Merry Christmas!

Wow!

We did the whirlwind tour to/from Cincinnati. We were supposed to leave on Tuesday afternoon, but the Big Guy ended up with a sinus infection. We thought about driving a few hours that night and staying in a hotel. I did not want his coughing to keep us all up. And, the weather closer to Cincinnati looked like it might be a factor. We got up at the crack of dawn on Wednesday and made the drive. It was uneventful minus the rain that followed us the entire trip. Apparently, we made the right choice as the roads were quite icy on Tuesday night.

We got to see my family for Christmas Eve. It was so nice to be with everyone. We had dinner at my brother's. I am still thinking about the cookies from Busken bakery. We opened presents at my mom's. We chose names and made the theme of the presents handmade. It was so much fun to see what people came up with. There is lots of talent in my family. I got four variations of cookie mixes in a jar. We just made the Sand Art brownies. I wish you could smell how yummy the house smells. It was just a nice relaxing time that I did not want to end.

On Christmas Day, we went to mass at the church were I was married. The same priest is still pastor. It was amazing. Keep in mind that the Big Guy was not feeling well. He doesn't like this picture. About mid-day, we headed to my sister's house for a late lunch. We were back in the car driving by 6pm. It was a fast trip. But, it was so nice to see everyone. It's been our ritual for years to do our Christmas on the 26th here at home. That way the boys get to play with their presents. We got home late last night and opened our presents this morning. We are so fortunate! I am working on a lasagna for our Italian Christmas dinner.

Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays!

Reading...Anyone?

I am trying to make lots of the gifts this year. As you will see, I've made lots of the same gifts. These three reading pillows, books, and crayon rolls are on their way to Hong Kong with an expected delivery of Wednesday. (Justine - don't look!)



These were made for David's team members. They each got one along with a donation made in their honor to the Collierville Literary Council. It is wonderful how many people like books. These reading pillows should make reading that much better.

We had his team over for a holiday lunch today. It was wonderful. Peanut was home too. He has a cold of some sort. He had a slight fever, but sounds congested. He was a help setting up chairs. We think he was curious to see all the people that work for his dad. He snapped a few shots for me of the tables right before our visitors arrived.




The schools dismissed two hours early. Pumpkin got to see all the people too. I enjoyed meeting all the people associating a name with face.

We are hunkered down. It really feels like winter. There is an ice storm warning until sometime tomorrow. The boys are hoping for a delay or cancellation. I wouldn't mind as I have lots of other things to make!

Dashing Through the Snow on a One Horse Open Sleigh...

I got ALL my hair cut off today!


I can't say much for self photography. The Big Guy was heading to a meeting and wanted me to send him a picture. I snapped a few on my iphone. Don't worry. I was parked in a parking spot and not driving down the road. It feels great. We'll see what his comment it is when he sees it live this evening. Now that I won't have to spend so much time blow drying my hair, I can work on all the Christmas stuff that needs to be done. We entertain the Big Guy's team for lunch on Monday. Did I mention I am making them all gifts? I'm about 75% done. Off to clean, sew and cook this weekend...

Paper Chains

I am participating in this Holiday Swap.

My swap partner, Mary, passed along her holiday tradition. For years, she and her sister made paper chains counting down the twenty five days in December until Christmas. At the beginning of the month, she sent supplies for the boys and I to make three paper chains. The paper is fancy Christmas paper with special stickers to hold the chains together. We made our chains a few days ago and added them to the Christmas tree.


I love the idea. It is so simple and yet so perfect. I ran with the paper chain idea. Friends of ours are moving on Friday. They will be living in a rental for months while their "new" house in Oxford, MS is renovated. All of their Christmas decorations are packed up. I headed to the craft store buying red and green paper. I cut the paper into strips and let all the folks on the swim team write a farewell note to the family on the strips. I included fancy stickers for them to make their own paper chains. This will provide some decoration in their house. This blog thing is amazing. It is wonderful to share ideas, modify them for yourself and run with it. Mary, thanks for passing along the tradition!

My holiday swap package is just about there and should able to ship by the end of the week.

Apron Giveaway at Maple Lane

I found this blog via The Apronista. Head over to Maple Lane and enter for your chance to win this adorable apron. I know exactly who I will give it to if I am the lucky winner!

Grateful for This & That

I tell you what. I have enjoyed this weekend. The Big Guy had Wednesday off and we went to work. We raked, mowed and cleaned up the beds crossing our fingers it may be the last for the season.

Thanksgiving was a lovely day spent with my inlaws. We ate mid afternoon. Perfect! We only had one meal with a sweet snack later in the night while we were preparing for a garage sale.

We only did a little shopping on Friday. I looked through all the ads and nothing knocked me over. Surprisingly, I spent the most moolah at Hancock's. We bought some of this and some of this. I am going to make a shower curtain for our guest bath. I have a vision in my head and hope I can come close. The fabric led to paint. We bought a Ralph Lauren paint from Home DePot in the color beachside raffia. We'll see how it turns out as we usually use Benjamin Moore historic colors. I am breaking open the paint can on Sunday.

Today we had our garage sale. The regulars told us we were the only ones having a sale. Who else has a sale on a cold dreary day? We did okay. The white bikes sold via Craigslist and we are showing the road bike tomorrow. Craigslist is a great thing and we loved the idea of working it in parallel with the garage sale. We took some stuff to Goodwill and put some up in the attic. We'll try one more sale before Pumpkin heads to DC in the spring.




I dug out some tshirts designated for the garage sale and made some caps for the Cap to Caps project. It was my first time sewing on jersey. I used the zigzag stitch as I don't have a serger. This is a wonderful initiative. I will get them in the mail to Amanda on Monday.

Tomorrow is church, painting, soccer, basketball, and preparing for a full week of school. We are contemplating pulling the Christmas decorations out. I think that will have to wait until next weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our turkey is ready (I got off easy on the cooking front) and we are off to my sister-in-law's.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

All Southwest 2008

Pumpkin had the opportunity to sing in the All Southwest Tennessee chorus this year. It is amazing what the conductors do with these kids. The music was fabulous and he enjoyed the experience. We carpooled from our school. I know he liked the odds of one boy to three girls!!

Dr. Jessica Napoles from the University of Utah was their conductor. She was very creative. They processed in singing Praise the Lord by Ralph Johnson. It was a wonderful way to use this repetitive piece. It was impressive. Pumpkin lined up right by us. Who knew? I bought the pants for him a few weeks ago. He tried them on and said they were good. What about the length? I did not see them on him until an hour before the show and it was too late to do anything about it. I guess these pants will be long enough for the spring honors chorus.

Here is the group after they sang. Again - this choir is an audition choir comprised of kids from all over Southwest TN.

If only I had a fancy smancy camera...I could have zoomed right in and taken a clear picture. I wonder if Santa is checking my blog.

Here he is on his way back to his seat to listen to the senior choir. That was impressive too!


We are grateful for his voice and for the opportunity to participate in this event. It opens his eyes to possibilities!

Turquoise Thread...

That beautiful turquoise thread appears again! Today is my last day for the CSA. I can't believe it has been ten weeks already. I made these coasters last night as a little thank you for Jill & Keith. I used a pattern in Bend the Rules by Amy Karol as a starting point. This is my first attempt at any quilting. I just wanted the coasters to have their own personality. I have to admit it was fun letting the machine stitch just about anywhere. I am not really interested in learning more about quilting, but had a blast playing with these. I hope they enjoy them. I bet you can guess there will be another post showing you all the veggies I get today. 'Til then...

Reading Pillow Birthday Present

Peanut was invited to a birthday party on Sunday. It was for a boy in his class. The theme of the party was tailgating. I thought that was very creative and easy for a bunch of 4th grade boys. The parents graduated from Ohio State. I tried to get some Buckeye fabric but they don't license any. Peanut picked out some football fabric thinking it would be good enough. I went to work on the reading pillow. I picked up a book by Mike Lupica at the friends of the library bookstore and off he went to the party.

I am making quite a few pillows these days. It is amazing the personality they take on - all based on the fabric. I need to whip up another one for a party this weekend. This boy loves Alabama and that fabric is easy to come by. I actually ordered online and and am crossing my fingers that it gets here in time. I am bracing myself for a late Friday night!

I made another simple tote from 16 squares I received from the quilt squares swap. It turned out pretty good and very soothing in the light colors. I used fusible interfacing inside and on the handles. I have so many other things I should have been working on. But, the beautiful turquoise thread was in the machine. I could not take it out. So, I chose squares and completed a project all around the thread. The tote will become one of may "happies" this holiday season.

We spent lots of the weekend purging drawers. All nooks and crannies in the house are up for inspection. We are going to have a garage sale. All the extra stuff needs to GO! I have a bit more to go through in the attic and two more closets. I mounded all the stuff up on one side of the garage. I need to buckle down and figure out how to organize it all. If I get my act together, I may just have the sale this Saturday.

In the process of cleaning the attic, I came across Thomasina Turkey. My mom made this for me years ago. She nestled right in on the mantle. Believe it or not, when I catch a glimpse of her it makes me stop and remember all that I have to be grateful for:)

One Simple Tote

Complete!


I was able to make the bag using one fat quarter. I had to grab a piece of something else to make the pocket. It was easy to make and did not take that much time. I was glad I had made some other bags as the directions weren't as clear as I'd like. I think it is just the 'geer in me that comes out when reading directions. I used flannel as recommended in the pattern. For the next one, I am going to use a fusible interfacing adding a bit to the long handle too. I am going to make a few more!

CSA #9 and Crayon Rolls

I picked up my ninth order from the farmer. This week I picked swiss chard as my selected greens. I wilted them in garlic, butter, and crushed red pepper. I added some diced fresh tomato on top. I can't say the chard was my favorite. The tomato was out of this world. The flavor in a tomato fresh off the vine. But, I digress. The Big Guy and I were able to eat all the swiss chard. We did not have as much luck with the broccoli rabe greens from last week. Yucky! Even so, I haven't given up. I am going to cook what I have left with some sausage. The fat may be needed for those kinds of greens. The rest of the veggies look great and will be eaten up!

I made a few more crayon rolls. One out of the fabric Peanut picked out. Bear with on the angle of these shots. I tried to play with it but iphoto is not recognizing the changes! I wised up and bought a package of pony tail holders at the dollar store. I am using those for the elastic to hold the roll closed. It is much easier than tying the ribbon around it.

I used some more of the fabric and made two more rolls for Peanut's ticket auction at school. I used more quilt squares in the "girlie" one. Peanut said they were a hit today at the auction. I am going to make some festive pencil rolls for the holidays so they can auction them at the next one before Christmas break.


I continue my production of reading pillows. Peanut has two more birthday parties to go to. I was able to pick up "used" hard bound books at the Friends of the Library store. I think it makes sense to give a book with the pillow allowing the recipient to see how it really works. This afternoon the desire to sew the simple tote from Amy Karol's Bending the Rules overcame me. I chose some of the lovely Anna Maria Horner fabric I ordered late in the summer. I hope to have pictures for you by the end of the weekend. I also hope to start these. I have some wool remnants that I want to use up. I really need a new pair of slippers but am going to find it hard to justify spending time on something for me as the holidays approach. I have the attic to clean out as we hope to have a garage sale on Saturday or some Saturday soon. I have another cowl to finish. I have some bibs to cross-stitch. When is it all going to happen? We'll see how much gets down. Happy, warm and productive weekends to all!

Student Leader Plunge

Pumpkin was nominated by his teacher to participate in the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington DC. We have deliberated and deliberated about the decision. Tonight we took the plunge and decided to go for it. He will attend the forum during his spring break assuming there is still availability that week. Our plan, at this time, is to drive him up there. We'll spend our week sightseeing and he'll get to go to the conference. I just could not put him on a plane ALL by himself. I know things may change and I might have to do it. If that is the case, I will rise to the occasion. This appears to be a wonderful experience and will give him the opportunity to learn so much. I am hoping he will keep a journal and I might get to share some of it.

Days Off School

The boys had Monday and Tuesday off from school. It made for a nice long weekend.

Peanut had a few friendly soccer games on Sunday. His team did a great job. They had a few guest players from another team. It is amazing what one additional talented player can do. Peanut had some excitement. He scored his first goal this season! He is an unselfish mid-fielder with a give-n-go strength. His coach has been working with him to continue to pass, but see if there is an open opportunity. He did just that! We don't have any pictures - just good memories.

We had my in-laws over for dinner on Sunday evening. Pumpkin set the table and captured it on my phone. We forgot to capture the meal. I kept trying to convince him to choose different placemats. I think they clashed with the walls. As you can see, I did not win that discussion.

I made chili and cornbread. It was perfect for the chilly weather that is settling in. This is the second time I made this chili. It is one you can do in the crockpot. The boys love it and the leftovers serve us for a few more meals.

THREE BEAN CHILI
2 lbs ground beef
2 medium onions, diced
16 oz. jar medium salsa
2 pkgs dry chili seasonings (I used the Kroger low sodium)
2 16 oz. cans kidney beans, drained
2 16 oz. cans black beans, drained
2 16 oz. cans white kidney or garbanzo beans, drained
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
16 oz can diced tomatoes
2 tsp sugar

Brown beef and onion in skillet. Combine all ingredients in a 6 qt slow cooker. Cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours. Serve with chopped raw onion and/or shredded cheddar cheese.

On Monday, we forged ahead with cleaning the garage. We hope to have a garage sale raising money for some leadership opportunities Pumpkin wants to pursue. Perhaps, we will have it as early as this Saturday. I don't want to spend money on advertising. We'll see if we can get all the other stuff out of the house and ready to sell. The boys were a big help and the garage looks amazing.

In the afternoon I baked up some Cinnamon Cookies. I saw them on another blog and finally got around to whipping some together. Be forewarned! These are great cookies. The comments recommend doubling the batch to have more. I'd agree with that as they quickly disappeared. I am going to refrain from making more as I don't want the temptation to eat them.


I was working on some sewing projects when Peanut wandered into the sewing room yesterday afternoon. He wanted to help me make a crayon roll. I did not have enough of any fabric that he liked. So, he helped me make one for our friends abroad. These are the cutest things and they are simple. Peanut helped me calculate the size adjustments for a colored pencil roll. I put that one together this morning. It is not perfect. I am going to play with the dimensions a bit on that. If you look closely, you will see that I used some of my squares from my quilt swap for the pencil roll.

We headed to Hancock's to get some fabric that Peanut does like. I now have an even longer sewing list:) We've been home for about an hour and Peanut keeps asking when I am going to get started. Guess I better finish this post. Then, I have to guide Pumpkin to write a letter and a paper. He has this free day and needs to get it all behind him! Why does he like to procrastinate? It gets my goat!!!

Flowers For Algernon

Photo copied from here.

I finished this book last night just in time for the field trip with the eighth graders today.

This book is thought provoking. My mother worked with "special" kids for many years. I hope I have always treated them like human beings. The book is classified as science fiction, a subject that is not normally one of my favorites.

The field trip was to the local high school to see The Flowers for Algernon musical. I think reading the book and watching the performance, I was intrigued by how this science fiction book was turned into a musical. They did a remarkable job. I was very impressed with the talent of the high schoolers. I wonder if Pumpkin will pursue something like this when he gets there. He definitely has the voice.

Pumpkin thought the show was okay. The entire 8th grade went to the show. They were on their best behavior.

If you get the chance give the book a read.

CSA #8 and More

I picked up my eighth half order of veggies from the farmer today. I have never cooked greens in my life. I guess that is about to change. I had my choice of kale or broccoli rabe greens. I chose broccoli rabe greens. The flowery part doesn't grow until spring, but the leaves will continue to grow throughout most of the winter. Apparently, you can cook them up like other kinds of greens. I did a google search and think I will try it in this recipe. I also got tomatoes, green peppers, sweet potatoes, and radishes.

Yesterday, I was reading some blogs and found this one by Jess. I love her earrings and have added them to my wish list. When you scroll down her blog, she gives a great pumpkin muffin recipe. The timing was perfect as I was about to make pumpkin bread. These are wonderful and were enjoyed by all this morning for breakfast.

On my way home from picking up my produce, I made a little detour to the LYS. These two yarns just happened to end up in my front seat. I have ideas but may not be able to share the wip as the holidays are approaching!