My Christmas Gift

I got the most amazing gift from my husband for Christmas! A Go Cutter! (actually I got the Go Baby). Not only is it cute (really it is! It even has a little pink carrying bag), but I know it will save me so much time with my quilting. I can't wait to try one of the many free projects that came with it. The New (sewing) year is looking very bright!

Mannequin (pin cushion)

I finally got around to sewing these beautiful mannequins! They're supposed to be pin cushions but these are just to look pretty in my girls rooms. They're so easy to make with only a fat quarter, candle stick , button and mini ornament. There's a wonderful video tutorial here. I made mine from candlesticks that were my husband's grandmothers. She was my dear friend and always had these candlesticks sitting on her kitchen table. I spray painted them to match the girl's rooms. The buttons are also from her collection. Now my little ladies will have a gift made by mom but full of memories of great-grandmother.

Wholesome gifts

Every year I struggle to decide what to give to the dance teachers, vet, neighbors, etc. I love making sweets but wonder if people aren't overloaded this time of the year . This Christmas season I decided to bake bread to give away. I mixed hard white wheat and Kamut to make my flour. The result was some yummy bread to share.

Homemade ornaments

I'm having my annual ornament exchange party today. I'm so excited. This year I decided to make some ornaments to give away as door prizes. So easy and so cute!

Christmas Crafts

Emma had such fun making these tonight. She plans to give them to our guests at our ornament exchange party this week.

Views from Canada

Why do we keep returning to Canada??

Here are just a few reasons why:

I love to watch our dogs 'work'. They are truly amazing animals.

We get to spend quality time as a family with no outside interruptions (TV, computer, phones, etc.)

SNOW!!! We certainly don't get this in south Alabama!

A simpler life. Mrs. Marion runs a small store which is also the post office. She sells home-baked goodies including breads and tarts. Every time we go in she insists the girls pick out something to take as a gift from her. She always has time to visit with us.

The main reason I keep returning is to see my buddy Cheryl. 2 weeks a year is just not long enough to spend with her.

More baskets

Each year when we go to Canada I like to take handmade gifts for my friends. This year I decided to make everyone more of these cute baskets. I found the tutorial on Ayumi's blog. I loved using all the different colors and patterns. Once we arrived in Canada I baked cookies to fill each basket.