......... I'll be signing off for now. I have much crocheting to do today.
you all have a WONDERFULLY Blessed day!
Look at the 'Son' today............... how awesome... huh?!?
huge huge... lots of love and blessings beyond your wants or needs.
.::T::.

YGO TEAM AFGHAN
Grab your yarn and grab your hooks,
Get your scissors and your books,
We can do it, yes we can,
We can make it Team Afghan!

Sound off - 1, 2
Sound off - 3, 4
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2
3, 4!!!

I got my yarn,
I got my hook,
It's going great so take a look.
I don't know what you've been told,
We can do it - we'll take the gold!

**So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
~ Matthew 10:31**

Day 3 of CGOAG........Team Afghan is doing Great

Oh my.......... I have been away for a few days............. My apologies.......... 'The Games' have kept me really busy!!! Getting my 'game challenge' done... .working on swap items.. charity squares... and tending to family ... well.... keeps me busy.. on my toes and away from my blog a bit. Praise God I have all that to do though and I don't have idle time to give to satan. Satan does enough damage as it is.. don't need to give him free time to really run a muck.

Well........... this is the progress on the first of the two Prayer Blankets I have entered into my challenge of 'The Games' I'm pleased with my progress so far. I have been working on this between Swap items... charity items and tending to my family. Along with suffering from a horrible headache which has upset my stomach and some crazy chest pains... but Praise God... My hands still work .... *grin*
I cant let Team Afghan down..... I have an obligation to help us reach that GOLD Medal!
We are a great team... we pass the baton when needed ... and we haven't dropped it yet! We have covered each other from day one ... and our team is moving right along. I'm so proud of Team Afghan.. they are true sportswomen.... hangin' in when it gets tough... and pulling up those stitches to keep us going! GO TEAM AFGHAN!
Look at this wonderful pile of color!!! Can you believe it?!? My wonderful Aunt sent this to me. She does alot of Charity work of making Prayer shawls and Slippers. She ends up with lots of little balls of yarn she really cant use .... So.. guess who the lucky winner of this stash is.......... yup... ME! There are about a dozen or so skeins that are still good size... but most of this is baggies of little yarn balls. Perfect for Charity Granny Squares. Speaking of granny squares.... you see that tote to the left... Those are granny squares she had tucked in the bottom of the box. Woo hoo... I'll add to them to make them to size when needed for projects! I cant tell you how fun it was to open this box and dig through the lovely yarn.
Okay.......... I really need to get a few rounds put on this prayer blanket before dinner.
you all have a GREAT night.. and a wonderful tomorrow!
hugs .. love and blessings,
.::T::.

**Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
~ Revelation 3:20**

*The Games have begun*..................

I'm off and crocheting..................... woo hoo
I was ready.... standing patiently as I waited for them to give the 'GO' bright and early this morning. I had my project pieces ready to go..... Yarn *check* ... Hook *check*... Coffee *check*....scissors *check*.... Excedrin for my headaches *check* and cell phone in case of emergency (as in Excedrin not working, ran out of yarn, ran out of coffee.... etc) *check*
I got the signal and sat in my chair as fast as I could with project and started crocheting. I had to pass the baton a few times due to making breakfast ... lunch.. and snacks for the boys... and of course the occasional *mommy..... come see me* Then off to get Football gear for the boys. Yup.... that time already. I cant wait to watch then play.
But I have to tell you... Team Afghan is one great team to work with ... they covered me and kept the yarn moving!
With all that ... I did manage to get this much done on the first prayer blanket! I'm quite pleased!

Please forgive me for not posting a Freebie Friday............. with the 'Crochet Games' starting today..... it was just not on my mind.

I do need to get to it... I have lots of crocheting to do... football practice to take one of the boys to here in about 30 min.

you all have a WONDERFUL day... and a Great weekend!

God Bless,

.::T::.

**Go Team Afghan**

***He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
~ Isaiah 40:29***

Late Night Update...............

shhhhhhhhhhh.... everyone else is asleep. Wanted to show off the squares I made yesterday.
I really like how they came out! The will be fun to share with my mom.. sis-in-law .. daughter and friend. I worked on a few squares today.... they were just good ol' granny squares with scraps of different color yarns. They came out rather neat.
I needed to get as much done on other commitments today as I could due to the Ancient Greece Games starting tomorrow morning..................
So.......... with that.......... I will close for now. I'll be blogging again tomorrow for "Freebie Friday" I may have a recipe or two for you tomorrow. Hmmmm

hugs... love.... and blessings
.::T::.

**You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
~ Psalm 73:24**

*Whew* Wednesday.........

Wow............. what a day. Praise God for giving us just the right amount of hours in a day to get things done. Although it may not feel that way... with all the hustle and bustle... but its really want we choose to do in a day that determines our time. Maybe we feel like we don't have enough hours in a day because we are trying to pack too many things in one day. If we were to spread our appointments and projects out evenly through the week.. .we would find plenty of time for all sorts of things. The day we have an appointment ... a package to mail ... stop for gas ... and get some groceries... maybe that's the day we put dinner in the crockpot. Hmmm... dinner is ready when Everyone gets home.... and see... you had plenty of time.
Today I spent catching up on some charity squares and some squares for a Friendship Blanket. My mom.. daughter... sis-in-law... dear friend(more like a sis) and I are all making squares for each other to make into afghans. We are to make 30 squares in total to exchange. I worked on a set of squares today. At the point of this picture......... I had just started these.

This is a square I made to send to a lady making a comfortghan. Its the 'Pretty in Pink 4 heart square' 12" version... done in blues. I love how it came out.
I wanted to get as much done today as I could because on Crochetville they are having.....
*The 2008 Crochet Games of Ancient Greece*
The Game: Begin and complete the crochet project of your choice in the time between the beginning of the opening ceremonies (August 8, 2008) and the extinguishing of the flame at the closing ceremonies (August 24, 2008) of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

I have challenged myself to make 2 - 12 point round Prayer Blankets. I need to get these done for Christmas for the children with Nephrotic Syndrome. So... wish me luck everyone... the games begin tomorrow. I'm on *Team Afghan* I'm really wanting that Gold Medal... hehehe
Now really the challenge is for me to get these 2 prayer blankets done while filling other obligations of charity squares... swaps and such.

Well...... I need to get to finishing up a few things... and get ready for Fridays events.
*warms up fingers.... gets yarn ready... fluffs chair .... getting hooks... scissors and all equipment ready.....................*
Have a GREAT evening....
hugs... love and blessings
.::T::.

**God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
~ Matthew 5:8**

Sharing Squares............

Well...............
Good evening!! How is everyone this Monday? Mine? Well... its been filled with Satan trying to get in and run my family. I've been trying to stay focused on my God... and stand strong against him today... its a tough fight... but with God leading me and tending to my every need.. it will all be fine!!!! I will ask though.. if anyone feels lead... please say a prayer for my husband... satan is trying to hit him pretty hard with self doubt today. Its been a long emotional day for him... and he needs prayer to help keep him focused on the good Lord. So thats why I ask for prayer. Satan cant get to him with so many sending up prayer with all its power to protect him.

On a good note... I find that I am able to crochet like a crazy lady when I'm spilling my anger into prayer to God over satan and his evil ways.
So............. I managed to get a good handful of Charity Squares done this weekend.
This one is really rather neat... and was pretty easy and fun to make. Its called 'Windowpane'
These were made by my daughter and myself for a lady in need of squares for a comfortghan. The one on top was started by my daughter and I turned it into a square. The one in the back was made by my daughter to go along with the other one so we could send a set.
This one is for a Swap I'm in. The love lady I'm sending this to asked for a 12" Red,White and Green square... so...... this is what I can up with. My own design and I'm pretty pleased with it! I sure hope she likes it. :)
Now this ... is a square I was given the honor of testing for a lovely talented lady from Crochetville. Donna thank you for letting me test this for you. Its a lovely square!
This square is called "Pretty in Pink 4 heart square"

I then took that lovely square and with a few additional rows of decorative stitches... created a lovely 12" square. I'm relieved to say that Donna approved my additions and thought it turned out quite nice. *whew* Its kinda easy to add on to a beautiful square to start with though. Its lovely Donna!
Well... I needl to get some crocheting done yet tonight before bed... hmmm? Bed? Anyway.. you all have a GREAT night... sleep well.. and may God Bless you!

**The man whispered, "God, speak to me." And a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.So the man yelled "God, speak to me!" And the thunder & lightning rolled across the sky. But the man did not listen.The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you." And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see.And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle." And a life was born. But the man did not notice.So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me, God, and let me know you are here."Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.This is a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted...even in our electronic age.The man cried "God, I need your help"...and an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement.But the man deleted it and continued crying....."The good news is that you are loved." Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.**

God Bless,
.::T::.

**And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
~ 1 John 5:14**

Freebie Friday........

Granny Daughter Squares.........

These are great little pieces that can be used in so many ways.
They can be assembled in an entire afghan in a rainbow of colors

Or used in the center of a flowery Granny Square
Yarn: Worsted Weight
Motif Size: 1-1/2"
Hook: any size that will create a 1-1/2" motif (I use size I... but you use what works for you to meet the gage)
Skill level: beginner

Ch 4.... 2dc in 4th ch from hook... ch 2... 3dc in same ch sp as before... ch 2... 3dc in same ch sp...ch 2..... 3dc in same ch sp ... ch 2... join with sl st to top of ch4... finish off. tuck in ends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

48 motifs make a great preemie/newborn 'ghan
720 motifs for an adult 'ghan

Extra Freebie........

Mini Microwave Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

2 tbsp reduced sugar chocolate cake mix
2 tbsp cool whip free
1 tbsp fat free vanilla yogurt
1/2 tbsp light chocolate syrup

Directions:
makes 1 serving
mix cool whip with chocolate syrup, place in freezer
mix cake mix with yogurt. microwave for 1 minute, in single serving microwavable bowl, let sit for 3 minutes.
When cake has cooled a little, put cool whip mixture on top, drizzle with a little extra syrup.
The batter will rise in the microwave, very rich and filling dessert.

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories: 123.0
Total Fat: 1.0 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Sodium: 201.0 mg
Total Carbs: 28.0 g
Dietary Fiber: 0.8 g
Protein: 2.0 g

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have a Wonderful day!!!!!!!!
Crochet lots............ eat healthy........ and love unconditionally!
God Bless,
.::T::.

**And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
~ 1 John 5:14**