I'm addicted....

I have definitely become addicted to "mug rugs".  It is fun to
browse through  blogs and see the creativity that is out there.
Have been wanting to do something with my "dresden" ruler
so today decided I'd make a mug rug using the ruler. 
Couldn 't believe how fast these little things worked up and
how much fun it was.  Love the ruler!

Was going to face them in opposite corners, but then
decided to sew them together into a "sunburst"...at
least that's what it looks like to me. Think it turned out
ok.  Thought about just doing one, but it didn't seem
big enough and I wasn't sure what would look good
with it.

Have also been knitting  hats for my grandchildren.

Now if I can just crochet a flower to go on this for
Hailey.  I  could go buy one, but I want to see if I
can make it myself.  A friend at work gave me a pattern
and it doesn't look too difficult.  Just hope when I get
them finished, the kids will wear them!

Have a good day!

Nola

Fun Websites!

I had forgotten about a couple of websites we enjoyed
last year until my daughter called and asked if I still had them
bookmarked.  One is from Better Homes and Gardens
and you can make your own snowflake as well as
decorate a cookie.  The kids really had fun making snow
flakes and seeing what others have done.  Theirs weren't
as fancy as some you see, but it was an activity they enjoyed.
Thought I would share it.  Perhaps everyone is already
familiar with them:
http://snowflake.bhg.com

The other website is a fun family site with activities.
http://northpole.com

If you are not familiar with them, you may enjoy checking
them out with your children, grandchildren, or just
yourself.


Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Outside my window... It is a beautiful afternoon.  Finally, the
skies are clear and blue.  The inversion has dissipated for a
short time.  Temperatures were close  to 50 earlier in the day.
Must treasure these days as I know they won't  last.  Was able
to rake up some leaves that finally dropped but had been
covered by snow.  The sun felt soooo good and it was
wonderful to be outside.

I am thinking...  Of my Parents.  Today marks the anniversary
of their wedding.  (Pearl Harbor Day)  Although they divorced
many years ago and both have passed on, I am thankful for them
and for the life they gave me.
 
I am thankful for...  This beautiful season of the year when we
reflect upon the real meaning of Christmas.
I am thankful for the life and example of our Savior,
Jesus Christ.

A thought I am sharing...  "I have always thought of Christmas
as a good time; a kind, forgiving, generous, pleasant time; a
time when men and women seem to open their hearts freely,
and so I say, God bless Christmas".   ...Charles Dickens

From the kitchen...  Chicken simmering on the stove top.  I am
making stir fry for dinner this evening.

I am wearing... Levi's, t-shirt and a pink floral long sleeved
shirt and fuzzy house slippers.

I am creating...  A mess downstairs!  Wrapping paper, tape,
ribbons, and packing tape still out from preparing packages
to be mailed yesterday and today. So glad to have them
on their way to loved ones.  The mess probably will remain
until I get everything wrapped.

I am going...  To meet a friend for lunch tomorrow.  Weather
should be good for her drive down the canyon.

I am reading...  "The Christmas Stone" by Liz Carlston

I am hoping...  That our temperatures will stay mild and that
the sun will hang around for awhile.  I have so much more
energy when the sun is shining.

I am hearing... Susan Boyle's new CD, "The Gift"

Around the house...  It's beginning to look a lot like
Christmas!  I love having the tree lights on and listening to my
favorite Christmas music.  Christmas books are also beckoning
me to be read.

One of my favorite things...  Chocolate truffles that we make
each year.  They are so yummy and easy to do.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Work
Lunch with friend
Doing some research for my sister
Work on Christmas cards
Finish up Christmas projects

Here is picture for thought I am sharing..

Made this Redwork "Santa" quilt in 2007.  It took me most
of the year to stitch the Santa's.  A friend and I each made
one.  The pattern came from:  http://www.birdbraindesigns.net
Sorry the picture isn't very good.

Close up of some of the Santa's.

Have  a good day.
Nola

Treasured Christmas Ornaments

Yeah!  The sun appeared for a short time today!  I even grabbed
my coat and went for a short walk to soak up some rays.  We
had a little storm that brushed through in the wee morning hours
and cleaned out all the fog and gunk.  We have had a few
light showers this evening, so I'm hoping we can have a day
or two of nice weather.

Do you have favorite ornaments that you just can't bear
to part with?  I do and grow more attached to them with
each passing year.  About 40 years ago I made some
adorable felt ornaments that I purchased as a kit from
Herschner's.  My daughter now has them (requested as
part of her inheritance).  It was hard to part with them
but I am so happy when I see her children enjoying
them and hanging them on their tree.  They really are
treasures and I need to get a picture of them.

One year I crocheted snow flakes of all designs.  This
was quite a stretch for me to make something so
intricate.  I starched them and added white
sequins to reflect the tree lights. (I can tell they are
old as you can't buy starch anymore.) Because they are
on the delicate side, they go on the tree in the living
room where all my nativities are.

About 20 or more years ago  I made little angels based
on a doll I created and named after my daughter.
Also made little quilted ornaments...no paper piecing and
each little piece was cut and then sewn together.  These
have to be among my most favorite ornaments.  They are
truly cherished.  They range in sizes from 3 to 4.5 inches.

A couple of years ago while going through some things
found a box of miniature picture frames.  Using a special font
on my computer I wrote words such as "peace", "hope", "joy",
"believe",etc. and stitched them using red embroidery thread
on white linen.  Spray painted the frames white and framed
the stitcheries to hang on my tree.  This year they will stay boxed
while I enjoy a little nostalgia.

What are some of your treasured ornaments?  Do you
make your own ornaments? 

I hope you find joy in this beautiful season.
Nola

Is The Sun Still Out There?

What has happened to the sun?  Has it gone on vacation?  Briefly
saw it for a few minutes today and then it was totally blocked as the
inversion settled in.  I am hoping and praying that this is not going to
be like a few years ago when the inversion lasted for a couple
of months.  It's not much fun when I can barely see my neighbor's
house across the street and the air quality is so BAD that
everyone is discouraged from being out and about. 
 
However, it was nice to come out of church and briefly see blue
sky although it disappeared quickly.  I had almost forgotten what 
the sky looked like! So as the fog rolled in, decided to pull out
my favorite Christmas movie, (The Bishop's Wife with Loretta
Young, David Niven and Cary Grant), turn on the Christmas
tree lights and stitch.  (Sorry can't show pictures)  Even
did a little knitting. I'm trying my hand at knitting winter hats
for the grandchildren. 

So, if you have an over abundance of sunshine, please send
it my way.

Nola

I Love Surprises!

When I went to check my mailbox yesterday it hadn't been one
of my better days.  Things at work have been a little crazy and
it was wearing on my mind.  Was having a hard time settling down
to accomplishing anything.  But....

....when  I opened my mailbox, there was this wonderful
envelope addressed to me and I recognized the return address
immediately and as I returned to the house, I was already
feeling happy and excited to see what my friend, Karen,
had sent me.

This what I found inside the envelope:  A darling snowman
bag with a little tag telling me to "open now".  I LOVE
Snowmen!

Carefully opening the little sack, I pulled this out:
Snowflake wrapping paper!  What could be inside?

Six beautifully handcrafted Christmas Cards! (two of
each design)  Karen's daughter, who is very talented,
makes and sells cards for all occasions.











Such a lovely surprise.  One that put a smile on my face
and warm thoughts in my heart.  Certainly brightened my
day, that's for sure.

Thank you so much, Karen!

Nola