~How to make a needle-book~

The afternoon started out in pain... from my shoulder.

Then came coffee... from a couple friends. 

Then I got in a happy mood.... from being cheered up a bit.

Then... I got crafty. 

:)

I made a needle book. 

Wanna learn? :)

The Supplies

• Felt (wool or cotton)
• Embroidery Floss
• Needle
• Scissors
• Circle pattern from card stock (three inches in diameter)

The Directions~

1. Following your pattern, cut out four pieces of felt (two for the outside cover and two for the inside).

2. Blanket Stitch around the edge of the front and inside two pieces, leaving about one and a half inches of the circumference un-stitched.

3. Place the other two pieces on the back side of the first two with the second inside piece facing the already sewn inside and the back outside piece facing outwards.

Continue the blanket stitch on all four pieces for the un-sewn inch and a half. Then finish sewing the blanket stitch around the edge of the back side two pieces.

4. Run the thread through the felt where it cannot be seen from the inside or outside. Bring the thread to the surface of the outside and double knot.

Steps 2, 3, and 4. Oops. ;)

This is what my table looked like at the end of the afternoon. 

Finished craft + Empty coffee cup = a very productive afternoon. 

(Yes, it took me a few hours to do this.)

:)

A New Season

A new season has officially arrived.

 I used to be able to look outside and think, "Hmm, is today's weather going to be fall or winter?" Well, it is officially always winter now. My hope is that it will snow at least once or twice this winter. This season in the Willamette valley in Oregon usually consists of rain, fog, wind, fog, rain, and more rain. That's why everything is so green and beautiful for the rest of the year! 

A week ago it was hard to believe that the holiday season was beginning. Well, now that it actually feels like winter I'm beginning to get into my annual "crafty" mood. (Notice I said annual). :) 

Now that fall is officially over and the pumpkins have been thrown off the porch (pictures to come), I am in the holiday mood, and am getting very excited for Christmas!

I have begun to tackle some new sewing and knitting projects (fingers crossed). :)

What are you doing during this season of life?

*Thanksgiving pictures coming soon to Me and the Mouse in my Pocket. :)

A Hundred and One

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you. 

~Winnie the Pooh 

Over The Rainbow

Here is a picture I took from our deck on the afternoon of Halloween.

The day started with blue sky, then the clouds came in, it turned to a storm, which at the end of it...

 was a gorgeous rainbow. 

This picture is what I think God sees when he looks at my life. He can see the good, the bad, the ugly and He is my the rainbow at the end of my storm. When I'm in it I can't see what's coming, sometimes it's so hard to hold on to what I know, and remember that God said He would always be there with me. But, sometimes in the midst of the storm it can be easy to forget God's promises, but that is what I have to hold onto. I can trust that God knows what's best for me, and He will never give me more then I can handle. When the storm is at it's worst and the clouds are closing in, i feel the SONshine breaking through... and when I look up.... there is my Rainbow. 

And while we're on the subject of rainbows...

This is a great song. 

:)

Her Eyes

“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” 

Dr. Seuss

Sweet Child...

This song was sung at Nathaniel's memorial service. 

In Loving Memory Of Nathaniel Zhopo Nettrouer  July 24, 2011~ October 10, 2011


Nathaniel, You touched my life and so many others in a way you will never know. 
I have to say that, because of you, prayer means so much more to me now. It means praying for healing, but also for God's will to be done no matter what. It means trusting that He knows best, and knowing by faith that His will is good and perfect. You were loved by so many, Nathaniel. You're memorial service was so full of love and hope. I kept getting chills... I could feel God's presence. You, dear child, will not be forgotten. So many lives were touched by yours, Nathaniel. So many people had stories to share about how you life had touched theirs. God's plan is so amazing. Your purpose on earth was fulfilled...your life was not cut short. Now your big, beautiful, brown eyes are gazing into the eyes of the One who created you, and loves you. He will hold you forever! My heart hurt so much at your funeral, I felt as if I'd lost part of my own family. 
Josh, Merino and Naomi~ I am so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you. Thank you for letting us be a part of this journey. 
I don't believe this is the end of the story...He has many more blessings to give, and to God be the glory!


This was on the program at Nathaniel's memorial service.


~Sweet Child~


"God made a sweet child, a child who never grew old. He made a smile of sunshine. He molded a heart of pure gold. He made that child as close to an angel as anyone could ever be. God made a sweet child and He gave that dear child to me. Then God saw His wonderful creation growing very tired and weak so He wrapped the child in His arms and said, "You my child I keep". But now my sweet child is an angel free from all hurt and pain. I'll love you forever until we meet again. So many times I have missed you. So many times I have cried. If all my love could have saved you, sweet child, you never would have died". 




I can't wait to join Nathaniel and sing my heaven song... :)

One sunny, October day...

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it?" ~Anne of Avonlea