It's a girl!

Life has really been changing lately. For over 2 years, my husband and I were trying to get pregnant. I had surgery, they did a lot of tests, and ultimately it came down to me not ovulating that was keeping us from conceiving. After months of trying with the help of Chlomid with no success, we sought help from an excellent fertility doctor. We tried IUI once, with no success again. Our insurance company had had enough of us! They forced us to think about IVF.

I am NOT a fan of needles and I hated the idea of IVF. My husband and I talked about it, and I decided it was time to face my fear. He was going to give me all of my shots anyway, so I wasn't going to be alone in the process, but that was a lot of shots! My fertility doctor suggested acupuncture to help relieve stress and relax. "Oh right," I thought, "send the lady afraid of needles to the acupuncturist!" Face your fears. I went. And acupuncture is AMAZING! I floated out of there on a cloud. Granted, the needles going in my ears and feet made me cringe, but you only feel them for a few seconds. Acupuncture is the most relaxing thing I have ever done. Along with acupuncture, I started meditating more, and both really helped me through the IVF injections. I even did one of them on my own, but it was terrifying and gross and I never did it again!

Now, here I am, 5 months pregnant! My pregnancy blood test results came back on October 9th, the third anniversary of my fathers death, and they were positive! In the 2 weeks we waited between the doctor putting the fertilized eggs into my uterus and finding out if it all worked or not I had a lot of time to think and pray. Ever since my husband said, "let's start trying," I have been upset that my Dad would not be here when I am pregnant and when I give birth. I probably would have asked him to be in the delivery room with us. I don't know if he would have done it, but I would have liked to have him there. From the time I started dating my husband, my Dad became my best friend again like he was before I hit puberty. I reconnected with him in so many ways, and realized how like him I am. He helped me to discover who I am and gave me the strength to be myself. It helps that my husband is so much like my Dad, too. I truly "married my father." Going through the fertility treatments and just trying to get pregnant made me miss him so much more. And now that I am pregnant and "moving on in life," I feel like I am leaving him further and further behind. I had a recurring dream during that last 2 week wait that my Dad was holding a baby, and he would not give the baby to me. There were no words exchanged in the dreams, but I could feel that he was sad and didn't want to let go. I prayed that God would give me strength to accept the results of the pregnancy test whether good or bad, and I prayed that my Dad would let the baby come to us. It was such a relief to find out we are pregnant, and amazing to find out on such a solemn day.

We recently found out we are having a little girl! Now the crocheting can really take off! I finished my first ever baby blanket yesterday using Bernat Baby Blanket yarn that has the blanket pattern under the label. I started it last year in green and blue because we never thought it was possible for us to have a girl. My husband comes from a long line of boys. A girl is a rarity. We're so happy to be having a little girl! Pink and purple and flowers! Girls are so much more fun to crochet for, and I haven't had much opportunity with three nephews and a Godson.

I also finished this puppy cocoon that I have been wanting to try making for a long time. Since it is gender neutral, I was able to start it during my 4th month. I almost wish I had waited to do the collar and finish it after finding out the sex of the baby so that it could be pink or purple. Too late now. Of course, my own dog, Guye, was my model for the design and pictures. He's such a good boy to put up with me positioning him for the photos :-) This pattern is available in my Craftsy store. Updating the pictures with my baby modeling the cocoon and hat will be so much fun!

Happy crocheting! 

Happy Birthday, Dad

60 years ago, my Grandma Ann went into labor. She rushed to the hospital, and gave birth to a 10 pound bundle of joy. Back in the 50's women were not awake when they had their babies in hospitals. But my Grandma Ann was awake to give birth to my Dad. The hospital was very busy that day. She was on a gurney in the hallway waiting to be taken to a room. My Dad would wait for no one, and he would never be late. Such was his personality until the day he died. He was born into the world in the hallway of the hospital. As the story goes, the nurses anesthetized my Grandma Ann anyway so they would not get into trouble with the doctor for having her awake during the birth.

My Dad was my Grandma Ann's 4th child; she would have 8. The 4th to be born, my Dad would also be the 4th to die. Ray, Anne Marie, Pat, John, Mike, Kevin, Mary, and Brian. My Dad lost both of his parents at a young age. His Mom passed from Leukemia about a year and a half before I was born. She was a courageous woman and although was diagnosed at Stage 4, lived longer than her prognosis because she opted for the experimental treatment that doctors continue to give to their patients today. What a wonderful gift to leave to the world. His Dad passed from Emphysema when I was 3 or 4 years old. His brother Pat a few years later. His brother Kevin from Lung Cancer in the 90's. His brother Ray from a Heart Attack 2 years later.

My Dad's trials made him stronger, and he passed that strength to his children. Without the lessons he taught us we may not be moving on as well as we are now. I remember him telling me when our first dog died, "I know you're sad, I'm sad, too. But I have to go to work, and you have to go to school." Acknowledging pain, but instilling that life goes on. Life does go on. And on, and on whether you're ready for it or not.

After my Dad passed, I wondered how in the world did he carry on after his Mom died. How did he find that strength and how would I? But I remembered the funerals for his brothers. I remembered him crying, and I remembered him returning to laughter. We've always had laughter. Always. "Smile through your trials." Someone said that to me this weekend, and I thought of my Dad. Life is good, and life has difficulties. But difficulties do not turn life bad. Difficulties make us stronger, they teach us how to press on. When you are facing difficulties, look for the positive forces in your life. Believe me, you have at least one. You're alive. "Smile through your trials." My Dad always found something to laugh about, and he passed that on to his family. He was in the ICU, and we found laughter in our pain because of what he taught us. 

Today is his 60th birthday, and I made his favorite cake as I have on his last 2 birthdays. My Dad told me before his 57th birthday that he hates cake with strawberries. He likes chocolate, chocolate, and cherry cake. So I have made another chocolate, chocolate, and cherry cake in his memory. Happy birthday, Dad. I love you and I miss you more with every passing day.

1 box chocolate cake mix, 24oz Cherry pie filling. Make cake as directed, layer in the cherry pie filling, bake 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. I did this all in my casserole dish. I have made this in the past by mixing the cherry pie filling directly into the batter as well and that makes for a very good and heavy cupcake. 

Please support me in the 2014 Heart Walk by clicking the link in the upper right corner of this page. Thank you for your support.

Photo Book

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Commemorating the Lerts 1st two years at the Heart Walk! Join us for our 3rd year walking to support the American Heart Association Chicago and in memory of John Mulhern. "Be alert! The team needs lerts!"http://heartwalk.kintera.org/metrochicago/lerts

Charity Bingo

BINGO!

I play "dirty bingo" once a month. It's not as naughty as it sounds, I assure you, although the conversation can take a turn! A group of friends get together to play bingo, but more importantly to eat, drink wine, and steal presents from one another. This month the theme is Charity. With our budget we are tasked to purchase our prizes so that they benefit the charity of our choice. With the Heart Walk coming up soon, naturally I chose to benefit the American Heart Association. 

And guess what? You get a sneak peak at my creation for this years Heart Walk! 

As I recall, the original rules for our prizes allowed for the creative types to make something. I think they are hoping I will make a Breast Cancer Awareness Cloche, but I like to change things up and make new things. While I was camping this weekend I made this "headband?" I don't know what to call it. Help me out, what did I make?!?

It's cute, whatever it is!!! Super simple. I used this pattern for the heart. Really easy heart pattern. I memorized it after making the first one, and can see that it would be quick to make one of the garlands she has in the post. I've made another headband and am putting hearts on it in a different style for myself.

I hope the ladies love this Charity Bingo prize! Did I mention I am walking in the American Heart Association Heart Walk again this year in memory of my Dad? My Dad died almost 3 years ago from a massive heart attack. I am also celebrating this year, my cholesterol is finally down! There is a link at the top right of this web page, click there to read more about why I am walking and donate to me or my team!

J- hook
Bulky yarn, I used "I Love this Chunky Yarn"

Ch 32, sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, turn
Row 1: 2sc, ch 1, turn
Row 2: 2sc, 2sc, ch 1, turn
Row 3: 2sc, sc, sc, 2sc, ch 1, turn
Row 4: sc six times, ch 1, turn. 
Repeat Row 4 33 times or until it is 16" long from Row 1 (not from the end of the Ch)
Row 37: sc2tog, sc, sc, sc2tog, ch 1, turn
Row 38: sc2tog, sc2tog, ch 1, turn
Row 39: sc2tog
Ch 30
Pull the ends tight, and cut the tails.

Bowl Cozy

I just love to eat stew all winter long. I make 8 quarts of it at a time, and most gets refrigerated and eaten all week long as left overs. Microwaving or heating on the stove, it does not matter, the bowl will be too hot to handle. For years I have been wrapping a kitchen towel around the bowl so I can enjoy my stew without burning my hands. Now, I will be able to eat my stew with a fancy bowl cozy to keep my hands safe!

I like it so much, I made two, and I plan to make larger ones to fit my other bowls. Very quick and easy to make. It took me about an hour for each. Make sure you use 100% cotton yarn so your cozy does not melt. :-)

You can find the pattern in my Craftsy Pattern Store.

5 Tips to Get Back to Crochet This Summer

If you're anything like me, you're finding it hard to pick up the crochet hook during the beautiful summer months. The sun is shining in through the windows and calling your name. You'd rather be outside working in your garden. Smelling the roses. Taking long walks and swimming in the pool. The last thing on your mind is a pile of yarn in your lap, but being away from crochet is gnawing at you. You have so many projects in mind, but can't pick up the crochet hook. Pull up a patio chair and get back to crochet!

#1 - Crochet items you can use in the summer. Maybe you'd like some new patio coasters or place mats. You could even make them as a gift. Or some soleless sandals for your day on the beach. Make yourself a bracelet or give one to a friend. If you've never tried amigurumi, summer is the perfect time.

#2 - Crochet baby hats and donate them to your local hospital. Ever notice that newborn babies get a knitted or crocheted hat when they are born? Those are not store bought, they've been donated. If you're a seasoned crocheter, you can probably crochet a few baby hats in just a few hours. Don't let those babies lay around with cold heads! Call your local hospital and find out how you can donate baby hats.

#3 - Crochet children's hats and donate them to a children's hospital cancer center. Why not brighten a child's day with a special one-of-a-kind hat from you? You can call your local hospital to find out how you can donate to them directly or go to www.crochetforcancer.org. They have patterns on the site and you can send your completed hats to your local chapter. Crochet for Cancer, Inc will get the hats to the children who need them.

#4 - Clean out the yarn bin. Spring cleaning doesn't have to stop in the summer. Make a mismatched yarn hat, purse, or a basket to hold more yarn! You can also donate your unused yarn to Crochet for Cancer, Inc.

#5 - Make a list of projects that you want to complete this winter. Are you going to be making something as a gift for someone? Do you have any special events coming up that you would like to adorn yourself with something new? Maybe you have some projects already started that need to be finished. Add them to the list. It may seem silly to be making a winter hat when it's 90 degrees outside, but think of all the time you'll have in the winter to make other things if you knock out a few of the items on your list now. You may not be able to get yourself to work on an afghan, so start with the smaller items that wont cover you in yarn and make you wish you live in Antarctica. And if you don't get started on the list now, you've at least set yourself up for the winter season.

Another $1 raised.... Another $1 raised.... Another $1 raised!!!!

I must admit, I am very proud of the success of my Breast Cancer Awareness Cloche pattern sales. Every sale means more dollars for Breast Cancer Awareness. More mammograms for women who cannot afford them. More prevention.

Although my Gramma is a 2-time survivor of Breast Cancer, I was not as informed in her diagnosis and treatment as I have been with my friend. There is so much more that goes into "You have Breast Cancer" than I imagined. Months of testing. Second opinions. Changes in diagnosis. Treatment.

Now she is through one of the toughest parts of her treatment. She still has a long way to go, but the end is in sight.

Click Here to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.