Snapshot #3 - Singing in the Season

Evergreen garlands and red ribbons

Twinkling lights and Christmas trees

Children singing and swaying to the music 

Little hands waving in the air, eyes sparkling and so very excited

A wonderful start to the season.

Holiday Snapshot # 2 :: 'warm' memories

It's about 8pm on a dark and rainy winter night. A quiet evening and I'm in my little sewing corner -- cutting, pressing, stitching.  And, with each action, the cares of my day fade away -- because I'm sewing pajamas for my grandbabes. 

Working with soft cuddly flannel reminds me of the receiving blankets I've made over the years for grandbabes.  How those blankies, made by my hands,  would wrap them in warmth and my love. Now, those 'babes' are growing and getting older -- and that's as it should be. But, I do so hope that no matter how old they become -- they will remember their blankies and pjs made by me.

I know I loved knowing that something I created will keep the ones I love warm on a cold winter night.  That brings a smile to my heart.  Because,  as far as I'm concerned -- you never outgrown the need for comfort, warmth, and flannel pajamas. 

Please notice that I'm wearing flannel as I sew ! 

Holiday Snapshot :: #1

Seems like it was just a few days ago that we were celebrating Labor Day. Now, Thanksgiving is over and done. We stuffed ourselves with turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie.  And, when we weren't looking December rolled around again.  In the coming days/weeks we will all be in a hurry to get the shopping done, the cookies baked, the cards mailed -- all the 'things' that we think are so important this time of year.  But, in all that 'busy-ness' there will be a few 'snapshots' that will stay with us long after Christmas is packed up and put away for another year.  I'm going to make an effort to record (and share) some of the 'snapshots' of my Christmas this year -- things that I want to hold onto and remember.
 
Here's my first 'snapshot' of this season ::  little-girl-cousins from 23 months to 4 years old -- all busy with their Christmas crafting.

In the years to come, they may not remember a November afternoon decorating wooden ornaments --  but, I'll bet their Mamas (and their Grammys) will remember --  and treasure this first 'snapshot' of the season.

Good intentions . . . .

Every year I have good intentions.

I promise myself that I will start my holiday crafting/knitting/sewing early -- like in January. 

And, every year I break that promise.
This means the months leading up to Christmas are very busy.

Knitting scarves for the grand-daughters.

Sewing a baby quilt for a baby girl due in December.

And sewing pj pants for all the grandbabes. I was too busy with all the cutting out, stitching up to get a picture -  use your imagination. 

(And, if you are going to imagine a picture of the pj pant construction - please also imagine that my sewing room is clean and all the pj pants are finished and in gift bags under my completely decorated Christmas tree.  Hey - if your going to use your imagination - go big!)

P.S.   I swear, next year I'm going to start early (and I mean it this time !!!)

21 Years

Bill, Billy, Willie Jay --

it's been 21 years ago today that we said 'I Do' 

and we are still having fun. 

And, through years, we've both had a lot of titles/names :  

newlyweds /  step-parents  

weekend-remodelers / care-givers. 

You've worn them all with your own individual style. 

But, the title  that I love to see you wearing these days is - - - -

'Papa Bill'  

Happy Anniversary Honey !