9 years!

Dear Blog readers!

I know I've been remiss in updating you of my Scotland adventures....much of which include math, which few, if any, of you would be interested in.  I have knitting to share with you too, but that will have to wait for another day as well.

Today I am overwhelmed with joy and emotion.  Some of you I met last year when I told you "my story" (you can start reading it here) and it is one that still amazes me today.  9 years ago I was healed.  9 years ago, God heard my prayers and said my days were not over.  9 years ago I had brain surgery and God spared my life.  I am thankful for each day.  Thankful that I have another day to serve Him, another day to know Him more, another day to sing praises to Him!  Thank you Lord for saving me!  

July 26th is a day of great celebration in my life!  I remember the first year (in Seattle at an REU....math camp sort of thing),  the second as a newlywed, another in Nebraska with friends at another math camp thing and this year in Scotland, going to a church that I wish I had subtitles for the sermon :) but never the less felt it was a time of praise and rejoicing.

This year has been tough for me spiritually.  I am not entirely sure why.  9 years ago, God became so real to me, my faith was tested and I clung to God with all I had.  I knew that was my only chance.  The last year God has been quiet to me and I have been discouraged in ways I couldn't have fathomed.  I have realized that I wasn't clinging to Him like I had in that past and I earnestly desired to seek His face and be close to Him again and yet he felt so distant.  I know He is faithful and in the last month I have been so encouraged.  God has not abandoned me!  I want to know Him.  I don't want to be complacent in my faith or simply relive what God did years ago. (though it is a testimony I am so grateful to have)  I want that closeness with Him always.  I am so thankful God has made that possible!

Thank you for letting me share....I'm not convinced that my words have done justice to what is in my heart, but I trust you will see the truth.  Leave me a comment about what God has or is doing in your life!  We have much to rejoice about!

Leah :)

Family Fun!

We had the great pleasure of a visit from my younger brother this past weekend!  (good thing he graduated so we could give him his present of a trip to BR!)

We went to the beach! (Pass Christian)

The boys built sand castles...I sat under the umbrella reading and sleeping!  So peaceful except when brother started throwing things at me :)

Then to New Orleans to show him the sights!

The boys also went on a swamp tour and saw this!  Overall a super trip!  Full of good memories!

Last minute present done!

I thought I had plenty of time to make this blanket....for a great grandbaby of a friend at church...until I got the shower invitation!  Unfortunately I will miss the shower (leaving for Scotland again this week) and wanted the present done before I left.  

Pattern: Tiramisu (free)

Hook: H 

Yarn:  Bernat Baby Softee (1.4 skeins white) and a little pink

Mods: none

I decided to crochet this because it goes faster....and with one week to make it that was important.  I also thought it could be a stash buster, because I had the white in my stash.  I ran out and went to get another skein....they were out of white, hence the pink border!  (I did reduce the stash some with this, but not as much as I hoped) I think it works though and is ready in plenty of time!

Socks #9 finished!

I'm so excited to show you my first pair of socks made from my own handspun!   They were so fun to make from start to finish!

So Knox had to help with the photo shoot :)

I tried toe up socks again (after getting Wendy's book) and am so glad I did!  These are super....with a gusset and all....plus they are nice and high because I saw I had plenty of yarn!

Pattern: Labyrinth Socks from "Socks from the toe up" by Wendy Johnson!

Needles: US 2 and 2.5 (for the leg) dpn

Yarn: Handspun Targhee 360 yards, sport weight

Mods: I used Judy's magic cast on for the toes and a sewn bind-off.  Did 6 repeats of the chart...oh and for the last pattern row I left out one little part of the pattern because it really is setting things up for the next row and I thought would look like a floating yarn over.

and for the spinners....I had seen where you could buy these spinner control cards to help you spin the size you want...it seemed like such a quick visual check, especially since I haven't gotten fingering weight yarn yet.  (They retail for $15) Then on ravelry I saw where someone had made one we could print off for free!  I got it laminated, so for less the $2 I'm good to go!  Do you want one too?  Go here!  (It is a ravelry link, I couldn't find any other!)

Update on Cloche!

SIL and Lily modeling her hat!  So very cute!

Another Cloche

This post has been waiting for the mail to reach my SIL!   She bought me Boutique Knits for my b-day and fell in love with this hat too!  So as a special thank you (for several favors she has done) I made her one!

She said she was going to send pics....but I haven't gotten them yet....will update when I do because I have a feeling this hat will look much better on her!  (which she loves by the way and it goes with all her coats as I hoped it would!)

Pattern: Sideways Grande Cloche from Boutique Knits

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran (very soft)

Needles: US 7, 8, 9, 10

Mods:  None

Random update:  Remember Henry?  the baby born very early?  We saw him in church the other day and he is doing great!  Up to over 11 pounds!  Praise the Lord!  Thanks to all who joined me in prayer for this little one!