Monday, November 30, 2009

Getting the Tree




We used to walk out the door and our property bordered on a Christmas Tree Farm so we would harness up the sleds load them with kids and we would be off for a Saturday AM of tree selection. Well all that ended when the farmer decided to sell his property into a subdivision. We then decided to go to Stokoes Farm . That has been our destination lately. We take a tractor ride out to the trees cut one down ride the tractor back get the tree tied and into the car then go for Hot cocoa and a cookie, visit the animals, reindeer, stand near the bonfire, check out the Charlie Brown trees, the gift shop, the hay maze and this huge slide which is not always open. Then we load up the car , have a homemade cookie for the ride home and usually homemade Hot cocoa when we get there- this year the mama was all out of milk- imagine that! So no homemade Hot cocoa!eek

Friday, November 27, 2009

Thankful thoughts




Thanksgiving 2009
This day found us home. No better place to be. After a short hike nearby we sat down to a delicious meal that everyone contributed to. Kids made orange cranberry relish, place cards etc.. Mashed potatoes and gravy arrived, rolls, relishes, stuffing and sweet potatoes.
So many other contributions, after dinner we all tried Elderberry wine and then worked on a puzzle, games to be played, naps to be taken and papers to be read. We are thankful for family, warm houses, plentiful food.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Mighty Muffins

I am not sure which I like more- Cookies or muffins. . . . Muffins are magical, your own personal little cake full of sweetness and goodies. Pictured above are Pumpkin, Banana Chocolate Chip, Blueberry cream, Cranberry orange. Totally love the tops off the pumpkin muffins, crunchy but soft on the inside full of spicy goodness. I am just experimenting with streusal toppings- boy you really have to load it on there in order to have it well covered after you bake them. Also working at Temperature - instead of just say 375 for 30 min doing 425 for 15 min then reducing it to 350 for 10-15 min. They rise more and have a nicer shape and are more firm on the top. Most of these went to neighbors and the rest went into work.
Nothing like fresh baked goods for Breakfast!! gotta love it .

Monday, November 23, 2009

Mundane Monday





Some days are just that 'days' and we are thankful that they are ordinary in their beauty and everyday life. For if they were not just another day, it might mean that we had crisis in our lives. Today I am thankful for 3 backpacks by the door and shoes laying around, a beautiful sunrise and Fog in the fields.
All is good.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Getting Ready


Making these little seed candle holders as place favors for Thanksgiving. Dried beans, glue in a paper cup then insert a candle. very easy and cute.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thougthful Thursday


First keep the peace within yourself,
then you can also bring peace to others."
Thomas a Kempis:



Tuesday, November 10, 2009

In color Quilt


This is my "In Color" quilt featuring my renditions of the Stampin Up In colors
Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Rich Razzelberry, Bermuda Bay
I choose Soft Suede for my Neutral.
My friend and I exchanged all the other colors.
The flower Petals were cut with the Big Shot from Stampin UP
The original Idea for this is from Jill Olson a Demonstrator in Utah via my friend.
It is not finished as all the Flowers need centers still plus quilting, binding etc..
For the flowers I used a simple glu stick to hold them in place- just a touch is all that was needed. I sewed about 1/4 inch in form the edge which will give it when washed a rough edge, hence raw edge applique it is called as a technique.

Preparation


Well that is what this time of year is all about in our house.
We are busy preparing the house for both Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Since it is above average temps this week we will take advantage and put up outdoor Christmas lights but they will not be lite until after Thanksgiving.
We are busy cleaning the house, making place cards, favors for Thanksgiving.
Getting out the right Holiday Puzzle, thinking about Holiday cards.
So many big and little things to do.
Amidst the preparations there is a sense to remember others and do for them so we have a few service projects and work thrown in there to.
Looking forward to all the Holiday read alouds that we enjoy- never to old for this!
Sewing, sewing, sewing, knitting, baking, its all about the preparations.

Weekend Fun





Here is where my weekend found me.
More pictures of finished fun to follow.
The best was the fellowship of kindred spirits
that was included in the weekend fun and frolic!

Monday, November 9, 2009

"The Doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." Flora Whittemore




This speaks to all the doors we pass through, the doors to each others lives, the doors we choose to open- do we smile at strangers, do we do a random act of kindness? Do we live our lives with intention? Do we close doors - by being mean to others, rude, Do we spend to much time going through doors that are not good for us? Do we spend enough time going through doors that are good for us- Church for example? Pay attention to your doors- both the material ones and the ones that make our lives what they are.