Hola, haven’t fallen off the face of the planet {yet} although we {the kids mostly} have been sick, sick, sick. I think we have had maybe 7 days altogether  of everyone being healthy since the beginning of the year, so…just hangin’ in and trying not to wonder how/if  winters are different down south healthwise.

I plan on being back here soon. I miss this.

We are getting ready to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, and the tendency for me is to revise and see how I can improve things. The challenge, however, is to celebrate and recognize victories. You see, by nature, I have a hard time with grace and looking over things in general and it takes an intentional effort on my part to do that.

celebrate victories

Therefore, this year I will try to be more gracious, take it easy and relax and maybe not take things too personally. I pray that it will be a gentle (and quick) lesson.

I have some sewing goals too – learning how to use a serger, make some clothing for myself and maybe sell some quilts. We’ll see how it goes. So in 2012 I plan on celebrating victories, progress, people and be able to rejoice in circumstances. Or at least accept them gracefully. I believe I’m getting closer to the concept of choosing joy. {Are you reading this, babe?} Pigs are flying.

So we are here, at the finish line. I wish you a year full of victories, grace and celebrations, however they may look like in your circumstances. Happy New Year and Cheers!!

Sprout and I took a walk  the other day after he finished his snack (I didn’t bother cleaning him) and I brought the camera along

….while he peak-a-booed

…and just played.

There are 2 days left ’til Christmas (I’m sure you’re aware) and I will make these for my (Italian) neighbors hoping they will appreciate the low cal version just the same. So, my lists are done and I’ve checked ‘em twice. See you here again soon when I will tell you more about the big, exciting news which is that our basement is dooooone!

Have a wonderful day!

: 1 :  I found my size 11 knitting needles {because they were hiding from me} and I’m working on a raglan for Sprout. I realized I like him wearing orange/rust color clothes. So “rust” it is. I’ll let you know how it goes.

: 2 :  If you are hosting holiday events at your house and you need to peel lots of garlic, this might be the quickest way to do it – less than 10 seconds. This guy is awesome and he made me laugh.

Have a great week-end!!

Over and out.

http://handmaderyangosling.tumblr.com/

Within minutes, Mr. A tells me that he is very cold and since I was flying solo (my hubby was working) I decided to scrap the trip and stop by Starbucks on the way home and get our goodies over there. Bah humbug!! Can you blame me though? The thermometer registered 24F, our scarves were at home and I just didn’t think to give the boys their long johns. It didn’t even cross my mind…I have to get used to this whole winter thing again. (Or move to warmer climates.) I didn’t mind though because this is what we came back to…a warm and decorated house!

But Mr A is a first born (and an extrovert) and according to the “Birth Order Book” he is a bit high maintenance when it comes to some things and this was no exception. He was so disappointed to miss out on hanging out with his buddies and to top it off he didn’t like the hot chocolate at Starbucks. Tall order, what can I say? How was your day?

I was very grateful when hubs put on the calendar “start Christmas prep” AND informed me that on Thanksgiving day we will stop for a family photo shot on our way to my in laws. Great!!! Camera, tripod and remote were packed in the car along with the kids and our best attitudes because I knew we would need them (you’ll see why if you look at Sprout in the picture). He was just being himself, you know?

one of our best shots

Oh, and this is what my keyboard looks like…also, thanks to Sprout. It’s our 3rd keyboard we had to replace for our laptops because he is a master at popping keys by now.

So this is our update from the Greenwood home. Hubs and I are  going for Mexican food tonight and it will be a welcomed little break. Hope your week goes as well and your Christmas decking too.

We are on Thanksgiving break and when I thought the kids had enough of each other we went for a little scavenger hunt  and picked up  some leaves, mini pine cones, sticks and whatever else we could find. I had big plans.

I went through my cupboards plus we collected a bunch of stuff and then we made this.

Happy Thanksgiving to you if you’re in the States.

can you spot the intruder?

I usually  bake from scratch but not this time as there was too much to juggle. Here’s what we started with. Also, I forgot to add the chocolate  cake mix in the picture so grab that too if you decide to make this.

Follow the directions on the boxes but add half a can of pumpkin to the white cake and use only 2 eggs. Then when you fill your cupcake liners alternate batters to create the stripe effect and don’t fill them more than 2/3 full or they will slightly spill over the top when they bake. Not a big deal, but what can I say…learn from my mistakes.

For the frosting I creamed together 6 oz. cream cheese, powdered sugar, 8 tbs  of butter and a dash of vanilla until fluffy. Crown your beauties and enjoy.

P.s. I think these would be better with devil’s food cake instead of plain chocolate. ‘Cause what can be better than chocolate? Even more chocolate. Just sayin’.

helllooo!!

It’s already Wednesday so I’m just popping in to say ‘hi!’. This week things are going better and my boys seem to be going easier on me… that or the fact that I’ve been out for a little job gives me that feeling. Either way…

I’m working a on a little fall throw made of this fleece I bought at JoAnn’s. I could leave it the way it is since fleece won’t unravel but I chose to give it a more finished look. It’s no big deal, really, just embroidery floss+blanket stitch=pretty edge all the way around.

See? It doesn’t have to be a huge, complicated thing.

Enjoy your day!