December Delights..

Here's to hoping you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas. We sure did!

Here are my three opening gifts at Grannie and Grandpa's.

The weather held out. While we are snowed in right now, the crazy blizzard held off until the festivities were over.

It was a very Handmade Holiday this year! Gifts for teachers, including handmade soaps, were all handmade and well received.

Some of the sewing I've done can be found below. Well, wait. Firstly, is Little Lady's dress which is seen above but not very well. Let's not talk about how I can't locate my camera the past couple of days. Can't be because the holidays were hectic, could it?

A top made for Little Lady as a back up for her Holiday Concert. Surprise, surprise. She wanted to wear her dress! (a little peer pressure maybe? I'm all for THAT kind!) This is from Ottobre magazine 1/2010.

A top for Little Lady's godsister who isn't much for girly outfits. This was for her Holiday Concert in her Kindergarten. This is my rendition of a top in Ottobre 4/2004. It's made with Chez Ami jersey fabric.

This drawstring bag was for Puppy Feet. He *loves* Legos!

Afraid? LOL Don't be! It's Little Lady's pillow pet made with the guidance of this tutorial. Thank you!

She loved it!

So those are a few of the highlights of our Handmade Holiday 2010. There were also grocery sacks, wool with flax seed handwarmers, and handmade soaps. I made a bamboo velour pillowcase and a double handed oven mitt.  AND I made myself a new top for Christmas. It was a GREAT Handmade Holiday!

May you have a blessed New Year!

Thankful November Summary

Well, if you made it this far-- Congratulations!

The main point I wanted to show is that every. day. we all have many things we can choose to be thankful for. Sure, one can choose to complain and be sour and bitter about what's going on in one's life or one can choose to look at the bright side and find a silver lining, no matter where you are at.

Face it, life is HARD. A lot harder than I ever thought, that's for sure. I reminisce of the days when I had all the freedom (was a young adult, owned a car, could drive, had a job, lived at home, etc). I remember deciding to take off to the beach-- fill up the cooler, pack a towel, maybe a chair and go. Now? To do that, I'd have to make sure no one had to be anywhere that day, make sure I had the groceries, fill the tank with gas, make sure I had money to park and quarters to shower, pack aaaaaaaaaaaalllll the stuff we needed, did I remember sunscreen? and on and on.

Boy, it's a reality check when you are a grown up! LOL

But, for all the skeletons lurking in my closet, for all the creative mail that comes to my house asking for money, and all the other things I care not to share on the net-- I still have 3 blessed children and a hard working husband who loves me. I have family-- the good and the bad-- but I have them. We're warm and fed and God loves and cares for us. It's a good life.

And on that note, today is my mom's birthday. Nine birthdays without her here to celebrate them with. Miss you, Mom. SOO much. <3

Thankful..

I am thankful for wonderful sewing friends. Yesterday, I had over a couple of my sewing mama friends and, with an empty house, had a lovely time! Great food (thanks to A. for brining Venda Ravioli! ~swoon~) great company and comraderie!

Even if the dress I worked all day on was too small---- ~faint~

And then, to be more thankful, my mother in law, daughter and I went to the Nutcracker ballet at the Hancock Theatre. It was a new experience for both me and Lil Lady! It was so sweet to see her wonder and excitement! :)

So, thank you-- to all the wonderful people in my life

Thankful..

We had a wonderful, easy Thanksgiving. Even if my bird was done early. Why does that always happen?? I didn't think my oven ran hot.. who knows.. it was good!

I made spiced whipped cream this year. Oh my--- tremendous!

Here's my 'recipe'-

Spiced Whipped Cream

1 pint of heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon

Follow your typical instructions for whipping cream (chilled bowl and beaters). While using the beaters, add sugar and spices. Whip until peaks form. Chill. Serve when ready.

Yes, it's THAT easy and you won't believe how delicious!

Thankful..

I'm thankful that Thanksgiving is almost here. My favorite holiday. Why? Because it's about being gracious and thankful for all the blessings in our lives. It's time for DELICIOUS food. Time for warmth and family..

And.. the best part... no gift giving stress!!

Thankful..

Some days, the only thing you are thankful for is sunshiny weather and clear, crisp air.

Today, I'm thankful for peace and quiet.

Thankful..

Thankful for wonderful in laws who took Stan and I out to a delicious dinner in Boston and to a jazz concert!