Work in progress

Crocheting a few granny squares to make my new "babysitting purse"! Got the pattern from "cute and easy crochet" by Nicki Trench. She has some adorable patterns in here! I should have the finished product within the next week or two. All it consists of is 17 granny squares all sewn together with your choice of handles. I chose the color green because it's not a biased color since I'm with a lot of little girls and boys all day. 

Day in old Litchfield

This little girl is like family to me. Her mom used to watch me as I grew up, and I have now had the privilege of doing the same with her three girls. This one is the youngest. I got to spend all day with this little bundle of joy!

We decided to go to Old Litchfield and take a walk around the neighborhood lake. While we were here, we managed to make a new friend! 

My heart melts every time I have the chance to spend a few hours with her. Days like these remind me why I love my job so much. I may not make a lot of money, I may not have the most sophisticated job, but seeing that smile on a child's face makes everything worth it. 

ADVICE OF THE DAY: remind yourself of the reason why you chose to do what you do. If the answer is just money, leave it in the past. Life is too short to be caught up in something that doesn't bring you joy. Oh, and always remember bread when you go to a pond or lake with a child. Made that mistake today. Could have had a blast feeding the ducks!

Book review & carrot cake

Redeeming Love by Fancine Rivers may be one of the most powerful and inspirational books I have ever read. Rivers' tale of a young, Christian man marrying a prostitute had touched my soul more than any devotional has ever done. Michael's love for Angel surpass' none other, except for God's love of course. Through his love, and God's guidance, Angel had gone from a lonely and sinful life to one of love and joy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who might be struggling in their relationship with Christ.

Last night, after watching three lovely children while their parents went off to church, I had the opportunity to sit down, relax, and watch barbie movies with the little ones. It always moves me when I watch a young family grow. But what especially touched me last night was how the five year old boy was just as excited to watch barbie as the little girls. It sort of confirmed by belief that society is to blame for the hatred and prejudices in this world. Children are so innocent and pure, and I genuinely believe that we can learn so much about life from them... if only we listen. When their mom and dad got home, they brought me home some carrot cake. Such a great family!

ADVICE OF THE DAY: Don't just hear, you must listen. Take time and practice doing this. It makes a world of difference!

Crochet flower tutorial

Material: hook size F/5-3.7fMM, yarn
Pattern:
1. create a slip knot.
2. chain 4
3. slip stitch into first chain to create a ring
4. chain three then double crochet into the ring 15 times
5. join with slit stitch in the top of the chain 3
6. chain1, single crochet into the 1st stitch, then 6 double crochets into the next stitch
7. skip one stitch, single crochet in next stitch, then double crochet 6 times into next stitch
8. continue step 7 until there are five petals. Then tie off.

And there you go, a beautiful crochet flower! Perfect for decorations around the house, to make garland, or for hair accessories. Enjoy! 

my hectic Saturday

The first two (5:30am-4:30pm)

The second one (6pm-11pm)

best friend's baby

Where do I begin? Should I start by saying how exhausted I am today? Or by saying how much fun I had? Or how I was about to pull my hair out from frustration at one point? No. I will start out by saying that I love kids. And yesterday definitely proved it. I babysat from 5:30 am until 11pm at night. That's 18 hours. EIGHTEEN HOURS. There were great and horrible moments throughout the day. But every moment was well worth it. 

 The first picture is of two brothers I watched from 5:30am until 4:30pm. Great boys! But being 3 years old, seven years old, and the fact that they are boys made it very difficult. I absolutely love them to death though. They are the cutest dang things ever!
The second picture is a dinosaur colored by another six year old boy I watched from 6pm until 11pm. It was my first time with him, and all I can say is that he may be the easiest child I have ever taken care of. So sweet, so fun, and so smart! He is determined to be a paleontologist when he grows up.
And the third is of my good friend's eight month son. He's huge! But such a sweetie. I'm a little jealous she gets to be with him all day every day...


ADVICE OF THE DAY: cherish every moment, and recognize that you are always an example. It's so important to be the best you can be, especially when little ones are watching! And remember to get a good night's sleep when you have to take care of kids all day. You are going to need it. I also would like to take a moment to advertise care.com . If anyone is looking for a nannying or babysitting position, create a profile on there! It's what is keeping me so busy and keeping my wallet full.

Redeeming Love: back in the books

Finally picked up a book again! It's been about 5 months since I last read a novel. And let me tell you, it sure does feel good to be back at it! Especially this one, it had me crying within the first chapter. It's a must read already. I'm only on the third chapter but I am determined to finish it soon. 

I hear a lot of positive remarks about Francine Rivers, specifically about this particular novel. Over the Summer I finished up one of her Christian book series "A Lineage of Grace" which was phenomenal. Seems like she's an incredible author in general. If you have time, I definitely suggest picking up one of her books sometime soon. When I am done reading all of it I will post a review, so stay tuned! 

ADVICE OF THE DAY: Don't forget the to do the things you enjoy the most. Reading has always been a passion of mine. I just forget about it sometimes... 

Winter wonderland

My aunt and uncle just got back from visiting us. To be honest, I have no idea why they left this enchanted place! It's a little town in the rocky mountains of Colorado. Absolutely astonishing. As soon as they got back they sent me an email with these pictures. I suppose to make me jealous? It's January 22nd, and 76 degree here in Phoenix. I am wearing a tank top. Not too pleased about this. Just thought I should share these gorgeous pictures with everyone. 

Today my boyfriend is visiting me (he lives a few hours away). I'm incredibly excited! Needless to say, I have not crocheted or sewn anything today. Instead I am cleaning myself up to see him. 

ADVICE OF THE DAY: Thank God for the beauty of the world he has blessed us with.