Homemade Christmas

Around the beginning of November, I had an epiphany: I don't need to wait until *after* Thanksgiving to start my Christmas projects. Say What?!? I don't? So once I finished Muffin's birthday present, I picked a Saturday and did my Christmas shopping- Lowes, a local craft store, and Joanne's. I made a schedule. and I stuck to it (for the most part). All of my baking was finished by the end of the first week  of December, gifts were started and finished here and there, I wanted to be DONE and have everything wrapped by December 22, the house cleaned the 23rd. And I did. Except for the wrapping, which I did Christmas Eve while watching It's A Wonderful Life with B. I was in bed by 11:57. I  truly *enjoyed* the season for the first time in I don't know how long. Wanna see what I made?

A doll bed for Muffin- the braided rug turned out much smaller than I was planning. Oh-well.

A doll bed for Honey- the lamp is made out of a round jar and some lids.

Sprout doesn't play too much, not when there are so many exciting things to get into and siblings to pester. So I made him what *I* wanted and I. LOVE. It. Crooked paint jobs and all. The drawstring play mat is a little small and doesn't quite hold everything. So much for winging it.

Large knobs with flat bottoms. And the pig has no defined head.

A barnyard mooning. Ahem.

The one on the left is a duck

The poor farmers elbow is hyperextended carrying that bucket...

I'm a lousy sander. Fortunately the pictures hide it.

Biscuit has been bugging for a tent for a while. And he is most excited over the stick horse. He's been "Wanting one for years and years." The cookware was a wedding present we never used.

Beans (well, all of the kidlets are) is Daniel Boone (Fess Parker version) crazy.

So a Daniel Boone gift was in order. Vest, stick horse, "skoonkin" hat, long rifle (Biscuit got one too. Free hand drawn, prayed through the cutting out, stained, painted and some plumbing thinga-ma-bob used for the trigger),  

lantern, and furs. He wears that vest constantly.

Biscuit made this for the girls with a bit of help from me- a doll sized fire.

He made this hatchet for Beans, (again with help) which is Beans second favorite gift.

Honey made (with a bit of hot glue help) this bag for Beans- he keeps his furs in it.

She made these finger puppets for Muffin and Biscuit, with me painting the faces (since that puffy paint can be a big pain sometimes), and doing a little bit of the hot glue.

Muffin made play-doh for the 3 older children, and all 4 older kids made a book for Sprout, but I don't have pictures of that either.

A good time was had by all.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like.....

You just might wanna go grab a cup of something hot to drink,I think this may be my longest post ever! Mostly pictures, but that's what I like best. I love seeing little glimpses of other's houses, lives, how they do things. I suppose that it what I like about blog land so much: I can be nosy. Anyway, here is some of what has been keeping me busy, and away from blogging. Simple little pleasurable things that make up my days and life.

We have had this old drawer in the basement for the longest time. I LOVE it, but never knew quite where to put it. Inspiration struck not long ago, so up it went, and looked rather plain. Hmm. What to do what to do? Aha. I went out and fought with some wild grape vine, twisted it into a wreath, then gathered a few herbs that were still green- lemon balm and thyme, and tucked in a few sprigs of rose hips. They are all dried at the moment, but I love how it looks. 

(Please, ignore the fact that I was to lazy to edit this picture, so there is an ugly extension cord showing. Yes, it does look that way when its plugged in, but I pretend it's not really there.)

I went very simple in my decorating this Christmas, pulling out only my very favorite items, and tucking in whatever natural things I could. While I love sparkle and shine, I have to say, this is my best year for Christmas fluffing.

Normally, I put all my little houses I made here.
But little heads are right at the height for running into the doors of the secretary if I leave them open. So, I put a few behind the closed doors of the secretary, and the rest in the dining area.

If you look closely, we have just the faintest dusting of snow. Its kind of strange to see the pond freezing over when there is no snow on the ground.

My MIL passed this Nativity along. I love it, and having searched long and hard for "A Good One", this filled the bill perfectly.

You can't see them, but I tucked rose hips in the (faux) garland. Hopefully a fire will be burning brightly in the stove soon. (Note to Self: REMOVE CLOCK BEFORE STARTING FIRE!)

Pretend this picture is clear and straight....

When I left the doors of this open, I would hang a wreath on each one. Since they are staying closed now, I hung just one wreath, which, Duh, you can see for yourself. (where is my coffee? I think I need some more)

I have been baking up a storm 34 dozen so far, 6 varieties. At least 3 more kinds to go.
I found a new sugar cookie recipe this year, and I really like it. The cookies are much softer, and my big ones actually stayed together. Normally, they break when I take them off the pan.
B.'s mom came over last evening, and she and I helped the children decorate cookies.

Honey took it quite seriously, I wish  had thought to take pictures of some of her creations.

Biscuit never takes anything very seriously.
Muffin just chased falling sprinkles. 

Whew, like I said, long post, and now, I need to get dressed, get babies up, and start the day.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Merry Christmas!

Good Morning!
I just wanted to pop in and say Merry Christmas! I won't be back on (most likely) until after Christmas, as I have a list as long as my arm of To-Do's, and I am instead wasting my time dinking around on the computer. Get off now Bon!
So, I'm off to make mint wafers and chocolate covered caramel-peanut butter pretzels, and indulge in a cup of coffee (another Muffin No-No. But I NEED it today.).
Hopefully, once the holidays are over, I'll be able to post more regularly. I want to, but children's needs come first.
So anyway wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, talk at ya later!
Love,
Bonnie

A Few (er- 2) Pics From the 4th of July Weekend

At my Aunt and Uncles. That lovely green ground cover? Poison Ivy. Thankfully I don't seem to get it, and I should know, having been knee deep in the stuff a number of years ago and not so much as a slight itch. I'm 18 3/4 weeks in this shot. I think.

The Kidlets in the pool at my in-laws Sunday. They had an absolute ball playing with their 2 cousins. Biscuit was shivering and we had to bribe him out. (NO I don't resort to bribing. It was done before I could stop it.)

Happy Happy Valentines Day Baby

( To the tune of Happy Happy Birthday Baby)

Just wanted to say a quick Happy Valentines Day to you all!

We actually don't make to big of a fuss over here, mostly beacause in our almost 4 years of marraige, I have either just had a baby, or we've just had a birthday when Valentines day rolls around.

I do make special meal, and Tops does bring me flowers, I got roses yesterday, but thats about it.

I'm making steaks, crabcakes, and salad tonight, and I think we'll make s'mores in the wood stove for dessert. Oh, and mozzerella sticks for an appetizer-yum!

And tommorrow, there is a slim chance we are actully going on a REAL just the two of us date! The first in over 3 years!!!!!!!!! So Mom, is everyone still sick?

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Merry Christmas!

I will most likely not be on the computer 'til after Christmas, so I wanted to stop in and say Merry Christmas!
I tried commenting on everyone's blogs, but our connection is VERY slow today.
I'm almost ready, a bit more baking, and a Raggedy Ann doll dress to finish, and then just wrapping.
I've made about 10 dozen biscotti, 5 freezer meals for gifts, 2 pans of rustic herb bread, 6 dozen chocolate dipped peanut butter Ritz cookies, and 2 dozen applesauce ornaments. That was just Wednesday and Thursday.
Today I just need to make some brownies.
None of my pictures are cooperating, so I apologize for not posting.
I pray everyone has a lovely holiday, and safe travels.
Lots of Love,
Mrs. Bonnie

ThanksGiving Day Bash

Much to my in laws amusement ( anyway they seem amused to me) I am hosting Thanksgiving this year. I'm so excited. I really have always wanted to do this, and now, I finally get my chance -Yippee!
Wanna see my menu?
Turkey (duh)
Stuffing- Cornbread and plain
Make ahead Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Company Corn
Homemade Noodles and Gravy
Sweet Potatoes (yuck)
Cranberry Sauce and jelly
Cornmeal rolls
Crescent rolls
Homemade jam
Eggnog Pumpkin Pie
Sugar Cookies
Gingerbread(?)
My MIL and SIL are also bringing pie, and while it may look like I'm expecting an army, there will only be about 10 of us.
Today and tomorrow are my cleaning days, then Wednesday, I'll do my cooking.
Except for the rolls and bread for the stuffing, I made all that Saturday and put it in the freezer.
Hopefully, I'll get to post some pictures Thursday night, I also have a few pictures from last week that won't load for me :0P
So until then, have a happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Anniversary!

Hard to believe that three years ago today, I became Mr. B's wife. (Also hard to believe it was about 80 degrees that day, as they are predicting snow for today.)
Its funny to think back on all that has happened in that time too, getting married, going to Mexico on our honeymoon, having 2 babies in 2 years. I wouldn't change a thing though.
I wish I had some pictures to share of our wedding- esp. because they were really great pictures, but unfortunately, they are all on negatives or in my album, with no way to transfer them to my computer.
O well, rest assured it was a beautiful evening, with lots of roses and candles.