Reunion is Over

I'll spare you the photos of my messy kitchen, but the end result of a very, very messy kitchen was:

Thanks to a farmgirl barter (or two), I had fun gift giving lids for my jelly this Christmas. 

This year I made my candy apple jelly using apple cider vs. apple juice.  The kids love it!  I need to make a second batch after the kitchen is all cleaned up too.

Now that I have given Mom her blanket, I can post a photo of it.  I also gifted my brother a thin line (blue line) scarf (which I forgot to take a photo of).  

I was given a pattern from a very good friend to crochet my brother's thin line scarf.  I used royal blue and black for police colors and if you would like to know the significance of the "thin line" or "blue line" meaning click on "The Thin Blue Line (emblem)."

Today is Sunday, but Monday brings more baking needs:  one daughter needs a birthday treat to take in tomorrow, one needs to bake something for Spanish class, and another needs to bring in a Mexican food dish for Spanish class also.  I am considering (gulp) visiting the frozen section of the grocery store today, for at least one of these.  There is only so much one person can do.

Santa's Helper ~ Preparing for a Christmas Reunion

Santa's Helper mailed my 9 year-old daughter a present:

The golden cat looks like her own cat.  She is in love with this apron.

 (Tiger, her cat)

My 19 year-old son baked his famous M&M cookies for our family reunion, which is Saturday.  My 15 year-old daughter is helping bake almost all the rest of the goodies.  

She has made a batch of buckeyes (left), a batch of chocolate covered oreos (right), chocolate covered pretzels, a batch of noodle ting-a-lings and has plans to help make more goodies after school.

I admit, I am stressing a bit.  I may not get everything made this year. I should have made my jelly a month ago.  Sheesh, what was I thinking?

I may break out my Christmas albums (the old-fashioned records) and play some non-stop, commercial free music to relax. 

Cinnamon Honey Butter

I spent the other day mixing up several jars of Cinnamon Honey Butter.  They will be gifted for Christmas.

Excerpts from a Journal Junkie

from the homesteading journal. . .

The goat shed is finally up and ready for winter. It's been painted with primer, but we will now have to wait to paint it after winter.  He's so happy with his new house.


from the handiwork journal . . .

I finished one square baby blanket for the baby due next month (extended family member).  I missed the baby shower when I was sick.

 (rose pink)

I also finished one baby bib.  I just have to sew on the button. 
 

from the family journal . . . 

. . .some kids are in big trouble this morning.  I am crunching something underneath my feet in the kitchen.  I can remember when it used to be legos underneath my bare feet when they were very little kids. Boy those hurt!


from the gratitude journal . . .

Today I am thankful for:

~propane in our tank

~a beautiful sunrise that I was able to view.  In a few minutes after I took the photo, the sky literally turned gray.
~the extra drying racks that my mother gave me.
~slippers to keep my feet warm.
~endless projects to keep my mind busy.
~God's Love.
~the heating pad that is helping my sore ear.
~more cut firewood.
~friends.
~socks.


 

One Warm Dog

I haven't done any "real" sewing for a while.  I found this fleece on sale for $3.99/yard and my daughter approved it.  Not bad for sewing my first dog coat.  Isn't he handsome?  


Next sewing project . . . pot holders.

And Even More ~ Handmade Christmas Ornaments ~ A Tour of Years of Ornament Making

Recycled Christmas Cards with crocheted edges.

 I found these small cowboy hats at a store called Hobby Lobby.  I'm not sure if you can buy them there anymore.  For these I glued tiny red and green plastic gems around the hat, tied on red string. and created a hanger.  

Brrr!

Temperatures got down to 15°F last night.  The sun is shining bright this morning.

Today I am Thankful for:

~a vehicle that would start so my dd could get to work.
~my husband, for driving dd to work.
~no frozen pipes YAY!
~cats who make me laugh at 7am when 2 cars won't start and one has no gas.
~God's forgiveness.
~old photgraphs.
~hugs from my kids.
~good music.
~having my mother's old sewing machine.
~the Internet where I can watch on-line sermons.