Come to the Crochet-Along

http://blog.lionbrand.com/
It's easy to join this online blog where you can also get free crochet patterns. Just register at their website and join in this month's project, A Sampler Afghan using fisherman yarn and a large crochet hook. You have to see the photo to really appreciate the beauty of this design. It's simple, but elegant. I made one like this out of yard I bought in Ireland. It's the only afghan I've ever made and KEPT.

http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com/
Moms can do yarncraft with their kids, too. Visit this link to see the myriad yarn projects that kids can MAKE and USE. I know I sound like an advertisement, but people keep asking me how they can learn to crochet. So, I'm passing this around for your benefit. I'm headed to the fabric store right now to pick up the yarn for mine...I'll post of photo of it when I finish.

Mothers of Multiples -- the club where God chooses its members!

Here is a photo of my identical twin sons today. It's hard to believe they weighed only 5 and 6 lbs when they were born 29 years ago. I remember that day vividly--some things are just too important to forget a moment of--because I wrote it all down in their baby books. Plus, I kept a journal over the years as my children were being born and growing up. Writing in a journal - best thing I ever did, next to becoming a mother.

About that corny heading: that was the byline for the Mothers of Twins Club years ago. I scoffed at it the first time I read it, but several months into the experience of being a M.O.M., I began to see the wisdom in that claim. My twins were my wakeup call to adulthood. I wouldn't have done it without them, and God knew that. So it's all good.

Let's Play

Life's too short, so have some fun at work, at home, or with friends and family in the backyard. Here is a place to help you get started. You might even want to add your own versions.
http://www.group-games.com

Compassion for All

So, as those chosen by God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

- Colossians 3:12

The Father can't forgive us our sins if we don't forgive other people. We reap what we sow. Sow mercy and you'll reap mercy. Sow judgment and you'll reap judgment. So, do yourself a favor and forgive. - Joyce Meyers

Modern Heroes: Olympic & Military

The best part of watching Olympics every two years is the diversion the events provide -- compelling viewers to focus their concerns on winning and losing the non-violent frays in life. By virture of human nature, we take pride in the prowess and achievements of our heroes, whether on the track, in the pool, on the ice, or wearing skis. Then there are our heroes who can be found these days in the searing heat of the deserts of Iraq and the treacherous terrain of Afghanistan. These uniformed competitors carry weapons and water, performing their feats of greatness inside armoured vehicles and along roadsides lined with incendiary devices. The inherent comparisons end here.

Our military personnel officially entered the fray in 2003 when President George Bush declared war. Since then, Americans have watched three Olympic Games: Summer 2004, Winter 2006, and Summer 2008. One can't help wondering whether the interest in the Olympics can be compared to the interest in the military frey. I think not. And yet, what's a stake for our heroes? A medal of some kind. And a life or death.

Any Day Can Be Sunday for Grandmas

I often wonder what happened to that quaint notion that families visit grandparents on Sundays. When my kids were growing up, we spent many a Saturday helping Grandma Frost with her yard work, and then eating some of her great cookies. We usually left with a loaf of homemade bread and a frozen roast or chicken. We tried not to wear out our welcome, so we often heard, "Come when you can't stay so long!"

Since my return from Japan in 2005, Mark and I sold our home, found me a better job, and moved to Salt Lake valley. We did so to be closer geographically to the grandchildren, only to find that busy parents make for scarce visits. Many a Sunday I have hoped that one or another of my children would either call or just show up at the door, but Sunday schedules seem to be as busy as week days. So, I try to find time throughout the week to visit with my kids at their homes or at family outings like ball games, recitals, or drive-in movies. So, now I can create the same joy of sharing time with my kids and their kids, because ANYday can be Sunday for Grandmas.