happy

The last few years, it's been hard to be happy at Christmas-time. But this year, how could I not be happy, with all this wonderfulness.... :o) Here is Jimmy with Santa, when he came to visit their PreK class earlier this month. :o)

I'm using "Fresh Palette" fabrics from Carrie Nelson to make the "Mill Girls" quilt from the "More Elm Creek Quilts" blook by Jennifer Chiaverini. LOVE how these are turning out. :o)

Cinnamon applesauce ornaments, made with the kids the last few nights after school! SO easy! Applesauce (the cheap stuff!), cinnamon (which is never cheap!?) and glue -- mix it, roll it out, use your cookie cutters. Then just let them dry! I dried ours in the oven for about 4 hours on 170*, and then let them dry the rest of the way on the counter. We run the humidifier, and also have 2 cats, a dog, and 4 kids, so I figured they'd dry quicker that way... :o)

And last but not least... Brownie! Brownie is my bear, on the right! VERY well loved! I don't remember quite how old I was when I got him, but he used to go to grade school with me, and I'd sit him in my desk, so I could see him... So probably about 35 years old, give or take... And on the left, is Jim's! Apparently, Jim and I really were meant to be, because we both had the same bear! HA! His is not nearly as well loved as mine, and they aren't exactly the same, but definately by the same maker!
I am happy... :o)

Christmas Ornament Swap

I joined a fun "Christmas Ornament Swap" - the main requirement of the ornament was that it had to have buttons, somehow, somewhere... :o) These are the snowmen that I made.

I received this cute Holly Leaves and Berries ornament from Jeanelle. With lots of extra Christmas-y buttons!

Laurie sent me these cute little ornaments, made with miniature baking tins! SO creative! The container is a little red bundt tin! Fun!

And from Robin... PINK! A cute pink button ornament - it's made using a small wooden embroidery hoop! And a little jar of tiny pink and white buttons! How did she know I love pink!?! :o)

You can click the pic above to go see other creative ideas that the other swappers made! This was so much fun!