(it's that time again)

...to all my friends in bloggyland...

Happy, happy new year to you and yours!

(dismantling)

We are taking down the tree today, and packing away the Christmas decorations. I usually leave things up until after New Year's Day... but we were ready to clear things away early. When everything is in it's place, I will put my feet up and have a nice hot cup of cocoa. Aaaahhhh!

*****

Thanks to all the fans of P&P for letting me know that I am not alone in my obsession. I appreciate the heads up regarding the Pemberly site from Linda at Soli Deo Gloria.

...later...

(snowguys)

I found these on a clearance rack yesterday marked waaaaay down. A little touch up to the faces plus a coat of fine glitter and these little guys will look much better!

*****

I am listening to the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack today. Love it, LOVE it!!! Any other P&P fans out there??

...later...

(looking back)

Christmas, 1956

Love those barkcloth drapes!!!

:o)

Looking back on 2006...

The first sentence of the first post of each month...

January

(2006!)

February

Where has the last month gone?

March

The house is quieter than usual today.

April

Our grandson, C, is having a birthday today...no foolin'!!

May

Did you make May baskets when you were a child?

June

Can't believe it is June already!

July

You know what this means, don't you?

August

I had a difficult time finding sky blue in my home....

September

What childhood memories do you associate with this month?

October

Good Monday to you all!

November

stamps+fabric dye+shirt= my very own blogging tee!!!

December

This work in progress has been in the stack for more than twenty years.

*****

How about you? If you play along, leave a comment so that I can come visit and read your looking back post.

...later...

(gold)

year of color
weeks 23 and 24

*click the YOC button on the sidebar for more gold*

*****

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Thank you to my friends who came in and left warm wishes for me and my family.

We enjoyed a busy day with lots of activity! I wish I had taken more photos. I will have to call upon my daughters for copies of their photos if I am to scrap any decent pages. I brought my mother here for a few hours, and I was preoccupied with making sure she was taken care of...helping her unwrap gifts...convincing her that she did not need to save every scrap of paper. She seemed to enjoy herself....as much as she could understand what all the hustle and bustle was about. When I took her back to the home, she said she enjoyed the program. I had to smile.

We loved having our grands all here...snuggled with them on the couch...played games...and provided a variety of "rubbish" for them to eat to their heart's desire. All but little Ezekiel...he looked like this most of the day.

Everyone had a turn to hold him for a bit...careful not to disturb his slumber.

*****

Yesterday was a girl's day out. My daughters and I, along with my older granddaughter, went shopping! We spent a fun day together, had lunch at Panera, and brought home some fabulous bargains! I can't remember the last time we were able to do this together. It brought back old times. I sooo enjoyed the time with my 11yo granddaughter, Miss M...She is a joy! I could not believe how patient she was to wait for all of us to find the things we had on our lists! (imagine that...three women with three lists...Oi) We made certain she was rewarded for her patience. Earrings, baby! Lots of 'em! She was a happy camper.

*****

Today is a kickin' back day...the only thing on the agenda is a bit of over and over work.

Coffee is in the kitchen..

...later...

(wishing you and yours...)

...a very happy Christmas...

(corners)

They hang all together on the door ONLY for this photo...The stockings were made from a very old crazy quilt of woolen fabrics.
Happy Christmas tags were an idea from an older Home Companion magazine. I have tags that say New Year to change out after Christmas.
This little window sill tree belonged to my mother. It has on it's branches a few vintage buttons and little snowmen made from miniature clothespins that once belonged to DH's grandmother.

I posted these corners of my home for you and for our military sons...who will be away from us this Christmas. I know they check the blog when they can...and I hope they will enjoy a glimpse or two of home. It is our fourth Christmas that DS2A has been away serving and most of you know that DS2B is in the desert this year.

I know you are all in the midst of last minute preparations for Christmas. If I don't see you again before Monday....have a wonderful day with your family and friends!

...later...

(finishing...)

...some little felt ornaments for my family...

The hearts were totally inspired by wishes&heros. I love his work!!! Oh, to have that much originality and creativity...

...later...

(three generations)

The tradition continues...

The granddaddy on the left belonged to my DH...and it was made for him by his grandmother. The middle guy was made for our son (Ezekiel's papa) by his grandmother. The dapper fellow on the right was just completed for little Ezekiel last night...by his grandmother...

Gotta love those monkeys!!

With all the "Museum" movie trailers playing, the thought crossed my mind...What if toys really DID come alive at night??

...nevermind...

:o)

four. days. left.

...but you knew that...

...later...

(more yoyos and blogmail)

Can you stand just one more yoyo garland? I made two of these...and I love them! They will go on the tree next year. I painted the cat more than twenty years ago. It is a door stop. I think he looks right at home on top of the cupboard.

:o)

Here are two more treasures I received this week from blog friends. The card on the left is a beautifully embossed work of art made by Dani....and the photo on the right is the wonderful work of Joanna at my meanderings...

Amazing.

...later...

(special present)

Last night I attended a special Christmas concert. It was one of familiar holiday songs and beloved Christmas carols sung by folks who are young at heart. The performers donned furry red Santa hats or green velvet reindeer antlers and smiled from ear to ear. Even though each is challenged by Alzheimer's, the joy of the season was evident on their faces.

Toward the end of the program, the activities director introduced a resident who was to sing a solo.

That resident was my mother.

I held my breath...

I wondered if Mama could remember the words or the tune...

As the music began, she hesitatingly...slowly... began to sing.

Silent night, holy night,

All is calm, all is bright,

Round yon virgin, mother and child,

Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Her voice was amazingly clear... lovely and confident....and for a moment, it was the same voice I remembered from years ago when she would sing for church services...for weddings...at home at the piano...The memories flooded my mind.

One of the staff members put her arm about my shoulders and whispered,

"That was some Christmas present you just received..."

"Yes, it was," I replied, wiping away the tears, "a very special present."

Merry Christmas, Mama...

(generosity)

...from Vicki...
...and from Marion...

The generosity of those I have met through the blogging community has been a blessing to me! The first photo shows a surprise package from Vicki. She included a crib quilt pattern that happens to be the same as a quilt I was given when our first was born. I know that I will be making a quilt from that pattern...for old times' sake.

Marion sent me a lovely card and some flower seeds from her beautiful Welsh garden. These will be planted in my garden...and very appropriately so, since my family originated from Wales. I look forward to Marion's blooms this coming summer season.

Thanks sooo much!!

*~*~*~*~*

I am continuing to chip away at the last minute projects that I seem to have accumulated...taking the days one at a time.

...later...

(friendship gifts)

I received this handmade brooch today from my friend, Claudia...Merry Christmas to me!!! She creates these from her amazing collection of buttons and tchochke gems. The "stuff" is all anchored to a large button on the back.

I have had this one awhile. This is from her first run of brooch pins. She knows I am a royal watcher... and I love mother of pearl buttons.

Claudia's friendship is gift enough for me...but the special things she creates are like whipped cream with a cherry on top!

...later...

(hymn)

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the new born King,

peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!"

Joyful, all ye nations rise,

join the triumph of the skies;

with th' angelic host proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the new born King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored;

Christ, the everlasting Lord;

late in time behold him come,

offspring of a virgin's womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

hail th' incarnate Deity,

pleased as man with man to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the new born King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,

risen with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by,

born that man no more may die,

born to raise the sons of earth,

born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the new born King!"

Come, Desire of nations, come,

fix in us thy humble home;

rise, the woman's conquering Seed,

bruise in us the serpent's head.

Adam's likeness, Lord, efface;

stamp thine image in its place.

Second Adam from above,

Reinstate us in thy love.

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the new born King!"

Charles Wesley

(warning)

Once you start making these, it is very hard to stop!

...later...

(gift)

Who needs more presents?

This mimi loves her newest gift.

...so precious...

(finishing touches)

Our daughter, Jessica, is having a cookie exchange this evening. DH and I will be taking our leave...shopping again...so that she can entertain her friends. I have been walking around the house this morning...doing detail work. I finished this little garland last night.

I have so enjoyed seeing all the yoyos around the blogworld. I had to sit down and make something yoyo. This garland originated from a bag of precut circles from an auction box lot. There were quite a few Christmas prints. The yoyos are so much fun to make that I am thinking of doing tree garlands for next year much like the ones I saw over to Soulemama using ricrac plus yoyos and buttons. So CUTE!

Enjoy the weekend!

...later...

(ten days)

Christmas will be here before we know it!

...later...

*angel made by crafter, Nancy Zastrow, from vintage linens*

(soft tree)

...my version of the soft tree design floating around the blogosphere...made last year...

Make sure you check out Charlotte's stripey trees here.

Thanks to all of my blog friends for wishing our daughter a happy birthday yesterday. I know she was blown away by all of your comments. Congratulations to Tracy for winning the give-away!

...later...

(12.12)

This Fimo ornament is part of a set of six made by our daughter, Rachel...She used a cookie cutter, a fork and a toothpick...Love it!
...and speaking of Rachel...

Today is my little red haired girl's birthday. Where does the time go??

If you have an extra moment, go by her place and wish her a happy birthday! She is celebrating her special day with a give-away. Good stuff!

Love you to the moon and back, Rach...

*~*~*

'jama bottom blitz update? mission accomplished!!!! YAY!

...later...

(scotty)

I think this little scotty dog (made from JennyB's tutorial) fits perfectly in my Christmas tree. Speaking of JennyB...you must surf over to see her dollhouse decked out for the holidays. It is really adorable!!!

I was able to get most of my shopping done this past weekend. In the midst of the craziness, I found tees - on sale - to match the 'jama fabric I showed you last week. YAY! Today has to be my 'jama-bottoms-blitz. They are all cut and ready to go. My problem is...I keep seeing other things I want to make from the crafty divas online...must stay on task...no more procrastinating!

Ok...time for one more cuppa and the sewing will begin!!!

...later...

(names)

Along with all the other ornaments on our tree is a set of twenty six names of Jesus, corresponding with the letters of the alphabet. This one, of course, is for the letter H..

These are a reminder to our family of the amazing attributes of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ... of the scriptures that mention the different names... and that He is the reason for this wonderful season we celebrate together.

*~*~*

edited to add:

My set is made from painted wood with wire hangers...but I have made sets of these from paper...choosing a great font from the net and double or triple matting them in coordinating colors. One of our children loves the Celtic look..so I did a set using an appropriate font...They have them displayed on a garland on their stairway. It is a very do-able project using your computer. To find a list of the names of Jesus, just do a search and you will find sites that have more than enough names to choose from...for your own unique set.

...later...

(vintage Hollie)

...the front of the ornament...

This is one of Rachel's first ornaments. It has to be at least - ahem- thirty years old. Sorry, Rach...I am not sure why I still have this one. I think this one is going home with you this year.

...the back of the ornament...

...later...

(snowmen)

Since we are getting lots of snow this week, I thought it appropriate to post some of my snowmen...

The first and last ones were made by Claudia. I just noticed that the top one is missing a "tooth". Oops! I also have one of her topiaries similar to the ones she posted yesterday. (in the Dec05 archives) ...So cute...

The middle two were made a few years ago. One is crafted from spools, and the other from warm, ivory flannel, a painted toothpick nose, twigs for arms and a little snippet of homespun.

*~*~*

Time to make a pot of fresh coffee. It's c-c-c-c-cold around the edges in my house!

...later...

(nutcrackers)

Did anyone else watch the White House Christmas Special last night? Talk about enormous nutcrackers!!!! I did enjoy seeing the wonderful decorations in every room. Amazing!

Nutcrackers are a favorite of our son, Tyler. Every time I see one, I think of him. These were painted for T&Z in '97. I will miss these fellows when one day I present the twins with their childhood ornaments. I still sort of miss the ornaments from R, J and L...You moms know how it is....each and every little bit and bob has a memory attached.

:o)

...later...

(angel)

This angel was made in '94...after our DD#1's autumn wedding. We had a "boatload" of tulle left over and I wanted to incorporate some in my ornaments that year. This is what I came up with. I made many of these. The rest of the tulle was used for gift wrapping, decorating for showers, making fillers for bouquets and corsages..and now I can say that after twelve years, the tulle is finally GONE!

Any stories behind your handmade ornaments??

...later...

(never too late...)

...to finish 20 year old works in progress...

The tree skirt is finally under the tree....after all this time.

Lots of memories here.

*sigh*

...later...

(birds)

Thank you for all the messages of congratulations regarding our new grandson! He is a sweetie pie for sure! This mimi is still jumping for joy every time I look at the photo of his sweet little face...

:o)

I made these little bird ornaments Saturday evening, while waiting for the baby to arrive. The design is one from a 70's BH&G magazine. We had a tree full of birds like these when DH and I were first married - in a myriad of colors and a bit larger in size, without beading. With all the bird-themed things available right now, I was recalling my old bird ornaments and decided to make an updated version.

I have the tree skirt about ready to go. I just need to sew the backing.

...later...

(here he is!)

Our newest little E...

He's a keeper.

(it's a BOY!)

We have a new grandson!

...born this evening, weighing 7lbs2oz...

...more tomorrow...

:o)

(weekend surf stops)

I am ignoring this stack of flannel waiting to be made into Christmas 'jamas...
...and taking a break from the tree skirt project...

to surf!!!

...finding adorable Christmas bunnies complete with maryjanes here...

...tiny donut charms made by Grace here...

...sweet little boot tutorial here...

...redwork elf stitchette freebies from Hillary...

...colorful giraffes here...

...and I am still loving Sam's bundlies...

here!

Sometimes you just have to surf around!

:o)

Having a good Saturday? Hope so...

(wip)

This work in progress has been in the stack for more than twenty years. I found the pieces of fabric with drawings done by our children in 1986....when cleaning the work room this week. I immediately began the embroidery and finished them on Wednesday. I am planning to make a Christmas tree skirt, using the pieces. That was the original plan. It's about time to follow through, don't you agree?

Rachel's angel was typical for the firstborn...neat and tidy. The little hand outlines are from the twinnie boys... one from each. They were a little young to draw anything recognizable. The leaning tree was done by our oldest son. He was about five years old. I love it! The colorful work was done by Jessica....my detail girl...

:o)

I am so glad to have found them..and to finally add them to our Christmas decorations.

If you have little ones at home, don't miss the opportunity to preserve their little art masterpieces.

...later...

(the winner...)

...is Tammy! ...

Congratulations!

:o)

I will be in touch with you today...so that I can get your snail mail address.

*~*~*~*~*

I am overwhelmed at the response to this give-away! I only wish I could have sent you all a package. Thank you for the kind comments...It was nice to "meet" some of you for the first time. I hope you will continue to come back to visit.

I think I will have to do another give-away...This was fun!

Some chocolate, an origami gift bag and travel tissue with a pink cover was added to the package...and a couple of yummy Jolly Rancher candy canes...

...later...