Merry Christmas

Gingerbread House

Maddie's creation from school this week.

Something for ME..

It seems like I have been knitting cowls for months now & I can officially say I'm done!! That is if I don't think of someone else who could use one") So with the thrill of finishing up so many projects, I was able to finish my beret I had started a while back. Then when I casted off. I realized it was just too big...bummer! So instead of taking the entire hat back out from the top down, I actually cut the bottom portion. I know scissors & knits...freak me out!! I cut the part I didn't really like since the garter stitch gave it a balloon-like look. Then I picked up my stitches from my cut line..with lots of yarn flying & knit down. I added the butterfly stitch, since it's really the only "fancy" stitch I know:) & it reminds my of my long lost butterfly beret I left in DC...:( Of course, I had to make a cowl to match!

These were made with "Wool Ease" by Lion Brand..Color- Mustard

Little Pet Land

Little Pet Land in our play room never ceases to amaze me:) These are the latest additions.

Monday Music

One of my favorite songs from their newest & last album, Collapse.

Sailing..

We visited the best store in Columbus yesterday, "Wholly Craft!" It's a place to visit if you like handmade, creative & local things. From the moment I walk in, I feel like a kid in a candy store or maybe a lego store:) It's all so fun even if you have no money to spend...the inspiration alone is worth the trip over to Clintonville. http://www.whollycraft.com/

While we were there, John got an idea to make the kids sailboats:) He & Jack worked so hard on these yesterday...spending hours, cutting, sanding, painting, sewing & getting them just right. Now they are ready to sail away in a bubble bath tonight:)

Weekend in Pictures

One Moment

Cookies

The baking has begun..after the bark yesterday, I'm continuing on with cookies today. This motivation could die out, so I'm trying to grasp it while it's here. I feel like I still have so much to do. But for now, I'm going to enjoy these peanut butter/kiss lovelies:)

I love Gwenyth Paltrow's grandmother's recipe for peanut butter cookies. You can find it in her awesome cookbook.."My Father's Daughter." I just opted for no chocolate chips & topped them off with a kiss.

Bark!

Today I spent the afternoon making peppermint bark. Documenting it for who knows who? It was fun pretending to be a pastry chef in some far away land, snapping shots for my portfolio:)

This peppermint bark & I have a weird relationship. I loved the process of making it...timely yet easy enough...BUT I honestly can take one bite & be overwhelmed with the sugar. I don't eat alot of sugar & when I do, I can tell. But I make it for giving..everyone else in the house seems to love it. Hopefully my neighbors & friends will too.

Mr. Moo

The most photographed cat in our house of four pets..Mr. Moo. Jack took this recently when we spotted him all curled up & snoozing on the couch. Cats are so beautiful when you watch them..especially when they sleep.

Monday Music

Horses..an album I only recently discovered.

One Moment

Crafting..

December always brings on so many crafty things to do. These are some of the things I'm up to...

Knitting...mainly cowls right now.
Here are a few I've finished. I'm excited about using some gorgeous yarn for these. Pima Cotton..so soft.


Plus, I've started this beret.


Monogram Mugs.
How cool are these! http://www.designmom.com/2010/11/diy-monogram-mugs/


Peppermint Bark - I am going to shop for containers..hoping for some simple reusable jars or boxes to store these in. Recipe found here..
http://orangette.blogspot.com/2008/12/look-at-that.html

Elf Letters

This is our first year with an "Elf on the Shelf." My aunt surprised them last year with one. Maddie named hers Sam. Jack's elf is Evan & is a little different, in that he's bigger & more like a stuffed-animal. He stays all year, but only becomes magical when he travels with Sam...sort of:0 I know, it's too complicated.

Last night, Maddie decided to write her elf a letter. She wants to know, how Santa flys that sleigh of his. This morning, we found them sitting with Julie & Sparkle & Shine aka Millicent (American Girl Dolls). He wrote back explaining..with a little help from his reindeer & ALOT of magic Santa can fly his sleigh.

This morning, Jack & Maddie both decided to write him letters. But this time, with Jack writing, the letter was full of all kinds of questions. Basically, these elves have questionaires to fill out tonight. I'm hoping they stay awake to get it all done.

Our First Snowman of December

Our first snowfall came in a can! Isn't Jack's snowman cute:)

Monday Music

Saw this live on Letterman last week. Can't stop listening..Love it!

Silently Watching

We went down to the Wex Arts Center to see three short silent films. It was part of their ZOOM family film festival. It was our first time in their theater. What a cool experience. Everyone laughed their heads off. Thanks Charlie Chase, Laurel & Hardy, & that crazy troop of monkeys from "Go West."

Love Peace & Joy

Our school has a "Holiday Shoppe" every year for the kids to shop at for a secret present for mom & dad:) J&M love this tradition. Maddie insisted that I open one of my gifts today, since she thought I could use it before Christmas. & She knows me well. I love my water bottle & needed a new one. This one is way cool!!

One Moment

Jack Frost

December
We receive you wrapped with a sparkle.
Full of excitement, we open you slowly,
Hoping you hold our first snowfall.
Reminding us to slow down, bundle up, and look closer at the sky.
Winter's friend