366/366: Complete!

Honestly, I can't believe I accomplished this post a day for an entire year.

I'm not sure if I 'need' to attempt it again. I will, however, post more frequently than I had in 2011.

On the New Years Eve, we are hanging out, watching the Twilight Zone Marathon, eating pizza and being together. I love my boys and I am so blessed to spend my life with them,

Cheers to you, may 2013 bring health and a bit of wealth!

I'm pressing snooze on the blog for a couple days...be safe tonight!

Love you all...

365/366: Looking Back

Source: 19miracles.tumblr.com via Dana on Pinterest

It's hard not to get a tinge of nostalgia of this year.  It's been a huge change for our family.

Six years of college for my husband ended, searching, hoping for a job and a permanent position that came true.

New health issues burdened upon our little family surfaced and are currently being conquered.

The ability for me to quit my full time job and concentrate not only on the kids, but on my love of all things creative.  I was able to do an art show for the first time in several years.

And through it all, all the years, the months, the days when i thought it would never end, all I had to do was look to our friends and family (blood or not).

The constant encouragement was much needed and appreciated, even if I rolled my eyes at you when YOU said, "It will be worth it in the end."

YOU.

YOU were right.

And all through

364/366: Lazy Day

The snow is falling, the coffee is hot and the Snuggie is snugly.

It's one of those days.

It's one of those days that I love.

No where to be, nothing that must be done.

Boys are happy.

It's all good.

No.

It's great.

363/366: {this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

I'm breaking the rules!  This is the eagle that has adorned a bar that we have in our living room.  This was made by my Dad a long long time ago.  I don't remember a house without this bar.  I can remember where it was in most of our homes.  I've never asked my Dad where he found this eagle or why he used it.  But can't imagine the bar without it.

This photo was taken from across the room with my new super cool telephoto lens.  I think I've gotten all the lenses I need for this camera.  I'm good for a while.

At least I think so...wink.

(Three more posts...until my blog break.)

362/366: Christmas Wrap Up

The boys have been playing Skylanders all day.

We have already spent gift cards and turned all our change in for more Skylander figures.

That Santa certainly knew what the boys wanted.

I've eaten all my favorite lemon cookies.  They were so good.  Gluten and artifical dye free.

This Christmas has been the most relaxing for me in a long time.  After I finished my gift making for others, the preparation for Christmas were fun.  Without having to work, I have really been lucky.

I am so fortunate.  I was talking with an Aunt on Christmas and she said, "See, good people sometimes do win."

It was a long haul, but we are at a good place. 

And I guess she is right.  Sometimes the good guy does win, but never without hardship.

361/366: Angry Birds in Real Life

"Mom, you should set up the rest for your amusement."

The electronic version is much nicer, you needn't set it all back once you knock it down.

I do however, appreciate the time spent in real life...

360/366: New Toy

This was the year for toys. Big Boy has a nice neat stack of Legos and Origami. Little Man has games and Legos. Tom has Kan Jam and a guitar pic punch.

And this girl got a new toy, too!

Merry Christmas everyone. I'm counting my blessings this season. Ever so grateful for the life I have and opportunities that exist. The future looks amazing!

358/366: Pre-Christmas Movie Night

"Can you pull over, I have to pee?"
"Argh, you just peed five minutes ago!"

Funniest preview clip of an old Hulk cartoon, David Banner turns into Hulk as his girlfriend makes him stop the car again.

Anyway, chilling out with cousins watching the Avengers and eating Boy Scout popcorn.

I made my second cheesecake today. This one, as far as I can tell, didn't crack. I guess they were right when the the recipes says to not open the oven for hours while its cooking and cooling.

This morning,I made the decision that if given the choice, cheesecake trumps cookies any day.

And so, move over Christmas cookies (except the cutouts with dye free frosting and sprinkles), here is a gluten free cheesecake with ginger snap crust.

Happy eating.

357/366: Candlelight Dinner

With two of my favorite guys...

356/366: GF Cookie Exchange

Last week, I held the first annual Gluten Free Cookie Exchange.

It was fun.  Nothing like a table full of safe cookies!  And truffles.

It's really nice to have such a great selection of cookies. 

Unfortunately, I've eaten most of them and they may not make it to the Christmas table.

So I made more...two more refrigerated doughs in the fridge for today.  Another round of cut outs.  Only white icing for my boy and an all natural candy sprinkle made with beet juice and berries.  Healthy, too!

355/366: {this moment}

354/366: Happiness is...

Finishing all commissions on time.

These eyeballs to be delivered today and one more bag for weekend delivery that is still drying, but completed.

So happy.

Now, on to projects to be gifted.

I love Elving.

353/366: Santa Drives a Minivan

And you thought over decorating was just for houses...

Not anymore.  Take your deco's on the road with you.

I love that he added a trailer just to carry Santa.

I can only hope and pray that Santa glows at night.

And if you think it stops there...nope.

Check out Chris Kringle, putting on his red coat with white trim.

Yup, the real thing shops at Wegmans.

And this girl stopped traffic to take a poor quality picture on my ancient cell phone.

This is what I do for my readers!

Merry Christmas.

352/366: Yes, it Does

Source: 29.media.tumblr.com via Pablo S. on Pinterest

My life has changed.  Drastically.

And I LOVE it.  I am so happy.

I get to say yes to so many things.  I had a very successful art show a couple weeks ago and have been basking in the confidence I gained every time someone smiled as they walked past my table and squeezed the nose of a monster. 

Art should make everyone happy.

351/366: Milk Glasses

 

 

Have you seen these?

 

Silly little straws.

 

And they really are silly.  St. Nick brought these for the kids.  He has such a sense of humor, that big guy.

 

The more colorful the drink, the more fun.

 

 But you know what isn't fun?

Cleaning them.  It's tough!  There was a lot of curse words.

The boys haven't asked to use them since.  Oh, and there was a freak out when they boys tried to use the same glass of milk and yes, there was crying over spilt milk.

And they weren't my tears.

One thumb up if you use them as a disposable straw...or leave them at Grandma's house for her to clean!

350/366: Shopping

I am officially done shopping. 

It feels really good.

Unfortunately, it isn't party time over here.  I have five commissioned purses to finish.

Three for trimming and zippers, one for the washer, and one to make.  Yup.  One to make.

And when that is complete, hopefully by Thursday, I can start on a quilt for a Christmas gift. 

Yup, last minute Lucy.

Except that I never sat around idle. 

Is that Last Minute Larry?

I send my "gift completion" vibes to you...

349/366: Gluten Free Baking

Tonight, I hosted the first annual Gluten Free Cookie Exchange.

It was fun. In another, I'll show you some pictures of our table.

But first, the prep.

Gluten free baking is tough. I have cried many times over cookies that didn't work. I distinctly remember one year, my third batch of cut out cookies (and third failure), throwing all the cookies in the trash along with the cookie sheet.

It's tough. The Christmas cookie without gluten is a whole other beast. They often require more flour, but how much? They require more chilling, but how long? They require Xanthan gum, or is it Guar Gum that is more effective?

And if that isn't enough to create a massive headache, spilling half of the largest jar of sprinkles all over the kitchen, is enough to grab a cocktail.

348/366: Hang Your Stockings

(Second stocking from left)

Does anything look familiar?

Anything peek your interest?

On Monday, I received a call for the Life and Style editor of the Buffalo News, asking if she could include a stocking of mine in the Sunday edition of the Buffalo News.

I think it looks super cool. I love color newsprint.

This makes me happy.

And proud.



347/366: Ding Dong Ditch

I believe my boys may be 'ding dong ditch(ing)' the neighbor boy.  They say they aren't, but the neighbor boy is doing it right back to us.  Three times. I can see him run away...he isn't that svelte.

After the third time I asked him to come near so that I could kindly ask him to stop ringing my bell.

He denied it.  That's fine.

But he was hiding behind trees and being all commando.

As he walked away, I got a horrible pit in my stomach.

He was dressed in dark colors.  He carried a long wooden branch that had a built in handle. 

And in his shirt back...a plastic sword.

I've seen this boy in similar 'dress up' and it always bothered me. 

Today, it terrifies me.

A "toy gun" search today, on just the first page, show 90% of the results not looking like any toy I've seen. 

Maybe we could start here.

346/366: Hijacked

My iPad was hijacked. This is how I know:

345/366: Today

I'm sitting with my elementary aged boys.

Holding them tightly.

Grateful they are in my life and praying quietly for all those families that have lost the loves of their lives today.

We need to help these young adults find a different path, not one splattered in innocent blood.

344/366: Our Tree

As these boys get older, the token Christmas photo gets more challenging (see Monday post!).

This was another 'not-quite-right' shot.  I guess you can never repeat the shot of years past and get the same feeling in your gut.  This is cute, but doesn't really tell a story, except that I'm behind the camera shouting commands and rules.  They don't follow my directions very much.  I think they are tired of my camera.

Today I'll dine with the ladies of Tom's family.  It's a nice bunch of women and I'm enjoying all the different places we eat.  Been lucky this year, I've found gluten free options every place we've been.

I hope you are able to take an afternoon to connect with family and friends.  It truly is special.

343/366: Token Christmas Picture

Tom and I decided to make the Christmas Tree hunt a family fun event.  We were all together, doing something fun.  Picking out and cutting down our very own tree.  We did this one other time with better results than yesterday, but still not favorable reactions from the boys.

This all started when I asked the boys to get their boots, protecting their new sneakers from mud.

Well, Big Boy's boots no longer fit.  Not surprisingly, either.  He was upset and wouldn't wear his old sneakers.  I didn't want to reward him for complaining, but I knew that he did need bigger and in my mind, new boots, new attitude.

All four of us clogged into Target to the boot section.  It was not good.  Big Boy is very picky, just like his mom.  There were only three styles to choose from.  One didn't have a size we needed.  The second were too big around the leg.  The third were too hard to put on.  Yup.  Good times.  Eventually, with assistance and reassurance that the boots will become easier to close, we found a pair of boots.  He walked to the register in them and into the car. 

Deep breath.  Kid is coming back.  He was still upset, but we were both trying to make it better.

I'm not sure if this is an ADHD thing, or just my boy's thing.  I'd like to blame it on ADHD, but it doesn't really fit that cookie cutter.  So, we talk, we reassure, we repeat and then repeat again.

Other than having fun and getting a tree, I really wanted to capture the Christmas card photo.  When we first arrived, Santa was there.  There was a cute bench-super easy and quick. 

And then, this happened:

Little Man found Santa to be "creepy".  I kind of don't blame him.  However, it kind of sucked.  Two seconds on the bench.  Nope.  He wouldn't have it.  He would, however, take a candy cane from Creepy Santa.  Little Man's not too creeped out for candy.

Moving on...

We looked.  We were chilly.  The boys were cold.  You'd think they were hiking through the tundra in minus 10 degrees with no boots on.

And then Big Boy got blisters from the new boots.  Good stuff, right?

We found a tree.  Notice I didn't say THE tree.  It was just a tree.  It's a perfectly nice tree, but after all the drama, we just picked one that was upright and not dead in the center.

While Tom cut it down, I attempted the Token Christmas Photo.

 "Big Boy, look up.  No, not you Little Man.  Look at me, not in the sky."

"You told me to look up, I'm looking up."

"Fine, we won't open our eyes."

Yup.  It was a bust.

Making family memories, one day at a time.



342/366: Cheesecake

I made my first real cheesecake yesterday.

And since I made it, it's perfectly acceptable as a Sunday morning breakfast.

341/366: Not So Sorbet

I've been Pinteresting.

My favorite pin was for a Margarita, using lime sorbet, with tequila poured atop.

Have you noticed the size of containers that are filled with lime sorbet? They are tiny. So opposite of sherbet containers.

So, I decided to make my own. Sugar, water, lime juice and lime zest. Super easy.

Until the blending part.

Nothing is happening. Just spinning round and round.

Bummer.

Maybe taking half portion out and spinning faster...if you see me at the grocery store tonight, you'll know it didn't work.

340/366: Happy St. Nicholas Day

Hope you all find something sweet by your door today. Maybe even a candy cane or twelve.

339/366: St. Nick

See these sweet looking boys? This was taken on a day other than today.

Today, they acted more like Chuckie.

That was unfortunate, as tonight is the night in which St. Nicholas visits our home. Apparently, he doesn't come when boys are misbehaving.

The activities happening right now are quite comical. They are doing as much as they can to ensure a visit from the Saint.

Apology letter, pictures, a quarter, an eraser and now, paper airplanes.

This should be interesting to hear if St. Nick has any words for these boys.

Oh, the opportunity.

338/366: Lights

Nothing says Christmas like tiny white lights.

We kept these trees in their box last year. It makes them so much better this year. So, as you can see, we decorated this afternoon. Once homework was done, the boxes came out. I left the huge monster box in the basement an te boys were absolutely fine running up and down the stairs. Each time they summited the stairs, "Mom, where does this go?"

After the fourth time, from each boy, I said what I didn't really mean. "You don't have to put them in the same place every year." Although I stand by that statement, what I didn't foresee was the 'tree section', the 'Santa section', the 'snowman section'. It's cute, I know. I'm glad they had fun. But all the trees together? They don't GO together.

I've been warned, too: "mom, we worked really hard with the sections, please don't change a thing."

Hmmm.

337/366: The Clean Before the Festival

I spent part of the day cleaning the living room. I'm halfway through the dining room.

The boys are itching to decorate for Christmas, now, we can.

Rudolf is on tonight, I think it will be Perfect.

336/366: Happy Ugly Sweater Day

It's nothing official, just made it up. Mostly so that I could show you this:

335/366: Looking Up

As I sit here trying to hold in a yawn, my eyes are drawn upwards to the magnificent ceiling above. We are in the library at the Clement House. The ceiling is as beautiful as the goods for sale here.

It's been a great weekend. Three more hours till pack up.

Thanks to the American Red Cross for hosting us all. It was wonderful.

334/366: It's Time

I am here. The show time has finally arrived.

I'm exhausted.

333/366: Crossing-Out

Last night I made a list.

Half for today, half for tomorrow

I generously added some items that weren't a priority, but if the time was available, I could work on them.

So, the monster pillow, monster framed, grey wonky purse and two additional vintage pillows will not be in the show. That's okay...I never was happy with them.

I'm trimming the last of the gift card holders tonight, and stuffing two pillows. Then, I'll start packing, that's the second part of the list.

Oh, and I have a dental appointment tomorrow! Six months ago it sounded like a perfectly fine day.

Not so much now.

332/366: Gift Card Holders Reworked

This one I like. The others were nice, but a bit cheesy. I like cheese (not when it's warm), but I don't care for cheesy.

The samples were in regular craft felt. These are in wool felt. The colors choices for wool felt are very limited, and I didn't want green. These can be used as a regular ornaments after the gift card is used, or regifted. I am going to switch up the colors and thread, as well.

I found these cute tags so that the recipients name can be written on it. Not sure about the hemp string vs. ribbon. I need to stew on that for a bit.

Good news, I have 99% of the two quilts done. The remaining is removing the pins and clipping stray thread. I still wish I could do one more quilt, it's brewing in my head. I think, however, I'm at a decent point to finish up loose ends on little projects at this point.

Someone tell me not to attempt quilt number three....intervention?

Oh, also, I just found out that a sample of artists' work will be on Winging It! tomorrow. I'd don't think I'll be able to get some samples of my own downtown tonight for the show, but please tune in!

That's quite a bit of electronic time, I must sew...

331/366: Clement House

I am getting really excited for this show. The building is beautiful, the weekend will be great and I am feeling good about my products. Of course I'd like to take more, but I'm doing what I can. Tonight I hope to finish two quilts and felt some last minute additions.

Thanks for all your support...liking my posts, cheering me on and your plans to shop for the Red Cross this weekend.

A special thanks to my Dad and my Husband. Both were very supportive these last two days. It's really nice to hear from a man, my "girly" type products are good.

I know I'm a post behind...I'll catch up when I feel doubly inspired.

330/366: Progress

Love this machine.

So do the boys. They have me making trading cards in mitten shapes with their "favorite" stitch. With over 70 stitches, this could mess with my schedule!

This is the half way point of the first Blanquilt, still in pieces.

Sewing, laundry and watching the first snowfall...lovely.

329/366: Perhaps Not the Best Timing

Tom took the boys out to lunch today and I sat at the sewing machine. I made fairly good progress. I completed two pillows and created another.

Then I started on a blanquilt. This one is all special stitches and cut outs. I think it will be the more challenging of the three I have hopes of completing. The other two will be vintage lace and doilies.

As I was sewing, my machine started to clunk. The needle was making a louder than normal sound when puncturing the fabric. I changed the needle, checked the bobbin, rethreaded the machine, all to no avail. So, I kept sewing. Clunk clunk clunk. I open up the machine and cleaned out the dust and lint. Clunk clunk clunk.

I was adding a long piece and started the thread. The bobbin thread wasn't coming from the needle hole. I attempted the rethread it. Busted. The needle wasn't catching the bobbin thread. I removed all the bobbin components. Nothing. Changed the needle. Nothing. Freaked out.

YouTubed. if that isn't a word, it should be. Unfortunately, it appears my problem is the timing. I found a video on how to adjust the gears. Can't be that hard, right? I'll never know. I unscrewed all the screws to take the case apart to find the gears. I couldn't get the darn thing open.

Freak out, again.

Tom make this much too long. Story shorter, I bought a new machine. The one I had, has lasted me a longtime and I am thankful. It made lots of love. And now it will find a home in a dump somewhere.

I am so tired tonight, that I think I'll just head to bed and set up the new machine tomorrow morning. Sorry church, I'll see you in a couple weeks...I have a date with a Singer.

328/366: Another Shameful Catch Up Post

It's very late. I am chilling out after a relaxing day with my brother in law and sister in law. We just hung out at my house while the little men in our lives played together. It was great.

I so wish their cousin lived closer, but nights like this are so special. You see, our NJ cousin is spending the night here, in our home.

Little Man couldn't take the chatter any longer and ambled up to his room. He is a sensible sleeper.

The other two are, I think, finally asleep. It's been a while since I heard anything from the family room. I want to be sure before I turn off the tv. The sleep process can be a long one with a guest in the house.

As for me, I'm trying to fight a head cold and begin the blanquilts tomorrow. I have to.

Wait, tomorrow is technically today. Perhaps I hear the faint sound of my pillow calling my name.

327/366: Grateful

I had my iPad with me for the past two days, but more than 90% of the time it was in the hands of a happy boy.

We are having a great Thanksgiving.

I am so thankful that we are healthy and safe and protected from the winds blowing through my neighborhood.

Many wishes for a healthy holiday season!

326/366: AKA 40 Remaining Days!

New product!  I've been trying to come up with some smaller items (I know, just over a week away) that I can work on while at the show and to fill out my table.  I love mitten ornaments and I was trying to come up with something for the men at the show.  Granted, this one is red, but I'm going to make some more masculine mittens.

As I sit by my sewing machine this weekend, I'll be thinking about how all the rushing around will calm down in a mere 40 days.  I feel quite pressured this week, but need to remember that soon enough, I may likely say I'm bored.

326 Consecutive daily (mostly) posts is pretty impressive.  Honestly, I didn't think I could do it this far.

If you are in Buffalo, please take some time to visit the Artists in Buffalo presents Holiday Open Studios and Galleries.  It really is turning out to be an amazing event.  I'll be at the Red Cross Building in the Library in front of the fireplace.  Nice and cozy.  In fact, here is a picture of my backdrop:

More information on the show is here.

And if you are familiar with my work, you will see a spec of it on this above postcard...

325/366: Schnazzy

I'm blinging it up over here. It still amazes me how a simple bead or set of beads can take a dull, lackluster purse and make it bright and fresh.

I have ten purses complete, plus four more at a local gift shop. I hope to finish these up this weekend and move on to the blanquilts. I know I'm pushing it with the blanquilts versus the time I have remaining. My problem arises when the boys are out playing, or have friends over. I don't like being in the basement at the sewing machine, unless the boys are in the basement with me.

Today, the procrastination ends. I have to get working on the blanquilts. They are going to be beautiful. They've been on my mind for weeks now!

Tonight, tonight I'll start.

Or maybe tomorrow.