Behind the lens

As the holiday approaches...I decided I would do my best to document everything. So, here it goes. More pictures, less words. (That's what makes a good blog, right?)

The sunset tonight was gorgeous. I managed to get outside right as the sky started transforming into a pool or oranges, pinks and blues. Sunset is my favorite time of day. The light hits the trees right at a perfect angle and illuminates the dull, naked trees.

Just bought these beauties here. They are actually my second pair (the first pair was plain black canvas). They are comfy, cute, support a great cause and would be a perfect Christmas gift. In fact, when I ordered these, I got my sister these.

The recipe for these "Magic Middle Peanut Butter Cookies" comes from here and is simple and absolutely delicious. I may or may not have had about six of them tonight.

Crazy tree decorating assistant #1. (#2 was not feeling photogenic today.)

This darling Crèche was handmade in Guatemala and we've had it since I can remember. I'm not a big fan of nativity scenes but I have a real thing for this one.

The snowmen and the elephant were both done by needle felting, a craft that I learned this summer on the island. It really deserves its own post, but I thought I would at least share a few of my handmade gifties.

As the pictures show, Lucy is home again. Henry will come on Tuesday. I'm psyched. I'm still trying to get in the spirit but it's 1000X harder without snow on the ground. But, we might be in luck. The forecast for this week shows a few flurries. I unfortunately didn't get NEARLY as much crafting done as I had hoped. But...there's still time I suppose. I just better get crackin' NOW. Happy Weekending.

Sorry, blog.

I'm sorry for neglecting you, bloggy. Life has been hectic.

So, where did I leave off? Oh yeah, it was Thanksgiving Eve. My siblings were home. And I was happy. Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. This year it was small--only my mom, siblings and our grandparents. Just the way I like it. This year I truly realized the meaning of Thanksgiving. Of course, we all realize the original meaning of Thanksgiving...being thankful for the "bountiful harvest" but we don't stop right there. This year I had so much to be grateful--it ranged from a sweet dog who loves to snuggle to the awesome job that I scored this past year to a warm house to finding a million reasons to smile each day. But, as Kelle Hampton so nicely put it, "that's not the heart of it. That's not the meaty core of Thanksgiving...the kind [she wants her] kids to grasp and feel." The thankfulness that I felt this holiday came right around the time that my mother was frantically trying to heat up all the food (that we had already cooked the day before), Henry and my grandfather were talkin' football talk in front of the tv, the fire was blazing, Lucy was working on a puzzle, the dog sprawled out beneath her feet, my grandmother was telling my mom old stories and I was roaming amongst them all, drinking in the happiness and the warmth that I have in my family and in my life. This holiday was everything I had envisioned and more--It was as peaceful as ever, I was surrounded by those I love and we had delicious food.

The family fun came on Saturday night. Henry, Lucy, my mom and I drove to my grandparents, where my mom's brother Bruce and his girlfriend Sherry were. We laughed SO many times that night. I wish I wrote down every word that was said. I absolutely adore the openness of my family and our ability to be sarcastic and funny with each other one minute and then move to a more serious topic when appropriate...and then go right back to laughing after.

See what I mean? Silly to serious in a second.

Sunday was sad. Saying goodbye to my favorite (and only!) siblings in the whole wide world was hard! It was one of the best visits we've ever had...each time we get closer and closer. The distance is suddenly killing me. At first it didn't bother me that Lucy and Henry were a couple hundred miles away from me. When they left after this visit, it really sunk in. My heart felt so full and happy while they were home and now there's a large void.

Anyway, this just means that I'm extra excited for Christmas break. And speaking of Christmas...I'm starting to get in the mood more. At first I couldn't decide if I would like this holiday this year...but I think I've decided that I do. I go through this every year. I love Christmas. No matter what.

I'm aiming towards a hand-made Christmas (aka all hand-made gifts) which I know will not happen, but I'm going to do my best. No time to blog...I gotta get craftin', folks. More to come.

Rain!

Oh how I love Maine and fiery skies at 4:30pm.

Life has been treatin' me pretty well lately and that makes me a lucky girl.
Let's start off with Monday. Monday morning...at approximately 3:30 am, I woke up, thanks to a crazy dream I was having. I frantically reached for my light and as I clicked the switch, nothing happened. Darkness. I thought it was broken...and then I realized my alarm clock was off as well. We lost our power! I ran to tell my mom and she didn't say much other than "You're crazy. It's three am and you need to go back to bed." I lay in bed, tossing and turning for HOURS, not being able sleep. The wind was howling and I thought each moment would be my last, thanks to the huge oak tree sitting outside my window that despite its gargantuan size, was threatening to fall on the house and crush me. I was so restless and I just wanted 5:30 to come so I could call a friend or see if school was canceled. After a few phone calls and my constant Google search for school cancellations (on my phone), I was pleasantly surprised with a day off. And, the power came back on at 7:30 am--just in time to start my day! I had some buddies over and we had a great time bein' crafty, drinking cocoa and staying warm.

We dug through the basement in search of something to do and a dusty origami kit was all we found!

Monday night, my friend Jess and I babysat for five kids--three sisters ages 2,4 and 6, and their two cousins, both boys, ages 1 and 3. Instead of going into detail, let's just say, Jess and I don't feel like having kids for a looong time. And if I ever have to hear a baby cry for three hours straight, I might just scream.

By the time all the kids were asleep, we had lost our sanity.

I made it through school Tuesday on about five hours of sleep. I arrived home to find the two best grandparents in the whole wide world, waiting for me, to give me some gifty gifts. (Remind me never to say "gifty gifts" again.) Nonny had discovered a yarn shop that sold carded wool which I use for needle felting. Thanks you Nonny for your big purchase! I've already got my Christmas gifts list and I've already started craftin'. I'm hoping to give all hand-made Christmas gifts this year... We shall see how it goes.
The "rain day", Veteran's Day and a teacher-in-service day made for a two day school week. And I loved it. In fact, I wish every school week was just two days...but then again, don't we all? I've got lots of plans for this weekend and I'm excited!

Happy Veteran's Day everyone and a big thanks to all of you veterans! Have a happy weekend.

xo