Best house on the block!

With much excitement Zoe ran into the house on Christmas Eve bearing her precious gift.  Zoe, was now in kindergarten and had just finished her first class project, of a Christmas gift.
Lots of love went into painting this sweet shop, for it was to be a gift for Grandma.  She knew how much Grandma enjoyed putting out the Christmas village each year and how much she looked forward to seeing it brought out. 
Zoe, was thrilled to be able to add to the village and each year she checks out her little shop, nestled in with the other shops, It is the best house on the block.  I added a tea light so it can shine with the other houses.
Merry Christmas!

Crochet potholder--easy

Crochet Potholder Submitted by dawna

Step One: Chain an odd number. The length of the chain will be the length of the finished potholder.

Step Two: SC (single crochet) in each chain. When you come to the end continue to sc as shown.

Step Three: Continue to sc. You will notice the ends will start to turn up.

Step Four: Continue until ends meet.

Step Five: When ends meet slip stitch to close.

Step Six: Finished potholder

Christmas Tree---Memory Tree

I have been able to enjoy many others tree's and traditions thanks to blog land.  I think even though we put the tree's up at Christmas, they become wonderful memory tree's.  The Christmas past that we shared with loved ones, that are no longer with us.   Remembering the magic from our youth, when everything was just so wonderful.
Here are a few of my new memories, since we moved not very many of the old things came with us, but took up residence at our children's homes.

This Santa, came to dress our tree when Zoe was just tiny.  I had to run to Joann's fabric and put Zoe in the cart, as we passed a shelf she reached out and grabbed the Santa.  Zoe, held on to him so carefully that when we got to the check out I knew we would be taking Santa home with us.  He has graced the tree every year since.

I love that Santa.

The gold tree is so special to me.  We were able to take sis Christmas shopping and this is one of the ornaments she picked up.  I just love it, it is so her all glamor and bling.

Now, to add the presents and make another year of memories.

Let It Snow!!

I enjoy making these snowflakes on the embroidery machine.
I like to slip them into a Christmas card and give a little gift, that takes nothing but some thread and time to make.

My goal for next week, is to get more of these made. Can you believe last year I made dozens and didn't keep even one for myself!!   Must change that this season.

Going Visiting ( a tale in blog land)

I have spent more time resting then I care to think about.  Thanks to this 'thing' called a computer I have been able to go visiting and my favorite place to visit is blog land.

I am not sure how I got to sweet nothings but I am so glad I did.  she has filled my days with so much joy and she inspires me to get better and get with the decorating.  Not the far out type of decorating you need a decorator for but just down home, surround yourself with comfort decorating.  I am totally in love with her style.

I feel like I made a new friend, bj is just full of life and so uplifting and positive.   I didn't ask for permission to share any of her pictures so you will just have to go meet her for yourself.  I know you will really be glad you did.

Couple of Projects

This year for Christmas I added some personal towels for the kids.

I have done pillowcases, nothing fancy just a little something just for them with their name embroidered on them. 
The picture of those will have to wait. 

Embroidering on towels was also different for me.  I went to the shop in town that sells machines and supplies and they were so helpful.  They showed me the type of stabilizer to use and how to do hoopless embroidery.
I have some towels left to do so will share their advice with you, although you probably are an expert.

Being Thankful

I have so much to be thankful for.  Just having another Thanksgiving is something I am very thankful for.  I am also thankful my fall mums were so pretty this year.  
We had a wonderful dinner and the only sad part was the little babies didn't get to come as they were sick.   Hope everyone feels better soon, fall always seems to mean cold and flu season.

Now, it is time to get ready for Christmas.  What are your favorite things to do to prepare for Christmas?
Mine are sewing, now that I have an embroidery machine, sewing has a new meaning.  Love baking especially cookies and candies for the guy's.  Then there is decorating, adding little touches of magic all around the house.