a hidden treasure

I bought these frames a couple of years ago at a discount shop, thinking I would have some mats cut for them. Now, a few years later when I finally opened the back, I found this family tree kit from Red Envelope. I love them. I got Mr. W's done and now need to find a few hours to do mine. It's nice to see the names of those who have passed on before us, it makes me want to learn more about my family history.

christmas cheer!

This was my gift from Megan. I absolutely love the saying. It has been a great reminder of what Christmas is truly about. Many thanks Megan.



How clever was this little gift. A decorated package of thin mints, all bundled in snowman attire. Thank you Nadine and family! (I know you will quietly find this sometime:)

L drew this in her art class at school. How cute is that? She loves her Bear Bear! Thank you cousins!

shhh!

It is our tradition to let L open one gift on Christmas Eve, always new Christmas jammies! There were a few years that this was a huge disappointment, but I think now she expects the predictable. I finally finished her nightgown this morning and have it ready to wrap with her doll. I can feel Christmas in the air......how could I not with this view to look at out of my back door!

Wow! How fun to wake up on Saturday morning to a fresh blanket of snow! Mr. W and L set out to clean the driveway and sidewalks right away- thank you my loves! I got to stay in the warm house and bake cinnamon rolls to deliver to our friends! Heaven.

A few gifts are on their way today. A box of hand dipped chocolates and toffee, topped off with a bird ornament and chocolate brown satin ribbon. To others, a bottle of sparkling cider in a cozy felt pouch with an ornament. It feels good to send a little cheer out into the world!

Megan, what would I do without you? Thank you.

Sewing is such an escape for me. I love the time that I can be in my sewing room, all is quiet, and I can play with fabrics and patterns. I love taking a rectangle piece of fabric and creating something with shape, texture, and amazingly something wearable. I bought this gray fabric a while back, I liked it so much that it was difficult to decide what to make with it. I am pleased with the results, and luckily, so is L. Oh, and thank you Megan for all of your kind words and support. You inspire me.

chocolate!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions....dipping chocolates! Not because I love to eat them, I can't say I like chocolate all that much, but I love how happy it makes Mr. W! It is quite a process, first making the caramel and truffle filling (new this year and delicious!), then tempering the chocolate and dipping each one by hand in chocolate and the truffles in toasted coconut or chopped walnuts. I searched online to find the truffle recipe from the Martha Stewart 2007 holiday issue, but no luck. I'll keep searching for a link. When it is all said and done, it is a very enjoyable process, and a delightful creation.