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!