This is pathetic!

I can't believe it's been 4 months since I posted. I am such a creature of habit that once I get away from doing something (exercise, blogging, housework :) ) I have a really hard time getting back into the habit. I just talked with my sister Sarah on the phone (she and her family just got electricity back in their Houston home following Ike's visit, fortunately they had friends to stay with) and she reminded me to post to my blog, so here we go.

Of course the biggest news is the birth of Levi, my first grandchild and the most wonderful little baby that ever lived. I can't believe I was actually worried before his birth that I might have a hard time feeling a connection to him. :) Being around him gives me more joy than I've ever felt in my life (sorry Erin, Suzie, and Zan). He is a little miracle. Here's a recent picture of him.

He's wearing a onesie I made to sell on Etsy--isn't he a cute little model! I seriously can't get enough of him. Last night I had him for a whole hour to myself while Erin picked up Nathan from work--I chatted, Levi cooed, we played with his piggies, we took a walk--it was pure heaven.

Aside from Levi, I've been busy making things to sell on Etsy and at a craft boutique this Saturday that I'm doing with my friend Christy at work. I haven't done a boutique since Erin was an infant and that one was a total bust. Given that experience, I'm not holding my breath for this one either. I'm loving, though, the opportunity to make a bunch of stuff since making stuff is what I really love (right behind Levi). As soon as I take some pictures for Etsy, I'll post them here, too. So far I've made a bunch of bibs, onsies, and pincushions. Next I want to make some old-fashioned needle books with recycled/repurposed wool sweaters that I've felted. And I want to make some seasonal paper banners with the SU banner die. I'll keep you posted.

Okay, time to do some actual crafting while I listen to my new favorite podcast, Speaking of Faith, an NPR program hosted by Krista Tippetts. Mom and Dad enjoyed listening to her interview with Robert Millett when they were here on Saturday. My favorite so far is the program linking Buddhism and 12-step programs. Here's a quote from the program that really struck me as true: "The grace of spiritual life is how we live with our struggles, with our suffering. That's why happiness is not about pleasure."