Sharing the Love

 

I couldn't let another day go by without checking in with you all.

I've gotten so many sweet emails, real - up in the mail paper Christmas cards and even a gift (thank you June!)

I'm astounded by the love, community and friendship that you all offer.

From the bottom of my heart - I thank you all - so very, very much.

 

 

I'm still not done talking about the trail - but I just thought I'd give you a photo journal of what I've been up to since I last wrote...

 

I apologize in advance for the photos.  I've gotten into a terrible habit of taking pictures with my phone exclusively.  They look great on the phone - on here - not so much.

Perhaps it would help if I actually stood still during the snapping of said photos, or pointed the camera at the subject.

 

It's been a homemade Christmas - the best kind.

 

I made a quilt out of all of the old Life is Good shirts and pajama pants I had that are now too big.

I gave it to the person that gave me all of the Life is Good shirts in the first place.

 

 

I love this blanket so much it makes my stomach hurt.  These rag quilts are fun to make.  I see many more in my future.

 

I've also been making these sculpted figures.  I made this one for a dear, dear friend that became a first time grandma.  She loves reading to her grandson.

 

 

I squealed when I finished it.  I just love it.

 

 

I think I'm addicted to glitter now.  I couldn't stop m'self.  I made this for my sister and her newish husband.

 

 

Of course, I had to represent the chickens -

this one is for the fabulous Janie Fox -

 

 

These pictures do not really do them justice - they are so cute - I may start making them and selling them.

 

Story of my life.

 

 

I've been busy in the kitchen as well.  I'm not sure it's a good thing - it brought back so many memories and emotions.  I still struggle with food addiction and well - I had to sample everything I made - a few times - and the evening ended with me worshipping at the porcelain throne.  My body is not used to those type of foods anymore at all. 

 

Maybe it was all the glitter that I swallowed - Glenco was always teasing me wondering how I got so much glitter around my mouth when I was working on the snowmen.

 

I still adore baking - I so enjoy the windows getting fogged, the sound of the stand mixer whirring, O Holy Night playing in the background - and just that feeling you get inside that all is calm, all is bright.

 

 

I really hope y'all aren't up in the kitchen trying to do your Christmas baking and cooking when you are all tied up in a knot of stress.  Wait until you are calm and happy - trust me - it's better that way.

 

 

It's been a long time since I've had this much butter up in the house.

 

 

Help me Jesus.

 

 

 

 

I added cinnamon to my caramel recipe this year - genius - it really made them uber delicious.

 

 

I remain the best fudge maker in the land.

Selah.

 

 

 Glenco is of a Swedish descent - and early in December - we hosted a Swedish Christmas party here with his side of the family.  A pox upon me for only getting this photo.  A Swedish Almond Cake and a Swedish Chocolate Bundt cake.

 

I realize I don't talk about Glenco that much here on this ole blog - but rest assured he's here.  If he weren't - nor would I be - I'd be out among the English asking you if you wanted fries with that.

 

I laughed the other day thinking about how I speak of him so infrequently here you might think that our relationship is like that of Dolly Parton and her husband.  Oh, you didn't know Dolly was married?

 

Exactly.

 

 

There he is!  Jax is checking out what he's eating for supper.

Hard to believe in 8 short months Jax has gone from a fluff ball to the huge cat you see here before you.

 

 

The other day I had to stop myself from going to the shelter and adopting all the cats - bringing them home and making catnip mice for them and feeding them turkey dinners.

I'm aching for furry companions.

 

 

It's a good thing my mom isn't alive to see this photo.  Law!  Cats up on the table.  She'd be bleaching things so fast it would make your head spin.  I've taught my cat some terrible manners - and I don't care.  I'm a childless, perimenopausal woman and I can do whatever I want.  I promise not to feed you off of dishes the cat has licked.

 

 

As I type this - all of my gift baskets have been delivered - all of the gifts I made are done.  All Christmas dinner groceries are nestled in the fridge and I'm DONE.  That alone is a Christmas miracle!

 

 

Aaron arrived last night and is up putting a roller set in a dummy head.  The kid won't quit.  Added to the glitter, sugar and cat hair slurry on my kitchen island - I now have bleaching powder, hair clips and foils.

 

I've never been happier.

 

 

About ten days ago - I had to go to the school so that Aaron could use me for his Practical Test.

He passed with flying colors.

 

Four days ago he turned the ripe old age of 17.

Glenco and I drove down and had a quick lunch with him -

 

 

I brought four dozen cupcakes to his class.

 

 

We've been busy around here - and that's a true story.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing holiday now with family and friends.

 

I'm wishing you the same - a holiday filled with love, hope, peace and the assurance that the coming year will be filled with all the goodness life has to offer.