A New Year--2011

Hard to believe that the calendar has flipped and we're in 2011.  We're getting back to a more normal routine and tomorrow, J will head back to the office (sniff).  This past week we enjoyed hangin' as a family, laying low and generally recharging (that being said, why is it, then, that as I sit and type this post at 11:36 a.m., I am badly in need of a nap?!).  I guess, to summarize, we spent time working on puzzles, reading, organizing and attacking some of those "honey-do" lists!  A good way to start the new year I'd say.  Here's hoping that your 2011 is filled with love, laughter, family, friends and above all, faith. Cheers!

***The Noodle has decided that when it is time to pose for a picture, that she'll either be sticking her tongue partially (or fully out) or she'll be doing some kind of crazy "kung-fu" move with her arms.  Charming.  

Christmas recap

The festivities are over, the tree has been taken down and the decorations have been put away, but the memories remain.  We had such a lovely Christmas!  Family, friends, fun and food--waaaay too much food!

Thomas, Ka-Chow...meet Baby Jesus

Waiting at the top of the stairs

It was the year of Thomas

Hangin' with the cousins

Homemade gifts

This Christmas season has been more about the homemade gift than in years past.  Partly because I started getting ideas (mainly for the Noodle) back in September, but also because I'm finally beginning to feel a bit more confident in my abilities.  I knew that I wanted to get her some more babydoll "accessories" (i.e. baby blankets, burp cloths, clothes, sling) so that was easy.  I had made this scarf for myself and thought that others would like it since you can never have too many scarves!  I also found this incredibly easy tute for a flower pin and after a few trials and errors a few more gifts were made.  This hobo sack was also easy to whip up and I foresee more of them in my future.  Since preschool is pretty militant about treats (allergies, etc.), I thought we'd go the fruit leather/sticker/homemade crayon route.  Note to self:  next time, don't use the good pots.......Finally, the Noodle's birthday crown was fun to make and the best part is that she can wear it over and over again.  So dear readers, was it a handmade holiday for you?

***The Noodle has 2 baby dolls that she plays with and so I made 2 of each thing.  I thought I'd go with coordinating fabrics and since blue is the Noodle's fav color, that was the starting point.

***If you hover over the caption, it will take you to the link, when appropriate.

burp cloth, wipes/wipe holder, changing pad 

 Hooded blankets

 baby doll sling and how to wear/tie a sling

 baby doll soft, lovey blankets

 

These were suppose to be sleepsacks...but I ran short of material...so another set of jammies.

***The Noodle is craaazy wild for minky material

 
baby doll jammies made from 0-3 mo. onesie

 

Big Baby modeling her new jammies.

baby doll dresses--I asked which material the Noodle wanted me to use a few months ago.  She choose the crab and 4th of July print

 

scarf

 Flower pin

(ummmm, hello?  lint brush?!)

 

Hobo Sack

 DIY molded star crayons

Birthday crown

 baby highchair--designed and made by Daddy

Merry Christmas!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
                     --Isaiah 9:6

Advent chain--Day 24

"Visit the market and have Christmas tea"

We are fortunate to have a market in our city, which is based off of those in Europe.  Like many large U.S. cities, ours grew thanks to immigrants.  It is always a treat to go down to the Market, wander around and pick up goodies.

Later on in the afternoon, before heading to church, we went over to Lollie and Papa's for Christmas tea.  I love this meal--all kinds of sinfully delicious goodies to consume, like trifle, Christmas cookies, finger sandwiches, deviled eggs, fancy cheeses, scones, tea and best of all--champagne!!  My belly is hurting just thinking about it again!

After tea it was time for church.  It is always such a beautiful service.  I love the carols, the candlelight, the decorations and of course, celebrating the birth of our Lord.

We finally rolled home, got jammies on and read the Nativity story from the book of Luke and of course, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  After setting out the cookies for Santa and the reindeer food we headed up to bed.  It was a perfect Christmas Eve (oh yeah, with the exception of the plugged up, temperamental kitchen sink that J went head-to-head with 2 different times during the day!!).  Sweet dreams!

Advent chain--Day 23

"Make birthday cupcakes for Jesus"

Red velvet cupcakes, green frosting and red sprinkles.  Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

Advent chain--Day 22

"Make reindeer food"

Santa always gets cookies and milk, but what about his poor reindeer?  They're doing all the hard work, climbing to the tops of the trees and to the tops of the walls before they dash away--they need a little sustinance!  I've found that this recipe does the trick: 
-1/4 cup dry oats
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-Handful of green or red sugar sprinkles

This little poem will also ensure a visit from the Jolly Ol' Elf and his trusty helpers--Magic Reindeer Food Poem:
Sprinkle on the lawn at night.
The moon will make it sparkle bright.
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam,
This will guide them to my home!