One Little Thing for Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! 

My "green" suggestion for you: Reusable Produce Bags. 

I have a few different kinds - these from Amazon for example

Adding these to my routine was so easy. I keep them inside my reusable shopping bags when I go to the store or farmer's market. Later I wash them with my towels and napkins and burp cloths (and anything else that could use a warm cycle).  In my experience, they keep food just as fresh as their plastic counterparts. They are also easier to open. 

I've been using these for more than a year. I figure if I use about 3 a week (and in reality I use more than that), I've kept about 150 plastic bags out of the landfill in the last year. 

My other tip for the day? If you have a fussy Little Guy who won't let you write a blog post, take him and your laptop outside and let him sit in his little chair and look around. At least that works for today...

Crochet Projects from the Last Year

Not only did I have a baby recently, but so did about a dozen of my friends and coworkers. I'm not exaggerating.

So that meant some baby blankets:

Pattern from Repeat Crafter Me

Granny Stripe

Pattern from Lion Brand Yarn

I also did a brown ripple blanket like this one, but I forgot to take a picture.

And other Baby things:

Pattern from Whistle and Ivy

Pattern from Vanna's Choice Easy Crochet Critters book

Pattern from Edward's Menagerie book

Pattern from Repeat Crafter Me

I also made these for my Mom:

University of Illinois scarf

Toilet Roll cover (flower pattern from Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me?)

Hello Again

It's been awhile. Almost a year! 

No apologies, though. When I started this blog I told myself it wouldn't be one-more-thing-on-the-to-do-list stressing me out. Therefore it was OK to take a break. 

Here's what's happened since last April:

• Mission Trip to Mexico: We decorated the home of a woman who's devoted many years to caring for children in Mexico. 
• Summer Roomie: Since Hubby doesn't want me to put identifying info on the blog, we'll call her Roomie. She was an intern at our church and we really enjoyed having her live with us. She's coming back this summer, too!
• Summer fun: A big family BBQ at our house (with guests from England and Oregon and Texas), a day trip to Whidbey Island with family, trips to Portland and the Washington coast, and other adventures.
• Jury Duty: It was my first time and I found the process interesting. 
• Women's Retreat: We had a fun autumn weekend in Leavenworth, WA. 
• Remodel: Half our windows, the entire kitchen (except appliances), two bedrooms. I made waffles in the bathroom and ate a lot of things that could be made in a toaster or rice cooker.
• The most exciting news: BABY! After two years of trying/hoping/praying/trusting, I got pregnant. Baby Boy was born 1-28-15. God is so good.  
• First road trip: Baby came along to Oregon for my cousin's wedding. 
• New job: My new job title is Mom. I'm excited to see what the job is like as Little Guy grows.  

That's what I've been up to, among other things!