sorry but...

  
I had to turn verification and moderation on again due to advertising loafers and robots.   

The Birds of Christmas

When I decided to accept Dean's challenge this year I didn't anticipate all the things that would require my attention.    Most of all, I didn't expect to lose my dad.    He taught me to love nature and to be gentle with God's world and all that was in it.  Yes, daddy...even spiders.

He passed on to me a love of art and craftsmanship and what he called "handiwork."   He did big stuff like curio cabinets and built in bars with stained glass doors. Maybe one day, I'll try something big too, but for now I am content with small stuff.  

Like these ornaments:

and the tree they reside in....

I chose a bird theme long before daddy passed away.  I can't help but wonder if God planted that idea knowing what the year would bring.  
This tree seems very befitting of my father's love of birds.......He would have loved our tree.  Not only because it is covered with birds, but because so many are handmade.  
I love you daddy, Merry Christmas!

crazy busy...

Where are the elves when you need them?

This past weekend was CRAZY!  Besides Kaela's family birthday and dinner out, I had tons to do around the house.  

Like finish the front door

  and make some scarves....

and mix up a bunch of my French Market soup mix for friends and coworkers...

And....I finished putting up the decorations (finally!)  
My parent bought these elves when we lived in Germany in the mid 60's.  I have one that needs repair but all the rest managed to survive all these years.

Now that these guys are out, I'm hoping they'll do some work while I catch up on some sleep!

Plays and art

We went to the annual Christmas play we go to each year.   We always love going, it is such fun and a wonderful reminder of what the season is all about!  This year we got really close to the stage and it was awesome!

This was the 3rd year that we saw the same play....so Kaela's attention wandered a bit.  She covered one entire half of the table with drawings of people in the play, angels, holiday greetings, flowers and a manager scene...

She wrote her full name EVERYWHERE so I can't show it all to you but she got a lot of attention.  After the show, people were taking their time looking at everything and talking to her about it.  One good looking guy from the cast came down to see what was up...and she got to talk to him.....hmmmm

Amazing what a pen and a crayon can do if you've got talent! 

Golden Girl's weekend

Our sweet Kaela turned 16 on Monday.    Due to exams and the time of year, we are pushing a real celebration off until January.  So, this past weekend, we did something just for the family.

Since we did a lot of work in Florida over Thanksgiving, she missed out on my pecan pie...so I surprised her with one...

And every girl needs flowers on her birthday...so Dean brought her some...

And while Dean and I made her happy.....

It was a card Matt gave her that brought tears to her eyes.......

I tell you, there is nothing more beautiful than children who truly, genuinely love one another.   These two are best friends.  There is no better gift!

Happy Birthday beautiful!

little gifting

I've had a stash of polar fleece remnants in my sewing closet for years now.    I pulled it all out and made some fun scarves for kids in need at a local care center.  

I ended up with around 24 scarves in all types of colors and designs...good for little boys or girls.

I thought this was interesting since "Duck Commander" stuff has become so popular!  I only had enough for one scarf though...wonder who will get it?

I encourage you all to think creatively when you have things in your stash closet.  The lady at the Rainbow Children's Center was so grateful and I was assured the teachers would give them to those who most needed them.

Camelia Festival

Each year, our local Camelia Club hosts an art and flower show.  These flowers are STUNNING.  Some are as large as canteloupe or as small as large marbles!

Kaela entered the art contest and won 2nd place!  
Considering the amount of students entering, it was quite an accomplishmentThe best part (in her opinion) is that she won money!!! .  She did the bright pink one hanging over her head.

Here are some of the winning blooms....

The room was FULL of them....

The grand winning table....

I look forward to going again next year!