Christmas Redux

Redux: "brought back" or "revisited"

Since I have been so backlogged and never got around to posting Christmas pictures, I chose a few of my favorites to share with you...

Katie in her first-Christmas finery:


Says Jack, "Mama, you have to be very quiet. I have work to do on my puter".


Cousins:

New Valentine Pinkeep Pattern

I've been stitching away, back to my regular speed, now that my finger is almost like new again... And I hope to have a BRAND NEW Valentine pattern ready to release by the end of the week. Here's a little teaser for you...

I took a little break from my large motif sampler, but it is nearly half finished, and will hopefully be ready for an end-of-the-month release.

Gloomy Happiness

It is a dark and stormy day out today, one of those days when all you want to do is light candles and wrap up in a blanket by the fire.

But I am happy, Happy, HAPPY!

Why? you ask...

Because Frosty is dead!

Finally, some "normal" Oregon winter weather is upon us. The roads are clear, and I can get into town whenever I want to!

Note: I have always wanted to see what happens to a snowman's trappings when he is allowed to melt completely away. But usually, scarf, hat, and facial features are removed before final destruction. The above photo is the actual, untouched remains after a deluge of overnight rain melted him completely away. Now you know.

J is for Jack

Says Jack, who is barely 3 years old, "Wook, Mama! I made a J"...

Now if we could only get the toilet training figured out!

The Aftermath

I spent a good hour or more on New Year's Day cleaning up the mess left behind after our Whittaker Christmas celebration. I gleaned a pile of boxes that I can re-use for shipping purposes, along with that huge, lovely pile of only slightly crumpled white tissue paper. I flattened and folded the boxes that I can't re-use for recycling, along with the wrapping paper and plastic bags. Just a quarter of a paper grocery bag is garbage when all is said and done.

But then, after all was sorted and ready to go, I did a little research and found out that 90% of the wrapping paper used by various family members is actually NOT recylable- WHAT? I thought all paper could be reduced, re-used, and recyled! Apparently not. So next year, I will be encouraging those that I know to do a little research ahead of time, and choose wrapping papers that won't end up as waste.

I Can Finally Show You...

Now that Christmas is over, I can show you what has been keeping me busy. Here are some of the gifts that I made for my female relatives...

For my dear Aunt Kathy, who joined our family's celebration this year, because her son was stuck far away from home in a snow bank (at least his plane was stuck). My Aunt is the epitome of hospitality, so I decided to alter my Noel Dancers a bit, creating "Welcome Dancers" complete with Colonial Pineapples, a symbol of hospitality.

For my Mother-in-Law, who is the nurturer to more Labradors than I can count. The design is by my talented friend, Merrie.

For my sister Jennifer, my first attempt at wool applique, thanks to Maggie Bonanomi's book "With These Hands", which is full of amazingly beautiful folk art patterns.

For my big sister Kimmie, a silhouette of her Donny, which made her pregnant self burst into tears, which subsequently made both myself and our Mama start to cry...it was a sight to behold...

For my little sister Joann (to get the significance of Roaring Bubbles, go here):

And for my baby brother Timmy and his wife Heather:

It's Not Working...

Perhaps I dressed him a bit too warmly. Or maybe he's summoned more snow to get back at me for letting his eyeball fall out. Could it be he is lonely and thinks that if he invites the snow to continue that I'll make some friends for him? Not a chance, Frosty... I don't like you very much right now! You were supposed to make the snow go away, but its a blizzard out there. So much for trying to be superstitious.

My Go-Away-Snow Snowman...

I realize that although it has been hampering my travel away from the house way too much lately, I still find that Snow inspires Photography. It transforms our usual landscape into something magical, and our humble little home becomes a dreamy chalet.

The neighboring horse pasture rolls and swells to the treeline, and billowing clouds echo the snowy white. But wait, what is that I see at the bottom of the scene?

There isn't supposed to be a CREEK flowing across our driveway...

All of the torrential rain from yesterday had to go Somewhere, and it found the shortest way to Bear Creek was across the field and down over our drive...

Pretty, isn't it? In a destructive sort of way...

Now on to lighter, funner, more entertaining things; my "Snow, Snow, Go Away, Come Again Some Other Day" Snowman.

Nutmeg eyes, a Carrot nose, Cloves for a mouth, and don't forget the pipe!

No, he didn't make it, but Jack thinks he's pretty cool, and oh, SO originally named him "Frosty".

Lightning McQueen ate Thomas in order to be featured in this photo shoot.

And I couldn't resist sharing this sweet moment...

Enough Already!

Someone thinks this is funny. I'll give you a hint... it's not me!

After pouring rain that lasted all day yesterday, the last remnants of the big snowstorm were finally gone, other than a few piles from plowing the driveway, and those sheltered little spots along the treeline.

And now, I wake to this? Oh, I really am ready for a break! It is breathtakingly beautiful, and sparkly, and... delightful. But seriously?

Maybe this new snow came because the Kid never got a chance to make a snowman. Maybe I had better go do something about that... But coffee comes first.

Quiet

It's 8:15 New Year's Day 2009. I am the only one awake in my quiet house. It is QUIET and Still, and oh, SO nice! The pouring rain outside is helping to melt away the last of our snow. The living room is full of piled up wrapping paper and boxes from our final Christmas celebration yesterday. And my heart is full.

I have been so very blessed in my life, and 2008 was definitely not an exception.

We were given a beautiful daughter, who has enlivened our family with her feisty ways.

Our Boy has grown into a sweet and loving pre-schooler; never a day goes by without him saying to me, "Mama, I love you so, so, So, SO Much!"

Matt continues to be my rock in the midst of many tired, disconnected, frazzled days. We have been blessed with consistent work for him, the sole financial supporter of our family, in times that are increasingly tough economically.

My little business has been growing steadily over the course of the year, and I have SO enjoyed meeting many new people, and developing new friendships.

Our extended families continue to be a vital part of our life, and we even found some long-lost relatives living right here in Sandy (that will be another post...coming soon).

There is nothing that we or I have ever done, or could ever do to deserve the Grace that gives us Certain Hope in our Eternal Home, and this is the blessing that makes me the most Grateful of all.

Peace, Hope, and Love to you this New Year, my Dear Friends and Family!