Cool Ministry Opportunity

I found a wonderful use for my somewhat pointless hobby, crocheting. Besides giving hats to everyone I know. :) And I do love doing that. I can actually help tip the scales toward an unwed mom keeping her baby. Our church has a knitting/crocheting ministry where we make baby booties or hats and give them to moms who come to the crisis pregnancy center for advice and help. Sometimes just seeing that little item helps them realize that there's a real, living baby in there with a cute face and tiny little head that needs a hat to keep it warm. Seeing that someone cares enough to make it a clothing item by hand might make a difference.

I've started making a baby hat every Sunday as Jeff drives us to church. I can usually finish it in the hour travel time to church and back.

It's humbling and wonderful that a small effort might make a big difference. And it's something I love doing. :)

Recent (gender neutral) hat for the center. I call it my "Boo" hat 'cuz it reminds me of the little girl's monster costume in Monsters Inc.

Benjamin walks

Benjamin has been walking for a couple of weeks now. His first step was at the coaxing of one of my piano students who was at our house for a lesson...I wasn't even there to see it! :( After that he wouldn't do much, just an occasional step. I think after being around his twin cousins, one of whom is really walking well, and some of the toddlers at the gym nursery, he decided to go for it. His record right now is 62 steps, and he's getting faster and more steady.

I'm going to post a video of him walking when I get a minute...meanwhile enjoy the picture of Benjamin at the Mill :) Jeff and I are also in a Patch production at church and that's taking up some time. And, school starts Monday!!! I feel better this go round about leaving Benjamin in the nursery. He seems to really enjoy playing with other kids and can hold his own with slightly older kids. We'll see how it goes. I'm just teaching 3 days a week.

Jeff and I had a great date night Friday and were able to assess where we are financially, relationally, intellectually, physically etc. and set some new goals. We also redid our budget to adjust for inflation (yay) and also rising gas prices. It's always comforting to know exactly where you are and what you're trying to achieve, even if it means buckling down a bit...

Laura's shower

I've been a bad blogger so trying to catch up on some events and post some pictures. Over the 4th weekend, we also had a baby shower for Laura. She and Will were sick so they couldn't come, but we had a fun get-together anyway, and afterward Jeff & I brought over the presents and had a nice, low-key time together opening presents and shelling peas. It was so nice having everyone together in one place during our visit. Chuck was in Sumter too w/ his friend Sarah. It's funny how growing up you just want those boys to go away and leave you alone, and once you're grown, you value any time with them as precious!