and a happy new year!

wishing you all a great new year. I made it over 31 posts in 31 days WHEW!


In case you're looking for something other to do than watch the ball fall tonight, take a walk outside to see the free celestial show


My one resolution is to spend some time each day knitting. These should help a bit


5" bamboo dpns sizes US1 through US11
7" bamboo dpns sizes US1 through US11
40CM/16" bamboo circulars sizes US1 through US 10.5
60CM/23.5" bamboo circulars sizes US1 through US11
80CM/31.5" bamboo circulars sizes US1 through US11

Now to get going on my projects! I have 2 cloths finished for SIL but have 4 to go and her yoga bag. I'd like to make my MIL a set of dishcloths for SIL to take along back to Argentina too.

And then poor DH's vest... I need to get back cracking on that.

I frogged that mint green Limited cardigan. I'm winding skeins to wash the wool. There's lots of it. It's a blend of acrylic, wool, mohair and alpaca... really soft and single ply so I'm sure it will pill like crazy!

We went on the trolley at Hershey and Santa visited. He gave each of the kids an ornament and the adults a kazoo. This was the favorite part of my kids trip to Hershey this time. They had fun on the rides in the park as well. It was really a nice trip.

10 best moments of the year

1. Election Day coverage announcint Obama
2. We Can Make a Difference concert.
3. spinning during the Tour De France
4. witnessing the power of Niagara

OK... sad life but you can play along too. Your list will be much better!

off to Hershey

We're off to Hershey today so it will be a short post. They have a winter event called Christmas Candy Lane which is perfect for the kids. Short lines and the weather is warm enough that we won't freeze after dark.

DS1 doesn't want to go... so now I'm going to have to convince him.... there's always one that doesn't want to do something.

Last night we went to a Hanukkkah party. DD didn't want to go. She said it would be boring. We had homemade latkes, homemade applesauce, and salad and some pickins... and then some cookies. The kids played outside and then made this little movie on the mac. DD had the most fun of all with girls that are much older (3 and 7 years) than she.

The car is fixed now. It needed a new battery. We've had problems since Christmas Eve... Everytime my in-laws (MIL or SIL) come we have problems with that car!

OK... off to convince DS1 that Hershey is a good idea

fiber gifts of the season

from all my angels

From me to me:

2 pitch picker combs from ebay


From DH to me:

Starbucks cable knit mug. How perfect? Of course I gave the specifics. It holds a good amount of coffee and drinks well!

From my family secret pal (my nephew):

digital scale and yes I asked for it to weigh my handspun and recycled yarn.

From my Love2Knit Dishcloth Yahoo group pal, Amanda in two parts
Part 1:

purple sawtooth cloth, white lamb cloth and chinese take out filled with chocolates and 2 cloths seen below in part 2

Part 2:

2 red, white and green smaller sawtooth cloths, emory board and postcard from
Wheaton Arts Festival, magnet of the state of NJ (where Amanda lives), felt pointsettia pin, 2 candy canes and 3 candy cane pens and a skein of bright red Paton's merino! Thank you Amanda

I have some really cute students gifts I could post later. Tonight I've been frogging sweaters and deconstructing a leather jacket.

upcycling

so SIL and I went thrift store shopping. She got a really cute black pair of NEW nine west sandals for about $8 (it is summer in Argentina) I bought 4 ladies sweaters to frog (wierd all greens), one men's cashmere sweater to do something with and 2 leather jackets to upcycle for soles of slippers and AG shoes, purses etc. All for $23.... lots of leather. I figured someone already bought it, so it's not like I'm buying it fresh...

the kids are playing Wii and it's super ugly weather outside... YUK!

oops

well for me it's still Friday, cuz I haven't gone to bed yet.


My brother and his wife (and their son) got a yellow lab puppy from Santa. Boy is he cute. His name is Cody, but I won't hold that against him.






The girl's gift for the family was upcycled mittens. They had flannel linings like the ones for DS1's teacher.





My one brother loved his hat. He'll use it for running he says...I made it to match his fingerless mittens from last year








The kids got a Wii for Christmas. Santa brought Wii fit too... guess that'll be in my new year's resolution.

The Roland Micro cube finally arrived. It's a great little amplifier that I'm sure I'll be borrowing now and again. And the guitar playing through the amp has started. Must. get. DS1. guitar. lessons!

I made a cloth today based on the stitch for Dec 25 from the stitch of the Day calendar. I think my SIL needs some for her house when she returns to Argentina. Her house colors are white so I'll make a group of white cloths... pictures to come.

I've started the birthday cowl and frogged it 3 times now... it's going to sit a bit before I cast on for another. maybe I'll make a different pattern. I am using the Moda Dea wool/silk blend which is really nice. Just my brain that isn't working well

quiz me up, Christmas

Thought I'd spend a few minutes doing some holiday nonsense. OK, more than a few moments, but it's fun to do while waiting for your kids to go to sleep.

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

this is scary, torn between these three in this order and it is me in this order:

You Are Dependable and Trustworthy

You approach the holidays with drive and determination. You're usually the one who does all of the organizing and work. You love being in charge of Christmas dinner, decorating the tree, and picking out presents. You know that everything will be perfect, as long as you're the one behind the wheel. Of all the types, you're the most likely to search far and wide to find the best deal on the gifts you give. You're also the most likely to have a very detailed system for how you wrap and label presents.

The Wrapping Paper Test

You Are Whimsical and Imaginative

You approach the holidays with creativity and imagination. For you, it's yet another opportunity to express your glorious view of the world. Whether you're decorating your house or baking cookies, you like everything to have your personal touch. You do your best to make the holidays a unique and special time for everyone around you. Of all the types, you are the most likely to give delightfully surprising and interesting gifts. You're also the most likely to wrap your gifts in an quirky, beautiful way.

The Wrapping Paper Test

You Are Responsible and Orderly

You approach the holidays in an orderly, organized fashion. You work from a checklist, and you get everything done early. Enjoying the holidays is important to you, and that means getting your chores done first. Only then can you truly relax and kick back. (Though relaxing for you is still pretty high strung!) Of all the types, you are the most likely to have a perfectly wrapped present. You are also the most likely to get someone the perfect present... one they didn't even know they wanted.

You Are a Cranberry and Popcorn Strung Tree

Christmas is all about showcasing your creative talents. From cookies to nicely wrapped presents, your unique creations impress everyone.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

You are Multicolored Lights

Your holidays are a time for cheer and excitement. You love so much about the holidays, and everyone perks up a little from your happiness. You try to be grateful for what you have this time of the year. Even if things have been tough, you can't help but be joyful.

What Color Christmas Lights Are You?

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 9/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: Some people believe that all animals can speak on Christmas Eve. But it's bad luck to test this superstition.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

sad but true

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Very Brady Christmas

For you, it's all about sharing times with family. Even if you all get a bit cheesy at times.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

whodathunkit?

Your Elf Name Is: Booty Slave O' Santa

Son of a nutcracker!

What's Your Elf Name?

Your Christmas is Classic

Your wish for the New Year is more happiness. For you, Christmas is a spiritual holiday. You can't separate it from your beliefs. You are patient when it comes to Christmas. You don't celebrate too early, and you don't like seeing holiday decorations in October. You like to have an authentic, traditional Christmas. Doing it the old fashioned way is important to you. You like to celebrate Christmas your own way, and you don't like to have to compromise. You love Christmas. You enjoy almost every aspect and tradition of the holidays. You give a big during the holidays but nowhere near as much as you'd like to.

What Does Your Christmas Say About You?

You Spread a Lot of Holiday Cheer

During the holidays, you represent the true spirit of Christmas. You give freely, and you enjoy this special time of the year. There's a good chance that you spread cheer every time of the year... not just during the holidays. You're kind, upbeat, and generous. Anyone who crosses your path is lucky.

Do You Spread Holiday Cheer?

ho ho ho

Merry Christmas!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Fröhliche Weinachten!

You Can Say "Merry Christmas" in 12 Languages

You can say "Merry Christmas" in: English Spanish Japanese French German Swedish Portuguese Greek Gaelic Hawaiian Korean Latin

How Many Languages Can You Say "Merry Christmas" In?

You get the idea..... Hope your day is merry and bright. I'll post again tomorrow with details of our holiday fun. But now I need to sleep since Santa just left our house. The kids will be up very soon I think!


Enjoy!

helping the economy

this week.

At ACMoore I bought lavender in organza bags for 1.75 each. I bought a bunch! I think 16 bags. For now, they're in the dressers and bags of wool. There's enough of that around my house.

Yesterday, DS2 went with me Joann's (he had no choice) I got polar fleece remnants were 1/2 price for 50% off that price. I have big plans for it! I also got clear glass ornaments to make gifts for next year over vacation with the kids. I may have to go back for more.... they were 50% off... hoping for a deeper mark-down yet.

Old Navy had some great sales.... their polar blankets for $3 each. Crazy I tell you. DH is getting a pair of sweat pants too... Black.. he'll like them I hope.


Today was opening day for my Love2Knit dishcloth exchange (I think it was today... I opened mine this morning) Thank you Amanda so much. I love my goodies. I'll post a picture tomorrow with my other gift (and my school goodies.. well what I haven't eaten of them!)

This is what I sent my partner:

There are 2 tea towels: one plain red and one white with a peppermint candy applique and red and white trim. Her kitchen is red and white.
I also made a candy cane illusion cloth, I included a medium wreath that I made from felted green sweaters, some pig stickers and two magnets I made from little wooden decorations: a starfish and a frog and a skein of green and white kitchen cotton. I hope you enjoy it Connie!

The annual sing went pretty well yesterday. Of course it was the only holiday concert in the district that the new superintendent didn't make. I specifically invited her so I'm a bit plussed. I made one major boo boo though.... forgot to upload the flutophone accompaniment on my iPod, so I played for them which was not as nearly as cool as the whole funk stuff. We sang for an hour... with a powerpoint presentation of 95 slides. Chorus did four of their songs from the winter concert that will now be in January (the day after my birthday) and were great. I really love those kids.

Started mom's knitted gift while wrapping the rest of the family's gifts. I'll post the pictures of theirs after they are gifted.

Have a blessed evening and merry Christmas until tmrw.

new years resolutions

today's ten on tuesday is 10 new year's resolutions... I usually don't do them, but if I were they would be:

1. excercise some each day
2. knit every day
3. spin yarn at least once a week
4. not be grumpy
5. eat healthier
6. be more loving to my family
7. organize my life
8. buy less stuff
9. be greener
10. take better care of myself

OK that was easier than I thought... I have lots to improve upon!


Play along

the weather outside is frightful

It's so darn cold. We had a late start this morning. Of course they didn't call until 6 AM... by that time tmrw I'll be on the road to school. Hope we don't have a late start then.

A few of my kids at school brought me gifts today. Chocolate covered pretzels sticks in a little can, chocolate cream cheese cupcakes (yummy), hot chocolate, cinnamon ornament, a snowman pin, some body lotion, a travel mug, a little game... I'll take pictures of it all tmrw and show you my goodies!

Tomorrow DS1 takes his classroom teacher gift in as does DD. DD is taking a felted lunch bag. The specifics are here but I added a button and now it looks like this:



DS is taking a wreath that I blogged about here and these mittens that I made from upcycled felted sweaters and lined with flannel

Pattern: Mittens from Warm Fuzzies by Betz White
Color: Burgundy and Pink wool
Flannel print
Recipient: Mrs. Reynolds

The burgundy part is from a men's merino placket sweater. The pink flowers I dry needlefelted on and then zigzagged around the edges with my machine. That was a 100% shetland sweater that had been attacked by moths.

The interior is a flannel print that I bought at Joann's fabrics There were ones at the Christkindlmarkt yesterday with fleece inside (my next move up) and a bit of a different design for $30.

The tree is decorated but all the cookies aren't baked and the family gifts are finished nor are ANY of the gifts wrapped... yikes.. time is running out! I actually have a few things that I need to pick up yet.

I have lots on my mind, but nothing I should be sharing with the world..... so I guess I'll just keep it to myself.

winter solstice

One year, I will go to Paul Winter's solstice concert at St. John the Divine in NYC. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the longest night than listening to beautiful music in a beautiful setting.









We spent the first day of winter at our town's Christkindlmarkt My favorite exhibitors were the drum maker, Bob Shaeffer and his wood things, Kevin Smolark glass artisan, The Queeen's Treasures for American Girl doll clothing and Annie's Pooch Pops but my favorite was one green poppy whose etsy shop is emtpy right now because of the fair but assured me that she'll be restocking in a week or so. They used upcycled sweaters, organic cotton and hemp for fabric. Such really cute stuff! Best part is they (2 moms) are only about a mile away from me.

I'm in the thralls of school work and finishing holiday stuff here, so this post WILL be short.

Happy Winter solstice everyone.

shopping

for Christmas gifts today was a little depressing. Everything is so expensive and frankly, I'm a cheapskate. Ironically I came across this quiz the other day and wondered how I'd do:

You Are 62% Likely to Survive Another Great Depression

Even though you may not be expecting the worst, you're the type of person who prepares for the worst. You live a relatively modest life. You don't overspend, and you aren't very materialistic. You are also quite self sufficient and independent. You have many useful skills. You can take care of yourself and those you love... which is crucial to surviving another Great Depression.

Could You Survive Another Great Depression?

I was hoping for better, but I guess with 3 kids plenty of $ gets eaten. I hope we'll never have to know how we'd fare through another depression.

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

it's here.... started at about 9 this morning. The call to cancel school came at about 5:50 AM... DS2 woke me up at 4:30 so I've been up since then.

I should be sewing, but I'm procrastinating. It's what I do best! SIL arrives in a short while. She'll be here for 5 weeks so we'll have lots to do. Our date tonight was cancelled. (DH's one employer has a dinner dance every year for all the employees.. last year was the first that we went and had a blast. This year's got cancelled because of the weather.) It's all good though, gives us more time together and to get stuff done.

I present to you:

Pattern: A Hat fit for a Boyfriend by Stephanie Nicole
Yarn: Bernat Camoflauge
Colorway: outback
Needle: US8
Recipient: someone on the Christmas list


I love the way the decreases look, but it was hard for me to get a good picture. This is the best I could come up with.

My SIL just arrived so I'll add to this later, perhaps.... enjoy the weather wherever you are!

calorimetry

or keeping heat in the body....

Pattern: Calorimetry from knitty by Kathryn Schoendorf
Yarn: Red Heart McIntosh
Color: Dublin
Needle: US8
Button: from stash
Recipient: DS2 preschool teacher Pam

Love the easy quick knit. Man I could crank these kind of gifts out and be really happy. It was a little boring to do though. I made it while DD had her gymnastics class last Friday night. She's there for 2 hours and I cast on in the beginning and got about 70% of the way through. I took several breaks to watch her though. So all in all I'm happy with a quick knit.

Here's a close-up of the button... kind of cute I think

I should be getting down to business now.. there are teacher gifts to wrap and the family gifts that still need sewing... plus the power point for school for Tuesday. When does it end??????

I just bought a little 2 watt Roland amp for DS1 from ebay. I think I got it for a great price. I checked out the youtube demos of it and it seems like a really cool little amp!

snow

It snowed last night that cancelled my chorus concert. Well I should say postponed... until Jan 13, which means I'll have the entire holiday to obsess about it. Two hour delay this morning and a very hectic day at school for me.

We had a sitter lined up, so DH and I went shopping... you know for the kids and one of our secret santas. Some Thomas the tank purchases, Ben10 and Prince Caspian for Blu-Ray. I hate to admit it but we shopped at Walmart and got some really fantastic prices.

I also purchased DD's AG doll. That in itself is a long story that I just don't want to blog about... but hopefully it will be here in time to put under the tree. The guitar arrived today and I surreptitiously snuck it upstairs and put it under our bed. I'll open it tonight after everyone is asleep (hopefully DH will be awake!) I'm wondering if we'll need to get strings for it. Picks are a definite stocking stuffer.

Tomorrow DD has her brownie Christmas party and we all take goodies. A colleague at school told me a super easy thing to make. I feel like a cheater, but in the sake of time (or lack thereof) it's a go.
Ingredients:
Slice and bake peanut butter cookies
Mini Reese's peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Preheat oven to 350° F

Take a spoonful of cookie dough
Roll dough into a ball
Place balls in nut tasse pan
Bake for about 9 minutes
Remove from oven and push unwrapped mini reese's cup into cookie.
Let cool
Remove cookies from pan

Enjoy!

ten on tuesday

10 best gifts you ever given

• video iPod for DH '04
  
• handmade shawl for mom '07
  
• handmade socks for my friend Andrea '05
  
• handmade purse for DS1's teacher '07
  
• handmade convertible mittens for bro '06
  
• handmade hat for pop '06
  
• Fender mini squier for DS1 '08
  
• AG my twinn for DD '08
  
• handmade hunting mittens for other brother '07
  

I can't think of another really cool gift. I've given so many, but not that the receiver went nuts for.......

why don't you play along next week?

chocolate, peppermint and nuts

So DD and I took some time out tonight to make the special area teacher gifts that they'll need to deliver on Wednesday. My school chorus concert is tonight and there's no way I'll feel like making them after the concert.

So this is what it is a mug (I know lame teacher gift, but it's just the container) with a package of hot chocolate mix and a half dozen homemade chocolate covered pretzel rods.

We dipped the rods halfway up the stick in chocolate and then added on top a complimentary flavor. The white chocolate has crushed peppermints and the milk chocolate has crushed peanuts. I haven't tried them so I hope it's good. It works in theory and they look good enough to eat as well!

We'll wrap them in clear cello and tie them with red and green raffia to be a bit fesitve. I need to make cards yet as well. I know that stamp is around this house someplace... hope I can find it tmrw night after the concert (if I don't collapse)

Although, NOAA isn't predicting great stuff for Tuesday into Wednesday, so maybe no one will be going to school on Wednesday. I could use a day off to catch up on baking and sewing. I'm wondering what the deal with be for the evening. If I will indeed get the winter concert in before winter actually begins (calendar speaking) or will it truly be a winter concert and have to wait until January.

The rehearsal today went pretty well. They are really a great group of kids. Some goofballs, but I love them. DH played for me he plays a little over half of the songs. 2 have accompanimental CDs that came with the music series, 1 is an accompanimental tape (I know can you believe it) and I'm playing for my 6th grade snow angels.... 7 girls that are singing solo/small group for 2 numbers There are 12 selections in all and about 2 dozen or more poems that will be read between numbers. I've made a power point presentation of pictures to go along with the poem and songs. And there's so much that I can't do until the very last minute it will be a miracle if it all gets accomplished. I hate that I have to do it in the gym and not be able to set up ahead of time.... the tribulations of a small school... mine is the only one in the district without a proper stage or facility... makes everything a challenge but I've been doing it for so long that way I know no differently.







Well, I have knitting to show but will save it for another day. On a sad note DH and I decided that the fabric that US5 was producing for his vest was so thick and stiff, so I ripped out down to the ribbing and I'll start over with 6's . (That was my choice to begin with but he preferred the swatch of the 5s)


My package from my Love@Knit Dishcloths exchange partner arrived today... now to not open it until the 25th. Thanks Amanda... can't wait to get at it and I absolutely adore the box... way too cute!!!!!!!!


Ummm. my ten on tuesday list will have to wait... I don't have time this morning.

deck the halls

Thanks g-girl for letting me lift this from her blog

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Actually I wrap in Christmas fabric... furoshiki. then get the fabric back for the following year! Here's a link to a downloadable .pdf to show you how to tie the cloth to wrap different objects

2. Real tree or Artificial?
A real tree. It's actually greener (better for the environment) than artificial listen to 60 second earth podcast from 12/04/08

3. When do you put up the tree?
We usually buy it the weekend after Thanksgiving, because it's the least hectic weekend for us... putting it up, that's variable.. ours is up, but bare.

4. When do you take the tree down?
Always around the Epiphany or a bit after (sometimes Martin Luther weekend)

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not really

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
two stick out, one probably because of seeing me play with it in pictures... a magic pitcher and the other was a guitar a little one, man i loved that thing

7. Hardest person to buy for?
my sister-in-laws (not you Miriam... the other 2)

8. Easiest person to buy for?
Kids, they have plenty on their list ;-)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
yuppers a precious moment like, this set up and then a couple of carved wooden nativity scenes from Argentina

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
sadly, we usually get to neither... but this year I actually had a very cute card made up with the kids picture from vacation. We pick them up Wednesday. I can't believe it. Guess I should start working on a letter for the e-mail folks

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
a slinky teddy from VS... but the story behind it tells why it was the worst. Actually it was very nice, just not appropriate from the gifter!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
sometimes the week after Christmas.. then I put it away and can't find it when I need it!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
sometimes, but nothing HUGE...

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
cookies!

16. Lights on the tree?
yes!

17. Favorite Christmas song?
See my post from December 9. Perhaps the fave is In the Bleak Midwinter, but man is that a hard choice.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel Christmas Eve but back home for Santa to come.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Of course! :)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Moravian Star of course

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
With my brothers and their families and my mom Christmas Eve, with my DH and kids (and if his family is visiting) Chrismtas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
All the stress at work for the concerts and lack of sleep.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I like handmade ornaments

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
we do hor d'oeurves on Christmas eve and that is always really fun!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Really, I don't know. I asked DH and the kids to get me a mug from Starbucks that seems perfect for me

26. Lights, blinking or always on? White and always on... although now with the kids we put on some colored lights, but I prefer all white!

stressed

will I get this in on time???

hoping that I can. K cheated a bit. Fell asleep with DS2 and just popped up and nabbed the puter.

I worked all weekend on school work for the chorus program blech!

But last night Natalie and I went to see Vespers at Moravian... I'm so proud of DH! His ladies choir was really good. I wanted to take Olympia but didn't feel like dragging a huge bag along, so I stole this shot from the college website.

Now that I'm awake, I think I'll go do something downstairs... just heard DH go to bed, so I don't want to wake him up.. let's hope this little boy stays asleep for more than 30 minutes!

one word

time... that's what I need, really badly. So in the interest of saving it, I'm punting for a few days and cheating with some memes.


This one I found at all sorts
Where is your mobile phone? holder
Where is your significant other? car
Your hair colour? melange
Your mother? thrifty
Your father? missed
Your favourite thing? drafts
Your dream last night? forgotten
Your dream goal? organization
The room you're in? playroom
Your hobby? knitting
Your fear? failure
Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
Where were you last night? here
What you're not? inspired
One of your wish-list items? digital scale
Where you grew up? Pennsylvania
The last thing you did? powerpoint
What are you wearing? jeans
Your TV? on
Your pets? gone
Your computer? mac
Your mood? stressed
Missing someone? always
Your car? subaru
Something you're not wearing? shoes
Favourite shop? thrift
Your summer? relaxed
Love someone? natch
Your favourite colour? purple
When is the last time you laughed? today
When is the last time you cried? yesterday



I'm crazy busy with the concert on Tuesday and DH's vespers this weekend, kids activities. I'm such a procrastinator I could smack myself...

I finished a calorimetry last night for DS2s preschool teacher. She doesn't like hats so I hope this will be OK. Pictures will be posted maybe this week.

full moon

tonight is the biggest of the year! It was a beauty earlier this evening... right now, it's impossible to see because of the cloud cover from the snow that has just started to fall or I'd snap a photo to share. Instead I snatched this



from here where you can learn some more facts about tonights moon. Run out to see it in your neck of the woods

ho ho ho

called and asked if this guitar

would fill DS1's Christmas request. I hope it will because he's bringing it for Christmas. I wonder if he's bringing along an little amp and gig bag????

He also said he's looking for AG Mia for DD but they're out of stock. If anyone knows where I might help Santa find one.... please leave a comment!

It's short tonight. I'm tired (late night, no snow, early start to school) and have LOTS of work for work this weekend. Soon I'll be able to sleep!

let it snow

but let us get in for part of the day tomorrow.... I can't afford to have a day off, I need to see kids to still prepare for the concert. DH told me tonight that I should have started earlier... guess he was right. But I'm in deep doo doo if there's no school. I'll still need to go in to do some things and I hate to think of driving 35 minutes in crummy weather.


Here is one of my wreaths with just a bow, hanging on the door. I gifted this to a dear, dear friend that we were visiting over the weekend.



Last night I finally made the bobbles for the little pointsettia that I stuck on another felted wreath. It looks pretty good. This will be part of the gift for DS1s teacher. I plumped up the bow as well and much prefer the looks of this one. Must. make. bows. plumpy!

The pointsettia is made using a free pattern from Knitting Daily. I actually first saw it advertised in Interweave Knits 2008 Holiday issue. It's from the A-little-something-special.pdf that includes this flower, a bag, a snowflake, a in-progress bitty sock & hat ornaments and a cabled globe ornament. I made mine in red kitchen cotton and the bobbles in yellow cotton scraps on US3 dpns. Easy knit... the hardest part is putting it together!

DH had to buy something on ebay today. I was at school when a guitar closed for Santa to bring to DS1. I called him with 10 minutes to spare and talked him through it. YAY we won the auction so I think there will be one very happy little boy come the morning of the 25th.

DH's gift came yesterday. I found out AFTER it had been ordered. I'm saying no more.

Off to deal with kiddos then prep for school. have a great evening

mmmm

It appears I am undoubtedly a sugar cookie

Martha's quiz states:
You are simple and sweet, but can be jazzed up with some extra attention.

What kind of Christmas cookie are you?

You can visit her Christmas Workshop for holiday cookie recipes and creative packaging ideas, and then check out the Cookie of the Day. Some are quite worthwhile.....even though I am FAR from Martha

holiday music

10 Favorite Holiday Songs

Do you Hear What I Hear?

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day by John Gardner


In The Bleak Midwinter


Ding Dong Merrily on High

Still, Still, Still


In dulci Jubilo


Die ihr schwebet Brahms viola lieder

Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree


The Wexford Carol - Kings Singers version

and allow me one ridiculous but I love it song
Wonderful Christmas Time

baby, it's cold outside

and sometimes inside too! So I made DDs piano teacher some fingerless mitts for a holiday gift.

Pattern: Lucky Warm Fuzzies by firefly
Yarn: Red Heart McIntosh
Color: Peat
Needles: US5 dpn
Model: DD


I love this pattern because I can whip it out in about a night. Simple 3x2 ribbing, only the thumb to put in... perfect to wear while playing piano. I need to make my grad school accompanist some I believe. I miss you Jenn!

I'm saving other things for later in the month to make sure I have enough to post. With school concerts and Christmas preparations, time is limited.

Stay warm!

advice

always sleep in bed!

Friday night I fell asleep in MY chair because DS2 woke up at midnight. When he wakes up in the middle of the night, he always has this thing that he pitches a fit if I take him back to his bed right away. So he laid on the couch and fell fast asleep. I of course was getting together my package for my Love2Knit Dishcloth exchange partner... last minute details, weaving in ends, adding ribbon, gluing on magnets, finding a box, etc. So when I was done, I sat down to knit a bit more and promptly fell asleep in the chair. I must have held my head funny cuz my neck is so stiff even a full day and very hot showers later. I think it's time for the warm rice bag.



Instructions (the easy version):
Cut 2 equal rectangles of cloth. I used a soft chambray flannel and cut mine about 19" by 7". WIth 1/2" seam allowances, sew the two rectangles right sides together, using very close stitches, leaving a 1 1/2" opening on one short end. You can use an old tube sock if you don't sew.

Turn rightside out and fill with rice (I think you could use barley as well) Sew the opening closed with small stitches. If you want you can mix in some dried lavendar or add a few drops of EO. I use mine just as and it works great.

Heat in Microwave for about 2 minutes and you have a nice warm pack for yourself to apply to achey spots. Mine was made for birthing DD and it has come in really handy in the past almost 9 years.

To make a really nice one to be used as a gift, I would make the bag from muslin and then make another removable washable cover for the outside. Maybe some year that will be teacher gifts! hmm..

I saw on Martha Stewart site how to make bath bombs she called them snow balls I think. That's going on the future teacher gift list too.

Today Dad would have turned 87. Happy Birthday Pop.. Not a day passes when I don't think of you. Hopefully someday that won't make me cry as well.

green gift

yes, you too can have a carbon free day. Do something nice for the environment and the future. it's the best investment you can make. One to be sure to give great returns (beats the stock market)
Click for your gift from me. I have 25 to give away so don't miss your chance!

smells of Christmas

the Christmas tree... yes it really makes the house smell great!

baking cookies..it's that time of year.



We've been trying to do a batch a night. I started over the weekend with shortbread cookies that you put in a mold, then unmold and bake. DS2 managed to consume most of those and the rest of the family finished them off. So I have no pictures of the finished product. Only this picture of us preparing them.

I do have some other pictures of goodies we've made though.



These are a house favorite and super easy for all the kids to help with.

Pretzel kisses

• Preheat oven to 200° F.
  
• On cookie sheet place small pretzels.
  
• Unwrap Hershey kisses.
• Place kiss on top of pretzel
  
• Put cookie sheet with kissed top pretzels in oven
  
• Bake until chocolate is soft to touch
  
• Remove from oven
  
• Push m&m candy into top of Hershey kiss
  
• Let cool
  
• Enjoy!

And another variation. Rolo pretzels.

• Preheat oven to 200°F.
  
• Place pretzels on cookie sheet.
  
• Unwrap rolo and place on top of pretzel.
  
• Bake in oven until chocolate on Rolo is soft.
  
• Remove from oven.
  
• Press a pecan on top of the rolo squishing the rolo a bit.
  
• YUMMO!

This time we used the square ones that I usually use as gingerbread house windows.



Spritz cookies I believe there is a learning curve to using a cookie press. And the dough has to be at the right temp. With a couple more batches ours could be perfect. But they taste great none the less.



DH's favorite — shortbread pinwheels. When I was little I called these Squirrel cookies. The tough thing about this cookie for me is keeping the chocolate and vanilla layers to stick once they're baked..... if anyone has a secret, please let me in on it.


My grammy made the best cookies in the world. One of my fondest memories of Christmas preparations was making cookies with her. She was stingy doling them out before the holiday too. Probably because they were really used as gifts. Her signature cookie, Wheaties cookies, was not a favorite of mine, but my brothers loved them. We all fought over her Mexican Wedding Cakes though (a.k.a. Russian Tea cakes, snowballs) and I'll make some here this year.


My other favorite Christmas memory I'll share with you later on the day it should happen!


See you tomorrow, with pictures of some knitting!