Deluxe Dinner Party

Last night was the Annual Deluxe Tattoo Dinner Party.  We all had a lot of fun and everyone tried something new.  Much to Papa's disappointment  I am much more an American-Chinese food fan than I am traditional Chinese food.  Although I did like these cute knotted noodles in the hot pot.  The pork intestines I can pass on.  In attendance were the honorable Terry Tweed, Shawn and Stef, the new guy Sammy and his wife Katie, and you all know our nephew Josh and his wife Amy.   

Check Out This Muff

Gracie's grandma got her this adorable muff for Christmas.  (It looks a bit like it has legs but that is just the Boston Terrier on her shirt.)

This morning over at Livin' Vintage she posted a wonderful vintage teddy bear muff pattern that is similar.

9,000+ Worth of Words on Christmas

Papa did good!

Family Xmas Eve brunch

My sister making a rare blog appearance 

My nephew, I made him cloth napkins and embroidered dish towel.  (he's a househusband)

Mav painted this for our niece Amy

Annual Christmas Eve pizza party at my mom's.

Papa in his new hat.  Gratuitous pink house in back ground.

Cousins

Our daughter in bff, Keziah.

Snow Family

Mav did this painting for me last year based on my favorite ornament.  I love it!

Let Them Touch The Tree

Christmas Tree Work

Remember Montessori encourages using the real thing (ie real tools not toys) Christmas trees are no exception.  Playdough, felt, and foam trees can be a fun craft but it definitely isn't the real thing. We keep a small basket of sturdy ornaments near our tree.   The way I look at it, it is 'work' to take the ornaments on and off the tree.  This work needs no encouragement as it happens naturally any time you have a toddler and a Christmas tree.  Saying "no" gets old and putting everything out of reach seems cruel. Create a safe place and say "yes"!

Our Tree

Here is our tree this year.  You might notice the ornaments are a little top heavy.  That is because with a toddler in the house I didn't want to take any chances and tried to only put sturdy ones within her grasp.  I also made the angel topper this year.  We didn't have one and I decided to get crafty with what we had on hand-- vintage ornament, felt and pompoms, and old Christmas cards.

Merry Christmas!

Decision Made

Okay, so it wasn't one of the options I gave you..but my niece linked me to the above B+W (Grace Kelly?) and it changed everything.  So I went with a quilted down anorak-with a hood of course.  White is not a color I wear so classic black as usual.  

Help Me Choose A Raincoat

Betsy Johnson

Houndstooth London Fog

Macy's

Merrell

Burberry

Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear Plaid

I need a raincoat.  I need a practical raincoat.  I need a comfortable raincoat.  I need a functional raincoat.

But I wish I didn't have to look so practical, comfortable and functional.

Papa will probably get me one of these.  Which do you like?  I lean toward the houndstooth and Columbia Sportswear.

Of course the Burberry...but I'm not sure it could stand up to the everyday life of a housewife.

Pinecone Craft

We decorated pine cones yesterday.  You can collect them, as we had these, or pick them up at a store this time of year.  Yarn, ribbon and nailpolish were our choices to decorate with.  I am sure there can be many more.  Great for all ages!

If You Have Slept With My Husband Please Do Not Read My Blog

For those of you who have your own blogs do you ever think about the people from your past who may be lurking around your posts?  I hadn't, until recently.  My husband was contacted by an old girlfriend who found him through me.  I am an honest person and write an honest blog so all the sudden I felt intruded upon.   Okay, yes, I am mainly thinking of my WW posts where I bare my soul in a swimsuit complete with measurements.  Then I got to thinking about who else might be creeping around.  I am pretty secure so I refuse to give into the temptation to write with these people in mind.  I was just wondering if anyone else feels this way?  I also feel I must tell you I have done my share of looking up ex's-mine and his, and being a bit of a lurker myself.  I recently saw a picture of an old boyfriend I haven't seen in over 15 years and was a little stunned to see he had a cover up tattoo over my name.  Really!?  Yep.  I also wonder how everyone has gotten so old while I have stayed the same. : )  So there you have it both sides of the coin.

Shiny Broke

Christmas time is here!  Yesterday we decorated our tree.  The more children we have the more "oops" we have every year.  I am always sad to see them go -but never sad enough to stop using them.  What we did this year with Dotty being just one year old is hung all the vintage ornaments at the top and the lower branches have newer ones.  The ones Grace is using for eyeballs are from Target and although still breakable at least not as easily.  They almost have a bounce to them when they fall.

Later in the day we got a head start on our baking.  I wanted to deliver goodies early this year before everyone was sick of sweets.  Solanah and Ruth's bff, Keziah, helped make cupcakes, peanut butter fudge and cookies.  Then we made deliveries and drove around looking at Christmas lights.

Hand Me Downs

I just love hand me downs!  The picture isn't good but you get the idea.  It could use a belt because the little vintage snap..well it just isn't strong enough. : )  Thanks Amy!