fingerless mittens!

they even keep your arms cozy while practicing the piano...

yippee for me!

L was home sick on Sunday, which means I was home too. I can't complain about the relaxing Sunday morning, preparing a delicious meal for Mr. W when he came home from church. It was nice. But then, what to do the rest of the day...I actually took a nap. Wow, I'm proud of myself.

Then I remembered how last year I wanted to make L some arm warmers, (aka fingerless mittens) but I didn't know how to knit in a round using all of those extremely intimidating needles. So, I pulled out the materials and tools I had previously purchased and set my mind to teaching myself. I had a little help from Martha Stewart...but I did it! I finished a pair yesterday, complete with stripes and a hole for the thumb. (I'll have to post that picture later) Ahh...it feels good.

Now we're off to parent teacher conference and spending the day with my girl!

movin' things around & holiday decorating

What is it about fall that makes me want to "spring clean?" I love to re-decorate and move things around. Perhaps it's because I know I'm stuck inside the entire winter...who knows. Whatever it is, it's happening. It can be a simple stack of magazines paired with a small pumpkin, move the side table to the other side of the couch, or new bubbly floral globes or festive bats hanging from the ceiling. No matter how simple, it makes me happy to look at something old in a new spot. It feels new...some how.

I tried my skills at mod podge for the first time. (never thought I'd see the day) I kind of like it. L does too. I don't know how far I'll go with the clear drying glue, but I like this project anyway.

guess what I did this morning...

If you know me very well, you know that this is my favorite time of year. (now through December) I feel like my spirit awakens and I feel joy in my soul!

Well, this morning I unexpectedly found myself Christmas Shopping! I always start stashing a little cash away around July or August, just in case I happen upon the perfect gift and just can't pass it up. It happened this morning... I can't say what it was or I could ruin a surprise for some special people, but it sure was fun!

Now I am savoring the scent of sugar cookies baking in my oven. We are typically healthy in our food choices, but the crisp breeze coming in the kitchen window and smell of fall made the choice irresistible. Besides, who doesn't love the memory of coming home from school and smelling the fresh baked cookie aroma lingering in the kitchen?

check it out!

How great are these? We were looking around a used book store on main Saturday afternoon, and came across 12 vintage friend magazines! Initially the covers caught my fancy, (the vintage art is to die for. They are going in frames in L's room...eventually) but I was so intrigued when I began to flip through the pages. They are filled with comics, crafts, recipes, and as tradition would have it, endless wisdom. We are using them for family home evening tonight!

They are everything I live for. The gospel, family, tradition, values, vintage art, wisdom, crafts, and food. What's not to love? Yippee!

summer memories.

I can't believe it came and went so quickly. 3 weeks of school have already passed. I loved all things pleasant this summer offered, but I love school happenings too. So much to learn, so many friends... so much for mommy to catch up on!