Crochet Symbol Font Circular Pattern Tutorial

Okay, well I finally got this made, after forever.  If you haven't figured it out yet, I am an awful blogger.  I try my best, but I must admit, I don't hate doing it I'm just bad at it, lol.

Anywho, let's get the show on the road.  If you haven't yet purchased my font please consider doing so, and if you already have a font please consider donating any amount.  It all helps :).

Thank you and God Bless

Husband Sick

I've been trying hard to make some posts, and some tutorials for my blog this past month as well as working on the tutorials for my crochet symbol font, but I haven't been able  to do much at all.  If you don't know yet my husband is quite sick and disabled due to Meniere's disease, as well as something else going on in his brain that they (the Doctors) can't figure out so they diagnosed him with Vestibular Migraines as well.  This past month has been very hard with his condition deteriorating significantly leaving him laying in bed in a dark room for most of the day and night.  He has little moments when he can come and sit with me or hold his baby, but it goes up and down.  He does get better one day, and then is back in bed the next, but this month especially has been very hard and we don't know 100% why. 

Changes in humidity can cause him to spiral down, and it has been especially up and down this past couple of weeks.  I ask for your forgiveness that I cannot post more, as I have so much more I wish I could share. 

God is preparing us for something great, whatever it may be, and my husband and I are holding on to that hope that it will be for His glory and we will be blessed beyond measure when this trial (extremely long trial) is over.

Thank you'
Anna Boyd

A Workout What!?

So, today for the first time in forever I decided I was going to work out.

Now, mind you, I just had a baby (7 months ago)ha, and I usually don't "work out."

Exercise to me is suppose to be natural, you know, like shaking your bon bon to Shakira or someone else who makes me feel like my bon bon is worth shaking, but for some reason (perhaps the layer of fat that has signed a lease around my midsection) I decided to go for some ab-look-sexy-in-ten-minutes routine.

It was going all fine and dandy, you know, stretch here...stretch there, and then I had to some sort of sit up thingie.

So I'm thinking, "Yeah, I can do this," and then I get to the second sit up and I find myself fighting gravity.  I must admit at this point I thought this wouldn't be that hard, but gravity is tricky.  It kinda pushes us back to the ground, or so I tell myself.  I'm determined however and beat gravity, at least for a few reps. 

Being determined I fight my way to victory!  Half way through and then OFF.  What!  My body apparently has a command override and just stopped moving.  I'm laying there thinking what the heck!  I was doing good.

I took this as a sign though that I went to far.  Slow down, Anna.  Of course now I was forced to.  So, as I sit here writing this I realize I need to go a little slower.  I'm not giving up, no, I'm stubborn like that, but for now I'm gonna kick back and have some cake as a reward!

Crochet Beaded Sandals Tutorial

A while back I did a tutorial on how to add beads to crochet thread easily...  I finally bring you the reason why...bahahaha

My thought for the day:

The greatest beauty about the gifts that God gives us is that they increase the more we give them away. When we hold on to our gifts, our anointing, our blessings, it is then that we will see them decrease and find ourselves struggling to find what once was. If you want more of something, than give it away.









Please comment: Leave your thoughts behind.  Would love to do more and would love to know it is appreciated.  Thank you
Anna Boyd

Easy Microwaved Box Cake in a Mug

Have you ever craved a piece of cake, but you don't have a cake let alone a piece of one?  Well, fear not dear friend I have an answer to your dilemma (as long as you have a box of cake mix).

What you need:

• 1 Box of cake mix in your choice (I'm doing white)
• Water
• Whisk
• 1/4 cup measuring cup
• Coffee mug-necessary for the whole "Cake in a Mug" thing.  I guess you could use something else, but that would totally ruin the point.

• Topping of choice (I've got strawberries and a cream cheese icing)

First, you want to take your mug and measure out 1/4 cup of cake mix into it like so:

Next you want to (or you should, can't make you but it won't turn out right if you don't) add 1/8 a cup of water to your mug.  I usually just add half the quarter cup cause I'm too lazy to find an 1/8 a cup, if they even make one, so....yeah.

Take your little whisk and whisk it together.  It should have a pudding like consistency.

Like so.  

Next put in your microwave and cook for two minutes on half power.

Allow it to cool for a bit and add some toppings (I tried to take a pic but there was too much glare, but you can see my topping ;).

And enjoy...

Pssst...don't forget coffee ;)

My Diva Cup Adventure

Ok, so just so you are warned odds are this post may contain a little bit on the side of TMI.  You've been far warned.

First off, the reason I wanted to dive into this personal experience is because I have a condition called Uterine Didelphs.

This is a Uterus

Notice how it is normal, well, if you didn't know what normal looked like then now you do.

This is Uterine Didelphys.  It looks like there are two uteri but the truth is that it is one that is in half, or better put, only half grew on each side.

Each uteri side has it's own cervix and vaginal canal.

Now, I don't have two vaginas people.  I get that a lot, no, I really only have one on the outside.

I'm a tiny bit different than what is pictured as my uteri are a little more connected with a wall that separates them, and my left cervix is smaller than my right.

Okay, now you know my medical condition lets move on to the Diva Cup.

The Diva Cup  is a menstrual cup.  More information on it exactly can be found at the Home Website for The Diva Cup

This will explain in good detail what the Diva Cup is and how it is used, etch.  

Okay, now into the more personal stuff.  I just had to start using the Diva Cup yesterday, and it's been about 24 hours since I started using it.  It took about ten tries to get it in right, but once I did I was very glad.  It takes some getting used to, but I found it so much nicer than tampons or pads.

Also, I have not been cramping the way I usually do.  Now, that may be too soon to say much because I had a new baby in December and just started my period the first of  June.  (Yes, I am still breastfeeding for those wondering. I only breastfeed).  I'm just one of those lucky ones who have a period while lactating.

I did have some issues with it last night, leaking over night but not until the morning.  I looked it up and this usually happens if not inserted correctly, so I figured that's what happened because I know it wasn't the cups fault. ;)

I'll have more updates as time goes on and I get a better hang of it, but I am already loving it, plus the money I'll  save not buying tampons or pads.

Let me know if you have any experience with the Diva Cup or just if you have Uterine Didelphys.  I love to hear from you. :)

Crocheted Barefoot Sandals Free Pattern

 

 

 

Triangle Fan Barefoot Sandals Pattern

Materials Used:

Iris 100% cotton embroidery floss in five different colors (the same color can be used), if doing five different colors, 1 of each color in the center and 2 of the border color, change color after each row by finishing off the row and adding new color.

Size 1/ 2.75mm crochet hook

Clear nail polish

No gauge

Abbreviations

Ch	Chain
Ss	Slip stitch
Sc	Single crochet
Trc	Treble/triple crochet
3chpc	3 chain picot-chain 3 Ss in 3rd chain from hook
5chpc	5 chain picot-chain 5 Ss in 5th chain from hook
*	Repeat-used in each row-do not repeat * from previous row

Pattern:

Chain 5

Row 1: Trc in 5^th chain from hook 4 times, Ch 4, *Trc 5 times in same chain as previous Trc, Ch 4* repeat * 1 more time, ss in 4^th chain from base chain 5 (do not turn)

Row 2: Ch 1 Sc in same space (top of chain 5), *Ch 3, Sc in top of next Trc and repeat across each Trc with 3 Sc in between (4 Ch 3 spaces total).  Ch 2, Sc in Ch 4 space, 5chpc, Ch 2 Sc in top of next Trc.*  Repeat * around and Ss to join.

Row 3: Ss up into Ch 3 space, Ch 1 Sc into Ch 3 space, *Ch 3 Sc into next Ch 3 space, repeat again for 3 Ch 3 spaces, Ch 4, Sc in previous 5chpc and then 5chpc, Ch 4* Repeat * around and Ss to join

Row 4: Ss up Ch 3, Ch 1 Sc in Ch 3 space,* Ch 3, Sc in next Ch 3 space, Ch 3 Sc in next Ch 3 space.  (2 Ch 3 spaces).  Ch 7 sc in previous 5chpc and then 5chpc, Ch 7 Sc in top of next Ch 3 space *and continue* around and Ss to join

Row 5: Ss up Ch 3 space, Ch 1 Sc in same Ch 3 space,* Ch 3 Sc in next Ch 3 space, **Ch 3, 3chpc, Ch 2, Sc in Ch 7, Ch 3, 3chpc, Ch 2**, Sc in 5chpc, Ch 7 and then Sc again in the 5chpc, repeat ** Sc in Ch 3 space and repeat * around Ss to join and finish off.

Triangle made.

For the Ch going over the toe, connect to one Ch 7 corner and Ch 20-30 depending on toe size.  You know your toes better than me, ;).  Sc again into the Ch 7 corner and finish off.

For the straps, in each of the last two Ch 7 corners Ch 150-200 depending on preference, finish off.

For each area finished off you can add a drop of clear nail polish to make the knots more secure.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask, this is my first pattern so I hope it makes sense.  A drawn pattern is included for reference if you have trouble.

For more FREE patterns consider donating :).  This will help me write more free patterns as my husband will be encouraged that I'm not wasting my time, lol.

:)  God Bless

Want to make your own symbol patterns??  Please check out my Crochet Symbol Font with tutorials to come explaining how you can create your own circular, linear, and triangular patterns.

Crocheted Flower Ring

So, while watching Conspiracy Theories with Jesse Ventura last night I crocheted a flower ring. Do you like? 

I'm thinking I'm gonna post a free pattern for this later. I'm still writing up the free barefoot sandal pattern and will have that later today (fingers crossed). I need to write up my pattern I'm selling cause I need the dough, but what can I say, I get greater joy in giving things away. ;)

Thought for the moment:

You are responsible for YOUR walk with God. You are not responsible for anyone elses walk. You can help and gently guide, but don't judge because their walk is not your walk and you don't know the path God is guiding them on.

To a dear friend who is loved by God with an Everlasting Love. True friends hold you in your trials, they never kick you when you're down.

Crochet Barefoot Sandals

So I find myself being inspired lately by the barefoot sandals of the summer and wanting to make my own.

I also need a way to make a little money until my husband gets disability, a fight that is hopefully coming to an end this summer (later).

Living with a MIL should have some advantages, like a babysitter but alas not always the case, especially when she doesn't think anything you do will work. But, I am not deterred.

Soon I will have a free pattern for the ones on my feet there below, and I will have a pattern to sell for the Rose Lace one. Will have it on Etsy, as soon as I make a new shop. I still have the old, and need to fix some things in that, but we'll see.

Let me know what you think. Positive feedback is encouraging.

:-)

Instagram Photos on PC

So, as I've mentioned before, I fell in love with Instagram.  Just how you can take your pics and then add a nice touch to them.  It certainly makes the ordinary, well, not so ordinary.

I found myself in a pickle the other day with the prospect of putting pictures from my camera (my camera camera) onto my phone simply to "instagram" them.  As much as I love instagram it does have some limits, and having every pic for all to see is not always necessary. 
Well, for the pics I just wanted for my PC I found Pixlr-o-matic, it's free and just plain cool.


Check it out, check it out, check...it...out...

Childhood Conspiracy

Child wants a bath.....

Mom says, "no, you had a bath last night."

After dinner child has chocolate pudding. Child's brain starts turning.

5 minutes later...

"Mom, I need a bath."

Mom turns around to see child covered in chocolate pudding.

Child gets a bath.....

It's a conspiracy...

Lessons From the Syfy Channel...

If there is a large man eating dinosaur running loose outside a building you are in, do not, I repeat,  do not run outside the building to get to the building across the street.
1) You are not a chicken
2) Odds are you will be eaten
A lesson you shouldn't have to learn by experience...

Prayer For The Church: Jeremy Riddle Chord Chart

Prayer For The Church

Jeremy Riddle

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH

JEREMY RIDDLE


 A DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Where she is weak strengthen arms now, steady feet

DMaj7 A

 That she would care for, she would seek

 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Welcoming Your lost and wounded sheep coming home to You

 AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7 (B.Gtr -A ‘groove’)

Where she is stained, bring Your healing, bring Your rain

 AMaj7 DMaj7

Wash away now her disgrace ‘till she shines in white, she radiates

 AMaj7 DMaj7

She now mirrors You

(We’re praying)

 A D F#min D

No more compromises, no more moral crises

 Esus D AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Tonight may she move and act as You

 AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7 (B.Gtr -A ‘groove’)

Where she is right give her courage for the fight

DMaj7 AMaj7

 Full of salt now, full of light

 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Standing firm where truth and love collide, she remains in You

 A D F#min D

No more compromises, no more moral crises

 Esus D A D

Tonight may she move and act as You

A D F#min D

No more small divisions, no more lack of wisdom

 Esus D/F# A D

Tonight may she move and act as You

A D F#min D

 Now she’s shining, her light is blinding, as she sings Your name

Esus D/F # A D

 Now she’s beauty, up from the ashes, Your love is on her face

 AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7

Where she is strong keep her moving, pressing on

DMaj7 AMaj7

 Bringing justice, righting wrongs

 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7 A D/A A D/A

Demonstrating now Your Kingdom come, she’s in step with You

 A D AMaj7 DMaj7 F#min Esus

CCLI#5351378

Instagram Love

So, I joined up on the Instagram bandwagon, and am thoroughly enjoying myself. Take a looksie.  Will have more as my addition grows. :)

Tablet Cover DIY

So, my mom got me an android tablet for my birthday  and I love it.  Now, it's no high end tablet, but it does a good job.

The problem with the tablet, however, is not necessarily with the tablet.  Have you seen the covers out there?  The ones that make your tablet look like a book?  Not very pretty.  So, I made my own.

And......wah lah...

Here's the inside...

I'm thinking of making a tutorial on how to do this easy DIY.  Subscribe to my blog or youtube channel and let me know if you'd like to see how to make this :)
Youtube Channel....HERE

A Shawl For a Friend

My friend found a shawl through pinterest that she loved, and really wanted.  So I'm making her one ;).

The shawl on Etsy could be found HERE.

Here is a picture of it

Beautiful isn't it.   Buttttt....did you see the price $475!!!!  Man, I really need to get selling on Etsy.  Who's with me?!

Despite the price, I'm not deterred, because I can make it myself :).

It's not a perfect match, but I'm working on "just as good" not "perfect."

Here's my progress.  I hope she is happy with it when I finally finish it. 

As always, God Bless you Always

Anna

A Piece of Heaven

There are just those moments in life where you take your child and you breathe them in like oxygen. You realize how close to heaven you really are when you lay close to them.

Life is only as full of those moments as you allow. Please allow.

God Bless Always

Rain in the Desert

Rain in the desert is rare.  I live in the desert.  It is a joke around here when people complain about the rain.  We usually inform them that they can go else where for the five days of the year that it rains here.  (Nicely that is)

It is quite the beautiful thing the rain here.  That is saying a lot since I actually don't like the desert in which I live.  I respect the ones that do, but respectfully decline to do so myself ;).  I've tried, really!

I love the clouds, and the smell of the rain and the sand of the desert.

And the way it cleans the benches :)


A little pick me up along the way.  The Desert Song :)

Help Make all Patterns and Tutorials Free

I am a full-time student, mother of three, and my husband is severely disabled with Meniere's disease and as such we have discussed selling my patterns and tutorials versus offering them for free for everyone.  I don't want to do this.  I enjoy allowing everyone to access my tutorials and patterns, and am looking forward to posting the many patterns and tutorials I have in the future.  This is becoming more and more difficult because of my husbands condition, the fact I live with my Mother-in-law, and having to borrow money from my parents for gas and even the supplies to make these tutorials.  We are currently at the "waiting for the date with the judge" part of the disability (SSD) process.

I encourage you to click on the link above for a quick definition of Meniere's Disease, as well as Menieres.org, and Here as well which give you more insight into his condition.  He was also recently diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines, but we also suspect that he may have a very rare balance disorder called MdDS as his symptoms are incredibly similar, including feeling better while in motion.

Although my husband has a hard condition, he tries incredibly hard to watch the children while I am at school.  He is an amazing man who suffers with this condition daily.  He has a severe form that is very hard to treat.  He is ineligible for the surgeries because his condition is too far in his ear, and the vestibular migraines aggravate his Meniere's condition on a regular basis.  He amazes me, even if he doesn't realize it despite the fact I tell him all the time.

We are very much in debt, live with my MIL, and all that good stuff that comes with life throwing you lemons.  Of course, I prefer to throw the lemons back versus make lemonade.  Not a big fan of lemonade anyways.

 Despite this, I love just posting my tutorials, and want to post patterns, all for free because there are other people out there just like me who want to make this or that, but sometimes can't because you have to "buy" the pattern.  I enjoy spending my free time making new things, and writing the patterns or making the tutorials so other people can make them without spending more than the cost of the supplies. 

Any help is appreciated if you can afford to help.
I want to thank you in advance if you do decide to help, and know that all donations are helping me make all my tutorials for free for everyone who wants it.  The more success I see in this the more I can post knowing that it is working and I don't have to charge for my patterns individually.

Thank you and God Bless

My Mother's Lost Children

I made a video on my mothers lost children, hoping a youtube video will help spread the word.  Please pass this on. Thank you.

Easily Bead Crochet Thread

I was having trouble beading my thicker crochet thread, and it was driving me absolutely bonkers.  I don't like it when I'm driven bonkers, but then again, I solve my problems a little faster when I do.

I've heard of using super glue for this trick, but that just seems too sticky for me (permanently so).  This method, although sticky, is a little easier to clean up.

You will need Clear Nail Polish.  I recommend Rush which is sold at Sally stores (at least the one near me), or any fast drying clear nail polish will work.  Enjoy :)

Hillsong United Bones Lyrics & Chords

 Once again I come across a song that just speaks to me in my moment.  I love Hillsong for that, including Hillsong United.  God really does use them to speak through their music and I praise Him for that and honor them for listening.

Here is the song "Bones" by Hillsong United, words and music by Joel Houston and Jill McCloghry.  I own no rights to this music.





| A | A | F#m | F#m | D | D |

[Verse 1:]
A
You can take my dry bones
             F#m
Breathe life into this skin
                              D
You called me by name
                                A
Raised me to life again

[Verse 2:]
You can calm the oceans
Speak peace into my soul
Take me as I am
Awaken my heart to beat again

[Chorus:]
F#m    D       A
Oh       Jesus
F#m    D       A
Oh       Jesus
D         F#m
Oh       Jesus
E                      A
     Alive in me

[Verse 3:]
You move in the unseen
You set the captives free
As I stand and sing
You're breaking the chains off me


[Bridge:]
D
Breathe in me Your life
I can feel You are close now
A
I can never hide
You are here and You know me
F#m
All I need is You
And I love You, I love You
  A                              E
I love You, I love You
D
Breathe in me Your life
'Til Your love overtakes me
 F#m
Open up my eyes
Let me see You more clearly
A
Falling on my knees
Til I love like You love
                E
Like You love me
I love You

Finding My Mother's Children

I just created a new facebook page to help find my mother's children which were kidnapped over thirty years ago by their father.  Please take a moment to look, like, and share.

Click HERE

Crochet Hobo Bag in progress

Right now I am working on a Crocheted Hobo bag inspired by a post here.  Please take a moment to check out the original bag, and the person who adapted a pattern for the bag. 

The pattern for this is very easy and can be made pretty quick.  I'm changing it up a bit, as you can tell ;).  I plan on adding some floral embellishment to mine.  This is just a pic of my work in progress.  I'll be posting the final pic when I am finally done with some explanation so that it can be easily duplicated.  I also have some awesome flowers to do patterns and tutorials on and I can't wait.  :)

I start school again next Wednesday, but will hopefully try to publish at least once a week.  We'll see.  Missing my friends, and glad to be back. :)