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. 

Let's catch up

 ear warmers

 infinity scarves

 extra warm beanie

 ear warming beanie with pom pom

 "Arizona scarf"

Woven scarf

girly bows

Just thought I should get everyone updated with my latest crochet projects. All of these are also in my etsy account (URL in about me). 

ADVICE OF THE DAY: practice makes perfect. So continue to lift those spirits and try harder. It took a long time for me to get crocheting down, but it was worth it. Now it's my all time favorite hobby. Now I'm trying to master sewing. Wish me good luck as I wish you all good luck! 

babysitter's guide to a good time

sibling love

bad babysitter, bad!

monster trucks while the baby is sleeping... not the best idea!

coloring is the best child entertainment! She gets better every time. 

the princess and her ring

modeling my crochet flower heandband

such a sweet little thing!

modeling my crochet flower handband

sleepy baby

big brother chasing after little sister

dress up time! The princess and batman

baby in a box

 Pizza for lunch while watching scooby doo. Best quote of the day "miss Sadie, scooby doo is so scccaarrryyy!" I wish my greatest fear was scooby doo. Life would a lot less nerve wrecking then!

What a long, yet incredible day! In my last post I mentioned that I am a nanny, which I am. I am actually a nanny for two familys. This is my weekend family! These three little cuties have been keeping be busy since 6am this morning while their mom ran a half marathon. Incredible family in general! This is my day summed up in pictures. 

Because this is a public blog, I am not releasing any names, but the toddler aged gall is also modeling a few of my crochet childrens flower headbands, which can also be found on my etsy shop. 

Last night I finished this guy here. Baby blue coffee mug cozy with a white flower. Etsy shop is stocked (: 

ADVICE OF THE DAY: Always be on your toes. I have so much respect for anyone who works with children, especially stay home moms. Kids are always up to something. I repeat, always! But remember to have as much fun as you can with them. The first few years of childhood is crucial for everyone. Got to start it out right! 

Smart shopping

Hoorah! Went to Joann's today. Is it obvious? Well, how could I resist when they have such an incredible sale! I only spent $18 and saved $10 for the entire purchase. Coupons are incredible. Anyway, I have big plans for these guys. Big, big plans.

ADVICE OF THE DAY: use coupons. In this day and age, prices are just ridiculous! The value of the dollar is next to nothing. Don't spend too much on one item when you can use a coupon. And save, save, save as much money as you can. 

The first day

Waking up at 5am is not exactly what I consider and easy task. Especially since I've been waking up around 9am lately. But I recently got hired for a new weekday nannying position, and could not risk being late on my first day. Turns out, waking up was the easy part! Today was this precious baby boy's first time in the arms of a stranger without his mom or dad there. Needless to say, it was a pretty a hectic day for us both! But well worth it.
During one of his constant cries, I ended up calling a friend who's son is not much older than him. She advised me to wet his pacifier and sprinkle a bit of sugar on it. Sure enough, moments later the baby was well entertained with his pacifier and soon fell asleep. Thank the Lord!

In other news, I went to visit my grandma today. My aunt and uncle from Colorado had come to visit her, which is always a great time. While visiting and catching up, I crocheted a coffee-mug warmer with a flower attached. Incredibly cute, if I do say so myself! Here is the finished product:

This can be purchased on my etsy account at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kingscrochet?ref=si_shop

ADVICE OF THE DAY: 1) If you know you have to wake up earlier than normal and you're not sleepy, drink bed time tea. Works every time. 2) if you can't get a baby to latch on to a pacifier, get it wet and sprinkle sugar on it. The child will latch on immediately! 3) Don't ever do nothing. If you don't know what to do, pick up a book, a mop, some yarn, or pictures. Do something! God didn't make us to sit on our butts and do nothing.

The life and times of Sadie Ann

I suppose it would be a good idea to give a brief bio about me for my first post. I was born in the suburbs out side of Phoenix. Though I was born, and continue to live in this common area on the outskirts of Phoenix, I was not raised here. I was raised in the heart of my grandparents (on both sides). My grandparents on my mom's side reside in Phoenix as well. Every Sunday after church we all would gather at their home for Sunday dinner to catch up with family. They taught me all I know about American history, about baking, about sewing, about crocheting, and about Christ. They have contributed so much to who I am today. On the other hand, my dad's dad is a bit of a spit-fire! I could not love him more though. Through him I learned how to handle a gun, how to provide for myself, and how the Earth provides for me. I like to think of him as my survival guide. Needless to say, this blog is in dedication to all of them. I couldn't have better influences in my life.

ADVICE OF THE DAY: you know that saying "Give them roses while they're here"? Do it. Seriously. You never know when it's going to be someone's last day. Let them know you love them every chance you get.