Holiday Snapshot #9 ::

The holidays seemed to go by in a blur --

and when life moves at that pace --

it's hard to slow things down --

and hold on to the memories we are making.

Children giggling as they play 'Santa's Helpers' with Papa Bill

The orange & spice scent of wassail

Stars scattered across a cold black sky

Christmas Eve Service

All these things I will treasure and hold in my heart

Holiday Snapshot #8 :: Something white

If the local 'weather-wizards' are correct -- looks like it will be a White Christmas. 

Santa and his reindeer will feel right at home !  

Holiday Snapshot # 5 - Sweet Memories

Little Hands

Big Hands

Making Minty Snowmen --

and lots of 'sweet' holiday memories.

Holiday Snapshot # 4 - Cold & Colorful

It was 17 degrees when I left my house this morning. 
When I stepped outside into the cold  -- this took my breath away. 

Even the heavens are decorated for the season !

Holiday 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.

Sisters

Saturday afternoon -- lots of cutting, sewing (and sipping fountain drinks from Sonic)

Little 'twirly skirts' were made for two great-nieces.

One library book bag completed (and 8 more cut out)

Don't look for any pictures of the finished projects -- we three sisters were having too much fun talking/laughing to even think about pictures.

We were making memories.

Busy Weekend

Cupcake decorating

(with lots and lots of sprinkles)

Drum practice
Really loud drum practice

Seriously - it scared the cats !

Finding out that dinosaurs

are just as much fun as Barbie dolls.

And, tea parties are the best way to end the day at Grandma & Papa Bill's house.

A 'memory making' weekend with our KC Girls.