Crochet A Long

I am going to attempt to participate in this Crochet-A-Long (CAL). Since it is work at your own pace I think that maybe I can do it. With 2 toddlers, I know I will be beind everybody else, but maybe I can get the jacket done by next fall/winter. I just thought it was a cute jacket and I have never done anything like it. I am challenging myself.

If you think you would like to participate too check it out here. But do it soon because the pattern is available for FREE only until March 23. If you are going to participate, leave me a comment and let me know.

Have you ever participated in a CAL or KAL or something similar? How did it go?

~Jena

My Favorite Scripture

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phillipians 4:8

Fourteen years ago, when I first got married, I had terrible nightmares about my husband cheating on me. I had no reason whatsoever to have those dreams. One morning, when I first woke up, I was really mad at my new husband (because my dream seemed so real), then I realized the dream I had was almost exactly what had happed the day before on a Soap Opera. The above scripture kept coming to my mind. So immediately I gave up Soaps (yes, I have not watched them in 14 years) and I quit reading "trashy" romance novels. (There are plenty of them that are not "trashy" that I could read. What I call "trashy" you may not, I am pretty strict.)

I feel so much better. I am able to look at things in a more positive, optimistic way. I do not feel like I have made a sacrifice at all. God is our Heavenly Father (just like we are parents for our children and we want what's best for our children) and he wants what is best for us. We would not give our children bad advise, God would not give us bad advise either.

I am not suggesting that you give up Soap Operas (that was what I wanted to do for myself personally), but I am encouraging you to think on good things. Make the things that you dwell on, spend a lot of time doing, make them true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and virtuous. Because, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21.

~Jena

Counting Calories

My Aunt told me about this great website that helps you keep up with your eating and exercise habits. It is called My Calorie Counter. It will count your calories for you, you can keep a daily journal of what you eat and your exercises. It is really neat. Go check it out.

~Jena

Sneak Peak

Here is a sneak peak at what I am working on right now. I am crocheting my first afghan. I hope I finish it soon (before it warms up) or I won't finish it for awhile. I started it in 2006 (did not work on it at all in 2007 or 2008), found it the other day and thought I would try to finish it.

I am the world's worst at starting projects and getting side tracked and not finishing them. Maybe this year I can do better (finish the projects that I start and maybe even finish a project or two that I started in the past). Wish me luck. I will show the finished project when it is completed. Maybe it won't be too long (it's about 3/4 complete).

~Jena

I want to go to Greece

After watching Mamma Mia and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, I want to go to Greece!!!! It looks beautiful and exotic. It's nice to dream.

~Jena

Crochet a Simple Shrug

I just completed this great little shrug for this spring. It will be great when I need a little something on, but not a lot. I loved the fuzzy yarn (I thought that it would be soft - and it is), but it was very difficult to work with. I do not recommend it for a beginner. It is very forgiving though (it hides mistakes). I got the pattern here from www.lionbrand.com. Lion Brand has lots of free patterns for knitting or crochet. They also have some great "How To" instructions. Check them out if you like this form of needlework.

I love to get my e-mail from Hobby Lobby that gives me a coupon each week. When I get 40% off any 1 regular priced item, I go get some yarn that is normally too expensive for me to purchase (or I feel guilty spending that much on yarn). It's great to get your needles then too.

~Jena

How to Eat Out Cheap in Cookeville, TN

On Tuesday nights, my friend and I go out to eat and then go get groceries. (A great girls night out huh? - grocery shopping!) We do our best to eat inexpensively (because we cut coupons and check out the sales, what good would it do us to go to all that trouble if we blow it on the meal before).

Last Tuesday night we at at Jackson Street Grill. We each had 10 piece hot wings (all drummies) for $3.00 ($.30 each), water to drink and we split an order of onion rings ($1.95 for total order). My bill was about $4.00 (plus tax) and I brought hot wings home for my hubby for lunch the next day (so it served basically 2 meals). This was really good food (it would have cost me that much or more at a fast food place).

A couple of weeks before, we ate at El Tapatio. I got a chicken tostada for $2.50 (you can get cheese, chicken or beef) with water to drink. They serve unlimited chips and salsa. I also have a smart card that gets me 10% off (that usually covers the tax).

Both places are nice, sit down restaurants where you are served. I always leave satisfied or really full, but never hungry. (The above totals do not include tips -which I do leave - even with tips it is not any more expensive than a fast food joint).

Where can you eat out inexpensively?

~Jena