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    Christmas wrap up

    December 30, 2018 - By 

    Christmas has come and gone but we still have our decorations up. It seemed like such a short time that I can’t bear to take them down yet. I love the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights…they feel somewhat magical.

    The only thing that has come down are the Christmas cards and photos. We received so many photo cards this year that I had to start a second row around the kitchen/living room archway.

    I always enjoy handmade cards and was lucky enough to get two in the mail this year. The first was from Rita of SoulComfort’s Corner.  We’ve been pen pals for a couple years now…although, truth be told, I’m a really crappy pen pal.

    Next I got a special envelope from Elizabeth of Altered Book Lover. Each year she makes a tip-in. This year I was also lucky enough to also get a lovely quiltlet or wall hanging…whatever you prefer. I love fabric and mixed media so this is right up my alley.

    I think perhaps I’ll include the quiltlet into my December Daily. I think it would be a nice and unexpected addition to the journal.

    Speaking of December Daily…I’m woefully behind. I didn’t really think through the fact that my new “journal station” happens to be the desk in J’s room. This is fine when he’s not home but…he is…and will be for another 2 weeks. Not that I’m complaining at all but I just haven’t figured out a good alternative space to spread out but not have it be in the way. In the meantime I’ve been creating some embellishments to add to my journal when I get a chance. You can read more  about those in another post.

    Back to fun Christmas gifts and memories. First I had to show this gingerbread house I bought for the kids, especially J. J has always been a huge fan of Mario. The kit cracked me up when I saw it at Michael’s so of course I had to get it for them to create.

    I received some really fun gifts from co-workers at school such as this t-shirt.

    And this……the BEST GIFT EVER.

    Those of you who follow me on Instagram have already seen it but I don’t care…it bears showing again.

    It was a really good Christmas. Friends, family and fun.

    Today is Mini-me’s sweet sixteen! She is spending time with a friend…bowling, snacking and laughing just to name a few. I’m in awe of the fact my children are growing up so quickly.

     

  • Blog

    T Tuesday: a second look and goodies edition

    August 2, 2016 - By 

    Two posts are colliding this week as T stands for Tuesday and Second on the 2nd fall on the same day.

    collage

    Thankfully Elizabeth gave a little heads up at the end of her post that reminded me before I finished writing up my post. Time to switch gears.

    We’ll start with the fun packages in my mailbox from two fellow T stands for Tuesday bloggers.  So fun to get mail…friend mail, not so much on the bills or junk mail. A little while back I had commented on Krisha’s blog about the winery she had visited. She was so kind to offer me some extra wine labels they picked up as collage fodder. I was so delighted to see an envelope in my PO Box the other day. Look at the great craft fodder and lovely card. Really love that card!

    happy mail day

    This package helped inspire this journal page.

    beginning to blossom

    Thank you Krisha!

    I also received a box of goodies along with a 3rd anniversary ATC for T stands for Tuesday from Patty @ Magpie’s Nest.

    happy mail day

    She knows my love of bottle caps.

    happy mail day

    So many fun bottle caps and a bunch I’ve never seen. Too fun. Patty also included some bits of collage fodder as well. Can you see the beautiful ATC that precipitated the package in the first place?

    happy mail day- patty's atc

    Isn’t she lovely?!?  So many tiny details. I keep noticing more and more little things that I didn’t see the first time around.  Thank you Patty!

    And now for the Second on the 2nd portion of today’s post.

    Three years ago I took a quick photo of a hostess gift I was bringing to our annual Independence Day gathering. Little did I know this post would eventually become the most visited post on my blog. (More on the at the end.)

    Take a look…eyes

    July 5, 2013

    We spent Independence Day, as we have the past several years, at a friend’s house along the parade route in town. It’s always a great time.

    I wanted to do a little something extra for our hostess who puts so much time and effort into making sure everyone has a good time. She’s a big fan of Rum and Coke. It ended up being a centerpiece on the buffet table.

    Rum and coke

    “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““`

    I’ve seen over the years that the re-pins of this image on Pinterest have multiplying but it wasn’t until an update in their software did I notice that all of the re-pins now count up on the original. Check out this screen shot I took last night.

    run and coke cake

    Amazing! When I look at my blog analytics it definitely shows that people are visiting from that pin as well.  Not 24,000 pages loads but a significant amount especially given the fact that this is a 3 year old post.

    For today I’m going to try and stay cool while running an errand or two. I really need to do some baking and canning but…ugh…not in this heat!

    What are you doing today?

  • Blog

    T Tuesday: Japan edition

    March 18, 2014 - By 

    Tuesday again already….T stands for Tuesday with Elizabeth sneaks up so fast. Especially when life has gotten so busy as of late. That’s ok…I’m not complaining. It’s just an adjustment for me.20140318_4520Twice now I’ve mentioned gifts brought back from Japan. I’m finally getting around to posting them…geesh.

    Little J heard that there were different flavors of Kit-Kat candy bars in Japan and asked her Uncle if he’d bring some back.20140302_4361These were strawberry flavored. She loved them…I thought they were ok…but I’d rather have chocolate.  She also got this package of sweet puffed rice…we still aren’t sure if its for eating or if it’s just to be left out as an offering of sorts for a custom that is to bless couples with a new relationship…or something of that sort. I’m really not too clear and my future sister-in-law is working so I can’t ask her. (They got engaged while in Japan)

    20140315_4517Her uncle also had this custom drawing made for her…so cute.

    20140315_4505Continuing on the food… Mr. G’s new kaiju is holding a snack mix we are afraid to try even though the package tells us to “please enjoy tasting”. (click on the photo to enlarge…there are tiny whole dried fish in there)

    Big J got a t-shirt with a map of the Tokyo subway system and a funny headband….neither of which I can seem to find this morning.20140315_4511I got this super cute washi tape holder…already have it loaded with a few rolls.

    20140315_4512And a couple packs of beautiful papers…they even saved a fun shopping bag that they knew I’d use. 🙂

    In addition, they brought us back a refrigerator magnet…which is something we ask friends to buy us when they travel. We have magnets from all over the world…it’s nice to have well traveled friends.

    I’m off…have to go work my half day but I’ll be back later to visit my blog friends and their T Tuesday posts!