What have I been doing?

Happy New Year everyone!

Can you believe we are already in the year 2013!? Crazy!
Some of you have probably been wondering where I have been.... well it has been quite a month for me... Not only because of the holidays...
I was down in the dumps for awhile. My Grandma Kaluf wasn't doing so well... long story short, we thought she wasn't going to make it... some days went by, then a couple weeks and then all of a sudden she had made a complete 100% comeback. It was amazing and I was so happy she was better! During that time I didn't want to craft... really just did nothing! I went to work came home cleaned made dinner and then it was time to sit in front of the TV and then off to bed. Horrible feeling to have... I was depressed. Well after talking to Rose,(there isn't a day that doesn't go by that we don't call each other) one morning... she had inspired me to get back into crochet. Now my Grandma crocheted too... so why not try to get back into it. Rose told me she had made an ear warmer, I thought to myself oh this could be something to give a try. I made one! (wearing it in the picture below)

Loved it and went onto looking at other patterns and went a little pin crazy after that day. (click on the image to see what I have pinned)

Well, I have since bought many patterns. I have even won some that I can't wait to get working on. Now just so you all know I was taught back when I was about 8 - 9 years old by a wonderful friend of my moms. Thanks Shalla!! I remember chaining and chaining and more chaining.... I thought it was so neat how I could make my own rope/ string. Shalla taught me the basics and she even gave me a book on crochet that was her grandmothers. I never quite understood the patterns until now. I have been learning the beginning cluster and the creative cluster, I swear it has 10 steps for one cluster! It seams that way... I am working on a newsboy hat. Can't wait to actually get it finished. Here is a link to the pattern... http://www.etsy.com/listing/74422734/crochet-pattern-hailey-newsboy-cap There is many more patterns in her shop that are just adorable!
Okay I need to step back some... I have a friend, her husband flies model planes with Andrew. Well she had noticed I was back into crochet and contacted me about making a few things for her. I was thrilled and got right to work. First thing I made was a sock monkey hat.

I had a blast making this little guy. Next was a pom pom hat for little newborns.

This is just so adorable on little ones. I also made her a cocoon. Didn't get a picture of it.... It was a super soft fluffy yarn I used. If you haven't guessed it she is a photographer and takes absolutely beautiful photos. Check out Kimberlee's work over at her blog... and or her website.
I have made some other things in between all of this (for gifts) and have a huge list of to do's I would like to get done. Everyday I thank Rose for her inspiration... It got my crafting back into swing :) Hope you all are having a wonderful start to the New Year!
P.S. Andrew sure surprised me this year for Christmas... I was given a Serger :0) and the Ugg boots I've been begging for <3 Andrew, Thanks so incredibly much!!!
Did you all have a wonderful Christmas?