Wintery mode

 {photo taken by S.J.H}

{photo taken by S.J.H}

 {photo taken by S.J.H.}

 {photo taken by S.J.H}

 {photo take by S.J.H.}

December 25th, 6a.m., there was a sound from the other side of the room then all went to slight again. The next thing I know was a whispered sound, " Mommy, HE was here! Can you get up now?" I replied in the most sleepy sound, " Can I sleep in? just another 10 minutes?" Then she whispered again, " but I really want to go downstair and check, can you come with me?"  Time for me to wake up and go downstair!

The last few days were quiet around here! The most excitement was open presents that have been collected under the tree. Each day, we have few packages arrived from friends and families all we did was placed them under the tree! I didn't take guess on any packages!  I am just all smitten by all the brown packages and the greeting cards that arrived from day to day!

Oh yes! I did manage made Lucky's cape and mailed out! S' robe finished just in time before the last day of school and the stocking was done, but I had made a huge mistake in the rush sewing period of time! I didn't reverse the pattern for the backing stocking, so ended up have two stockings! The robe for S fits perfectly, only the sleeves are longer, but it will allow her another few years to grow into.

Each year, we always try to have simple meals on the 24th, brunch is always a popular pick here! This year, I made French Toasts and lots fresh fruits; mini bites crackers and swiss cheese for the snacks then I had to brew myself a pot of coffee and warm S a cup of milk. It was homey and of course, we had to turn the Christmas tune up before we headed to the grocery store.

We have a cozy time here! Taking the time extra slow and take relax pause extra longer! Our book shelves are heavier after this holiday season! S has been devouring her new books ever since she open the packages.  I, on the other hand is being spoiled by many kind and sweet friends allover the world. Thank you So much for all the handmade goods!

Then the road trip that planned weeks ago was taken right after all the celebration! We miss it, lots! I miss the view of the corn and bean fields. I miss hearing all the observations S has while passing through little towns. I miss driving without hitting much breaks. We missed the corn field being harvest this year, we missed the sunset view during the harvest season, we missed friends that we used to see daily!  However, we were able to catch up a bit during the trip! The corn and bean fields are asleep now! It is so pretty with partly cover with snow now! We let the car windows down and let the cool air in! The smell of the field and cold air was fresh! Oh, the car break didn't get use much throughout the time! It was a smooth and fun drive even it started with foggy outlook. We had great time with our friends; over dose the coffee and over consumed the homemade treats. We watched the sunset on the way home! It was warm and fuzzy! The orange sunset was perfect to end the trip! Slowly we pulled in the city freeway, we knew we are home! We are quiet happy to be home again!

The sewing machine is on again and books are being check out from the local library and downstair library this morning! We are into Wintery mode again! See you soon!

xxc

Wintery Living

Are you ready? I am overwhelmed! It has been hard to keep the space organized and it gets crazier, per day! Then I hum.m this song to myself... 

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

I am pleased that S' new robe is finished and packed in the brown box without strings! It is something that I would love her to open up first! It would be a fun gift for her, since she has been giving me lots hints, per night! Yes, per night! I do take her words by heart and knowing this is the priority of making from the list! My shoulders are lighter when crossed off the robe from the list! There are still new stockings to make and the fabrics have been pull out for a few weeks now I still haven't get to them yet!  I decided to bring out stockings that made when I first started sewing, 2007, in case I won't make it on time! Then you know, within the old stockings there are lots little Christmas drawings and cards S wrote to me. The spaceship that she imaged that we would ride together and it has a kitchen and living room and two lovely captains! It made me smile and recalled the old days that we were in ND. 

The winter has been mild and the lawn still is green here! I wish, I wish a snowy holiday season for us! S and I could go on a snow walk and build a snowman together then of course hot coco top with whipped cream always is our favorite drink after all the snowy activities!  With the end of school year, music recitals, and packing/getting small presents; we have finally found time together to sew! S is making a gingerbread house as a gift and I made three ice cream cones tags. Oh, I so want to make {this} and {this}! Maybe during the night movie time? 

This year, the book orders placed quiet late, but hope will be here soon, so I can wrap them up! Oh, I did get a little something for me-self! It is a 2015 {planner}. I am such an old fashion! I love to write down the weekly events and doodle a little! It always tickles me when I revisit the old planners I kept! Do you have planner in your bag that you pull out? 

I was surprised to read S' wish list this year; it is short! The list is quiet simple, books, books, books, books!  I don't have a wish list for this year!  I am thankful and blissful with a cozy home to be and not need to live in our suitcase anymore! A place that we can get clutter, get disorganized, and get comfy! It is a wish came true!  S has already placed a little something for me under the tree and I am not allow to get near by! It will be another great gift, for sure!

Meanwhile, I will still try to get the stockings made, Lucky's cape made, mini pouches made, and cookies made! and keep hum.m.i.n.g.. 

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

We wish you a very merry holiday! Wish you many sewing time, family time, and cookie time! We shall will do the same! I can't wait to share with you the half sandwich quilt in process and many other things; a new pattern {i have been finished and talked for a long time} and the new linen pouches for the {shop}! I shall return to this space before 2015 arrives! 

xxc

p.s. {Thank you} for the sweet comments on the {Widow zippered pouches}! It has been fun seeing through your window pouches! Enjoy~

Hello, December!

S, was quiet serious when she put up the star for the tree! This is the first time without support that she reached the tip top! I've always thought this Christmas tree of ours has been a growth chart here! It moves around with us no matter we move to. It was actually a birthday present from Julie when I turned... 27? Within this tree there aren't any fancy decorations, but memories and little bit of this and that; mostly craft projects that we worked together throughout the years. Then each Christmas, Julie sends two ornaments in the mail; There are still spaces to fill and we still have many years to come!  S' baby tree joined the mama tree. It was the very first quarter that she first spent on {she was probably 6 at the time}. We travelled to Fargo for some craft supplies and all she had eye on was the baby tree!  Each year, she brought little project from school and she adds it on to her tree.

Do you love the Santa riding on the disposal tape dispenser? It was my Christmas present from S from 2011. It is my most precious gift! I love the idea of it and it always cheers me up when I pulled them out. Someday when S starts her own family, I will pass all these ornaments to her. So maybe she could start her own tradition.This year, we haven't decided what we are making for the families and friends. I think we'll work on the wool felt. I look forward making some mini trees and a bit of snowballs.

The last week of November reminded me of the weeks that we spent in ND; busy and fulfilled! After many Tuesdays rehearsal, S has her first symphony stage performed! I am not just quiet proud, but PROUD!! She has been enjoyed the orchestra and loved the rehearsal time! Yes, all that crazy Freeway drives are priceless when she told me, "Thank you, mama! Just keep it slow! You will be fine!"

Maybe just like some of you that your shopping cart is full of Christmas fabric!? I was happy to discovered the vintage style Christmas fabrics last week. Oh, yes with a really good bargain, too! I don't remember when was the last time I visited the fabric store, but I did a bit of holiday shopping there. A Christmas quilt is in order! The one I made a few years back is a bit small for two now! S and I ended up using it as a game mat now, which is perfectly fit in the hallway between her room and the studio.

After the first holiday in the season, S is back to school and I am back to my usual schedule. The housework is a bit behind, laundry, dish, tidy up the sewing space, make a new list of the grocery, getting all the ingredients for the holiday baking, getting little presents wrap for the teachers and getting package in the mail... I know I will probably not be able to finish up right away, but today is a good start!


xxc

P.S.I have the tutorial all ready for you, so make sure check back soon!
P.S. Happy December!