These Two

It's kind of funny to watch these two interact. It's almost as if the cat is a human sibling. Quincy loves to love on his "little sister." He also loves to tease her. When she has had enough teasing the fight is on and then he howls. "Mommmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyy! Will you please come get Moses? She is 'tacking me!" When I arrive on the scene, she usually has him backed into a corner, her ears are flat on her head, she crouches just a little as if she is about to pounce on him and her tail is swishing left to right in a most ferocious manner.

It usually just takes a quick cuddle and a slight change of scenery to tame the furry beast. And then it's back to lovey-dovey.

Gratitude

My little snow-covered world.....so beautiful this morning
shelter from the wind
food in our bellies
knitting
colored pencils

What's Going on 'Round Here?

Frost in my yard on Saturday morning....

Given enough coffee, I could rule the world!


A Breaking the Mold candle from my mom for Christmas a couple of years ago...
it smells really good

Sunday Morning in January

It was a good day......

What's on YOUR nightstand?

A Peek at a WIP

...it will be a scarf.....I love this color! It's is so regal!

Guess How Much I Love You

Q: Hey, Mommy? Do you know that I just love you?

Me: I do!

Q: Do you know how much I love you?

Me: How much?

Q: A lot!

Me: Do you know how much I love you?

Q: Yeah!

Me: More than Swedish Fish! Do you know how much I love Swedish Fish?

Q: A lot-a lot!

I LOVE THIS KID! .......and he knows it!

Random-ness

So, the kids have returned to school. Today was a red day for the high schoolers. I am perplexed at how the kids keep it all straight. When I was in high school, we had the same classes every day...there was no block schedule...no red day/white day insanity to add to the stress of teenage life. The kids have started all new classes with the start of a brand new, fresh semester. I find it so hard to believe they are already half the way through this year. In just a few months, Ryan will be a SENIOR! Oh, DEAR!

Wow! That was a crazy realization. I think they were anxious about returning and starting back, but I think in all they were pretty glad to get back, too, and having some semblance of normal...or...routine.

The house was calm and peaceful this morning after 8 and it was wonderful.

I have a stack of fat quarters that is just calling out to me...dying to BE SOMETHING. I did resolve to make a few more quilts this year. So...I just might be ready to start cutting out the squares to start on the postage stamp quilt I've dreamed of making. The postage stamp quilt I've dreamed of is very piece-y and random with lots of different fabrics and colors. And I know I want to be able to use it on my bed which is a Queen size. The only thing I haven't decided yet is if I want to do a solid white or natural muslin color between each of the color blocks or just use straight colors. Maybe once I start actually cutting out the squares, I will have a better idea of what I want to do. For now, I know I need 1600 2.5 inch squares of fabric. Obviously, the more different types of fabric, the better the variety in the quilt top....gosh....it will take a few more fat quarters!! I'm really loving the light blue of a robin's eggshell. I think I'd like to use that in the borders and perhaps even the backing....ahhhh what fun it is to plan a quilt like this. I can't wait to be able to snuggle under it!

Sometimes...

...ya gotta just cut up and be silly! Q and I sure had fun playing around and hamming it up for the camera after a few excruciatingly stressful days.

Father Christmas

Quincy really wanted to go see Santa at the mall. It finally worked into the schedule that we go pay the jolly, old elf a little visit.

I wasn't too sure how Q would react as he tends to get really bashful a lot and doesn't say a peep to folks. But we stood in line for about twenty minutes. When Santa's helper came over and let us through the velvet ropes, she told me that if I opted to not order one of their photo packages and instead wanted to take my own, I would be allowed only ONE shot. I was a little miffed about that......pffffffft! When Quincy was allowed to visit with Santa, I snapped as many photos as I could. Thankfully, there were no Santa Photo Police who came to make me delete my digital photos.

Amanda, Ryan, Quincy and I hung out for a little while at the mall to enjoy some Christmas Shoping Frenzy energy, lights, smells and...even the crowds. Before too long, though, we had to give into our grumbly tummies...and we left to find a value menu anywhere nearby.

Amanda was sooooo thrilled. After tonight, her shopping challenges have all been met. She is done. Lucky girl!

Homespun Birthday Love

My kids actually complained that there was too much frosting. NEVER!




\

Oh, Moses!

...and that's a wrap, everyone!

Yo!

I wonder what these little yoyos will become?

Stay tuned. The finished result is soon to come...

Happy Birthday, Alex!

Gramma Margie baked a chocolate birthday cake for Alex!

Happy Birthday, Dear Alex!




Gramma Margie and Alex

Alex and Quincy


YAAAAAAY! Yahtzee and birthday money!

Dear Alex,

It's so hard to believe that eleven years ago, you were just a tiny little peanut who'd just been placed into my arms. Even though you were the biggest of my newborns, you were so tiny and red. You had the biggest blue eyes. I loved to hold you and just snuggle you. I held you so your heart was next to mine. Your little head resting on my shoulder; I could feel your breath on my skin.

You were such an easy baby. You quickly filled out and had the cutest little round cheeks I'd ever seen. When you slept in your cradle beside my bed, you'd suck on your middle fingers and ring finger. It was so cute. I used to love to watch you sleep.

You have become a wonderful young man. I love your sense of humor. You amaze me with your love and enthusiasm for sports. I am eager to watch you play basketball on a team. I know you will have fun with that and I will proudly cheer you on from the stands!

I am so glad that of all the Alexes in the entire world, I get to be YOUR mom. I love you so much. I am really proud of you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZIGGY!

Love,

Mom

Happiness is...

...a crocheted shawl to snuggle into.

This shawl was commissioned by my mom for my Great Aunt Lorrayne who lives in Iowa. We're thinking she just might like to receive this....

How To Make a Paper Snowflake

Here are some super easy steps to making paper snowflakes!

WHAT YOU NEED:
paper
sharp scissors
bone folder

Fold #1: Fold the sheet of paper so that the top edge lines up with the left edge of the paper. Fold in your crease.

Trim away the excess paper so there is a triangle remaining.

Fold #2: With the folded edge of the triangle at the top, fold the two upper points together. Fold in the crease using the bone folder.

Fold #3: With the single fold under your left hand, line up all three points. Press in the fold with your bone folder.

At this point, you have made 3 folds. There is a single fold on the lower left edge of this triangle.

Fold #4: Fold your triangle so that the single folded edge lines up with the longer edge of the triangle.

Use the bone folder to press in the crease. Your paper should look a little like a torch with a flame on it.

Cut of the "flame" from the "torch."

Using your sharp scissors, cut shapes from your triangle. For the laciest snowflakes, the key is to remove as much paper without cutting all the way through to the other side.

Try straight cuts and round cuts. Cuts that look like the above image, produce a snowflake that looks like THIS:

Enjoy making a blizzard of snowflakes!