mrs. rodgers neighborhood...part 1

Tree trimming is complete! I use a pre lit, artificial tree. I once had a nice 7-foot tree, but it was "mistakenly" put out with the trash some years ago. However, when Cameron was born and able to walk, I bought a 4-foot tree (seen below). I decided to put it on a table that continues to work well for us. I store this and all holiday decorations in the attic, but this year was more, shall we say, trying than years before.  

I believe something or someone was looking over me. While getting the boxes down I fell from the attic. I was on the 4^th step from the top and just went backward. Landed on my knee. I was a cross between the bionic woman and some sort of stunt person with a little bit of grace to boot. I managed to do a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar kind of move and turn in mid-air; hence landing on just my knee instead of my back or neck. Did I mention I fell on concrete? Uh, yeah. All I got was a knot and a bruise, believe it or not. I did stay out of the attic the rest of the day and asked for help later on.  

On top of this little chaotic event, more than half my lights didn’t work and I wasn’t about to test every single teeny tiny light bulb! No. No. No. Instead, I just went to Dollar General and bought a strand of white lights and VIOLA! I’m satisfied. This little tree will be purposely put into the trash this year.

Moving along…

Mom and I celebrated our birthdays on the 10th and 11th. Saturday, we had a really nice time with our friends, Sally and Susan, as we always do. We were invited to Sally’s beautiful home for lunch, gift exchanging (for our friendly Christmas exchange too) and some stitching; although we didn’t get to stitch an inch. We did rummage through Sally’s stash, though ;-)

I received these gifts from both my girls. Isn’t that Jane Austen thread keep just to die for?! And we can always use more scissors! Sally stitched this darling little JBW stocking for me and it adorns my tree as we speak. I just love handmade gifts, don’t you? Thank you, Sally and Susan, for being so good to me. I love you both so much!

Hold onto your needles gals…

This is what my mother gave me for my birthday.

This is just the top! Check out the quilting of the spools of thread and needles all around my name. This quilting is done inside and out. The background fabric is a sampler style. It looks like it could be Moda or Blackbird, but mom wasn’t sure. Even I'm not really sure, and I don't really care. She had it made for me. It’s really very pretty.

The trip inside is even better…

Five pockets are crochet serving a purpose for a ruler, scissors (with a built-in magnet), a thread keep (maybe Jane Austen will fit cozily inside), a pencil, and a dainty little cube for Thread Heaven. But of course, the mind is a crazy place and I can designate these cozy nooks for anything I like. I love that it has one massive place for “my project” and the separate areas for all other necessaries. This is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Thank you, Mom!

Sunday was my birthday and I spent it with my parents…

Mom is so funny. She stopped by her local store and saw this cute little elf cake and knew that it was for me.

Like Paulette, I took some photos at my parent’s house. There is just something about mom’s house during winter that just feels like, well, home. I messed played with my photos a bit. Mom really likes nativity scenes. I only took a few photos of two of them. She has a few more scattered around the house that I didn’t capture.

I really played with this next photo. My parents have very high ceilings and mom has Grandma's sleigh on a window ledge far out of reach. Grandma made this Santa and his sleigh of reindeer many, many years ago. She could create anything and was a queen when it came to plastic canvas and yarn, which were the used materials. I thought it would look neat to add snow...so I did.

Later on Saturday night we all met up for our birthday dinner. Hibachi style. And dad had one more gift up his sleeve for me...

Did you think I was kidding about Mrs. Rodgers neighborhood?!?! Nah! I really meant it :-). And you can start calling me that from now on, please..................(j/k).

To be continued...

family christmas

This is a picture of Jose holding Cameron days after he was born (8/2007). Cameron had to be admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after birth so Jose waited patiently to hold his new baby brother. My parents turned this into a Christmas card last year and under the photo it said Peace On Earth. It was perfect!

I hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas Day with family and friends! I've read several blogs and notice that everyone DID have a wonderful day and that makes me feel so happy. I know I had choice words about my reluctance towards this year's Christmas, but I am happy to post that my Christmas turned out better than I had anticipated ~ and I can't complain. I had a nice day, tiring, but really nice. I didn't feel rushed which is how I normally feel.

Our day started as most households with young children begin. Running about wildly! Eyes glazed over mysterious presents and anxiously waiting for 'Ma and Pa' to rise from bed. Cameron was so cute! He did notice that there were toys for him ~ he's so observant.

The broom and the Elmo-talking chair were Cameron's favorite so far.

Jose's favorites were his rifle and pistol (both BB guns) and a DVD player for his room.

The kids played around with their new toys and I cleaned everything up (what else is new?). DH and Jose went outside to test out the BB guns, and they had lots of fun shooting at targets in the backyard. We got ready and headed over to Grandpa's house for brunch. Brunch was delicious!!!

We had pumpernickel toast and Lox. Yum~Yum! It was gooooood! Grandpa can cook.

Look at Cameron's smirk...he kept messing with the fireplace screen and it kept falling on him.

But don't worry...Cameron wasn't harmed by anyway and Daddy was safely by his side...of course in this photo it appears Daddy isn't doing anything to help "Mini-Me" out.

We had a nice visit with Grandpa. Jose got a gift certificate, which he loves getting, and Cameron got some much needed outfits. DH and I got some kitchen aids, which we needed as well. After spending time with Grandpa and eating brunch we drove over to Nana and Papa's for round 3. It's always a big ole' time at Nana and Papa's house. They make everything "fun" for everyone and yet again, they've spoiled all of us rotten.

Jose played "Santa" this year ~ he loves it too! Cameron was a wee bit shy of Jose's new face. :o)

Cameron received the new talking, moving, and interactive Elmo which is so realistic even Daddy loved getting hugs from Elmo. LOL

Jose was so overjoyed by the dart board, Pikachu doll, video games and gift certificates that he could hardly contain his enthusiasm. The kids had a blast! Us 'big kids' had a blast too. DH received a very handsome t-shirt :o) and a HUGE bottle of Gio' cologne (one of the best smells on earth, btw). Take a look at DH supporting that new T...

...and he WILL!!!!

I got some cool stuff too! Are you sitting down??? I got 18 different cross stitch charts, walnut crystals, 3 calendars, 2 craft-type books, and the best is the clock my mother gave to me.

I love this clock!!

After presents we giggled and ate. We had lasagna and it was go-od!!! I took this picture of Cameron while I was standing back observing his actions. He caught me catching him. I was catching him in the act of his usual "cliff hanging" (climbing a BIG problem for us) and here is the face that he gave me.

Lil' Devil, ugh?...and this is what he was up to. Mind you, there is a table in front of him and he's standing on a foot stool that he pushed over to the edge (he also stole his brother's cookie too and was munching on that). His intentions were NOT to look this cute after all...they were to............

...push the foot stool over to the table...climb onto the stool...give Mama my most fabulous grin...climb up onto the table...and use the phone. I have to warn you. He might just be calling you. He called Canada twice. Alabama, New Hampshire, my mother's cell and her house and a friend. So watch out! If you here baby babble, it's Mr. Cameron. :o) Please be kind to this prank caller!

We finished the evening off with some pecan pie. Hey, who ate that one little piece before I could take this picture??? Daaaad!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I've enjoyed sharing our Christmas with all of you! Bring on the New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Today is a busy one for us. First, we have our Christmas here at home. Afterwards, we'll be heading to my FIL's for visiting and a traditional family breakfast. We'll hang there for the afternoon. Lastly, we head to my parents' house for dinner and our Christmas Day evening. This is like the finale to our day. The kids are always spoiled and the food is always scrumptious. We're having lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and all kinds of pies and tasty treats.

From my family to yours, we hope your day is complete with peace, tradition, memories and love. I know ours will! Merry Christmas to All and to All a special day!

Happy Birthday, Jesus and Merry Merry Christmas to YOU!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve to ALL! I hope everyone is ready for dear ole' Santa Claus. Jose is 11 and is now questioning the validity behind Santa. I have not clued him in nor have I let on the actual truth behind the gift-giving. He's guessing that parents go out at night Christmas Eve and do the shopping. One parent stays home, the other shops. The shopping parent comes home and the other goes out and shops. We diverted him from this thinking bc that's just insanity, really. Selfishly it would be easier if he did know because less sneaking around for me and less money we would have to spend. However, Jose not believing just reminds me he isn't a baby anymore ~ and he's growing up so fast. The magic that Santa brings is slowly disappearing from him. Nonetheless, Cameron is 16 months and we have yet another 10 years, maybe less, to instill the magic of Santa and Christmastime. Cameron is still at that age where he hadn't a clue...and that is okay. I truly believe that the magic is what you make of it. My Mother once told me that no matter the circumstance of your Christmas, wedding, holiday, etc., no matter the "disaster" a person may be facing, someone around you is forming a memory. And she's so right. This isn't one of my better Christmas'. As a matter of fact, I can't wait for tomorrow's end, the 2008 wrapping up its year, and 2009 brings a fresh start-a new beginning. I shouldn't feel this way, but in fact I do. Christmas morning I will be wearing my happy face for my kids' sake and I'll be glad to do that for them.

One thing Christmas is missing is Christmas carolers. When I was a child I remember getting a knock on the door around 6:00 - 7:00 pm Christmas Eve. My father would open the door and I could hear the angelical noise coming from outside. My Mom, little brother and myself would come running to the door. It was a sign that Christmas morning was upon us! I remember wondering if they were embarrassed to be singing to us as much embarrassment it was for me to stand there staring at perfect strangers while they sang. I often giggled about it though! It was so beautiful to hear a choir of strangers singing Christmas carols outside our door. It was truly amazing and innocent a time! And I ask myself today ~ What happened to the Christmas carolers??? I don't see them anymore and I don't hear about them either. What I wouldn't give to receive a knock on the door, to open it to a group of singers rejoicing, with snow cascading around them. I remember the carolers illuminating in the dark amongst the Christmas lights. I miss the carolers.

Last, but never never ever least, where would any of us be without Jesus!?!? Tomorrow is truly a day to celebrate Him for it is His birthday. Merry Christmas Eve, Jesus!

I must be off for now. I've got some wrapping to do and possibly a movie to wind down with. Tomorrow is a BIG day after all ~ lots to do, lots to do!

Merry Merry Christmas Eve, and from the words of Tiny Tim Cratchit "God Bless Us, Every One!"

lunch, quiet time, & afternoon blogging

My little one is napping. My big one is playing games in his room. And I'm having a cozy little lunch of tomato soup and hard salami with cream cheese. It is really hitting the spot. Instead of one can of water, I use one can of milk ~ much more creamier. I also have the backdrop noise of one of my favorite Christmas movies: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. I just love this movie! So right now, I am having an intimate moment with myself and loving every moment of it. I decided this be a good time as any to submit a post.

It is 3 days until Christmas~~Ahhhh! I have only a little shopping yet to be had, but nothing major - thankfully! I've noticed that all the blogs have slowed down and I have to admit that I'm missing each and every one of you already. But it warms my heart that you all are with family and loved ones and I know you're enjoying the season. In a previous post I mentioned my Grandmother's angel not yet making it to the top of our tree. Well...she made it! First, it gives my heart a hug everytime I pull the angel out of the box. Grandma would be pleased that I cherish this keepsake so much. She sits atop our tree every year. My Grandma made the angel herself out of plastic canvas and yarn. The wings and star detach which is great for storing her. Grandma made a few of these angels for everyone in the family and I'm so blessed that I got one. Here she is...

Not sure if anyone remembers our tree dilemma. We had to opt out our standard 6-7 foot tree because Cameron is quite the monkey-face these days and it would have been a lot of trouble keeping him "out" of the tree. It would have been a mess and not worth the headache. So reluctantly we purchased a 2-3 foot tree and we weren't thrilled, but we remembered what was truly important. I didn't know how I was going to adorn the little tree. I think my Mom might have felt bad about our dilemma and while we were at Joann's in the beginning of the month she was gracious and loving and bought us a 4 foot pre-lite tree that was on sale. We figured we could put it on top of a table and Cameron wouldn't have it so easy. I had to carefully pick which ornaments were to adorn the tree bc of lack of size and room. These will probably be the last Christmas decoration photos I'll post...maybe! lol Here is our 4 foot tree all done.

Here's what I did to our 2-3 foot tree. Nothing much, but better than the alternative. It has little red hearts and very small fiberfilled ornaments such as gingerbread boys, presents, drums and so forth. There's a tiny strand of gold garland and teeny-tiny clear angels. I put a small silver bow for the top because both my angels are way too large for this Charlie Brown Christmas tree. :o)

Here are some more photos of decorative items. Enjoy!

This was a make-it and take-it at my LNS a couple months back. I finally tacky glued the silver and red cording to the back last night. It's meant to hang around a large glassed candle, but I decided to use it as an ornament for the tree. I cut that snowflake myself too. :o)

Jose made this hanging photo frame of himself in 2002. He was so little then!

I stitched this many years ago. It was one of the first things I stitched and had finished professionally. The back is a green velvet and is sooo soft. The design is The Artists Collection. The linen was Raspberry and was difficult for me to stitch on at the time. I wasn't used to stitching on dark linen then. I don't have any problems now. :o)

I purchased this framed chalk board/cork board from Goodwill months ago for only $4.00.

Santa is checking on the 5-day weather report. This little guy is so precious. Squeeze his hand and he says, "Remember..the magic of Christmas lies in your heart."

I must leave now. Cameron has woke from his nap and we have to meet DH at Firestone. Something is wrong with his vehicle. And at 3:45 I have to take Cameron back to the doctor. Poor baby has the runniest nose I've ever seen and he can hardly eat because of the drainage. Well, this makes 6 times to the doc's office this month. Enjoy your afternoon!

this and that...and then some

I've been neglecting my blog lately, and not by choice. Since December 2nd someone in this household has had some kind of sickness. The entire month has been spent at doctor appointments and in doors. I feel utterly cooped up and I am. The month of December didn't start off well and its only prolonged what has been needing to get done...Christmas shopping and decorative transformation. Only in the last few days have I felt "Christmasy" and that's treading lightly around that word. I'm still getting Christmas decorations in order and the place is a mess. Anyway, onto bigger and brighter things...

First, I finished the first book of the Twilight saga, Twilight. Can I say "O-M-G!!" This book was truly fascinating. I took it everywhere ~ I even read it at traffic lights. Any chance I got, I read it. All I can say is that I would love to be bitten by Edward Cullen! Ugh!!! I just finished this book Friday and already picked up the second book New Moon. Can't say too much about it yet...just started it the other night.

I finally finished a cross stitch piece. I started this the week of Thanksgiving but since I got sick I lost focus and put it down. I'm embarrassed to admit that it is rather small and it should have been done sooner. However, I did finish stitching it a week ago and finally got around to putting the finishing touches on it late last night. It's a Heart In Hand design called Pine Tree. I stitched it on 32 ct Lambswool and the instruction was to chose any pine green and I choose DMC 520. I hand sewed a piece of deep red fabric on the back and attached jute cording so I could hang it on my tree. I lightly stuffed it with fiber-fill. It's a cute little thing. I'm just happy I have another handmade ornament on my tree. :o)

Here is a sneak peek on my progress of The Sampler Girl's design Be Still and Know That I Am God freebie that Tanya was gracious enough to dream up. I can't wait to finish this and I have a couple of finishing ideas in the works. I really want this one to be special because it comes from a very special heart.

I have some really cool and exciting news!! Well, for me anyway. LOL I won a Blog Giveaway from Suzann!!! I am so excited about winning as I've never won anything before besides a gold fish in the 5th grade. I would like to add though that my gold fish, Bubba, lived for 5 years so he was a wonderful prize after all. Of course, I have no idea what I've won from Suzann. According to her blog it is a box full of goodies! I cannot wait to receive it! Thanks Suzann and Merry Christmas to YOU!!!

As of Friday, Jose is off school and doesn't return until January 7th. Can you believe that? That's a looong time to be out of school for winter break. I remember we returned the day after New Year and it felt all too short a break. Jose complained because he didn't think the break was long enough. Ha-ah! I am somewhat relieved though. DH gets to have at least 2 weeks of sleeping in time bc normally he takes Jose to school. And I get a much needed break from picking up Jose after school. It'll be nice to not have to be somewhere everyday. During Jose's break he will get to spend a couple nights at his Nana and Papa's which he's looking forward to. He loves spending time with them and I'm so blessed that he does. They are fantastic grandparents! Cameron still hasn't had his chance to spend the night yet and that'll be interesting when it occurs. :o) Remember the movie 'Indian in the Cupboard?' Here's my version of 'Cameron in the Cupboard'...well niche really! He fits so perfectly in this little hide-out.

We are ALL finally getting over the crud. DH and I are still coughing, but we're much improved. However, I've been sick the longest and DH is recovering rather quickly compared to myself. I just know I'll be sick for Christmas ~ been sick since December 4th. Jose still has a runny, stuffy nose, and Cameron still has a very teeny-tiny cough that causes some gagging, but we haven't had vomit in days so this is looking good!

I can't believe Christmas is almost here! I met up with Mom today to do some last minute shopping. Oh who am I kidding??? I just went Christmas shopping for the first time yesterday. I am beating myself up over this. I do have a couple excuses though. For one, we've all been rather sick and this has delayed my wanting to go out into the world and shop. Being sick really can get depressing. I've been slowly getting Christmas decorations out and I'm not proud of myself with that either. It bothers me to no end that it is 4 days until Christmas and I'm still not done decorating the house. Not for me, but for my kids' sake, I should have had this done weeks ago. I feel like a terrible mother. BUT for the last couple days I've been trying to pull myself together and get to decorating. Here are photos of our decorations. Next year will be better, I just know it...I feel it!

These are Santa pants that my late MIL gave to us as a gift. The best part about this gift were the delicious jams and jellys she made that were tucked inside the legs. They fit perfectly and stood erect all on its own. It was such a cute gift! Unfortunately, my home doesn't come with a fireplace. If it did, I would hang Santa's pants off the mantle.

The picture on the far left is one of me, Jose and DH long before we were ever married. We were so cute the three of us! This is one of my favorite photos of us three together.

My garland of angels.

My Mom bought this angel for me a few years back. It's one of my favorite Christmas decorations. The angel needs a companion though. :o(

I'm sure most of you can guess where I bought my star and "hope" signage. :o)

Grandma's handmade poinsettia.

Santa holding two prim hearts. I love that old pillowcase fabric!

My little helpers. Aren't they cute?

My MIL gifted each of us an ornament several years ago. It really is cute! It's handmade but I'm not sure she made it...might have though. She was really creative.

I once was a figure skater so having an ice skate is essential to my tree. This is the more modern skate.

These are more rustic ice skates made from wood. I recently saw these at Kohl's and had to get them.

Jose made this ornament out of red pipe cleaner and a few plastic beads when he was in Kindergarten. I've held onto it ever since. Jose coiled it so it wraps around the tree branch just the way it should.

I love pigs! My cousin, Kari, gave this pig to me as a present a few years back. I have another pig on the tree, but this one is my favorite. It's very special to me.

This one is silly actually. My Mom stitched this. It is supposed to be a scissor fob. She gave it to me a really long time ago since I didn't have a fob and I decided to use it as an ornament. It's fitting, don't you think? LOL

Glad Tidings...simply put!

Ah...NOEL! This ornament used to belong to my Mom and naturally she gifted it to me. It's been on our tree forever. I remember it as a child ~ it's probably older than me! I love how the light shines through...like stained glass.

See the faded construction paper garland? Well, that was my little creation when I was teeny-tiny. My Mom usually puts this on her tree, but as of last year it re-belongs to me.

My newest ornament this year is the acorn and I stitched the star piece two years ago. It technically doesn't "belong" on the tree, but I wanted it there this year.

Jesus does save...and by the looks of it, he saves the purple Mickey Mouse head ornament too. Since my Dad works for Disney it's only appropriate to have Mickey on the tree. In fact, there are 12 of these bad-boys!

No tree is complete without Santa. He adorns the top near the angel, but she hasn't made it there yet. I'll post her portrait at a later time.

That's it for now. I know...overkill right?!?! Hey, it's Christmastime ~ tis the season to be sharing! I meant to post this Saturday night, but Cameron had another episode of vomiting, even after I said we hadn't had one of those in days, he goes and decides to have a Linda Blair moment so I had to tend to that and help put him back to sleep. He was rather upset. I was pooped and fell asleep with him. And now it's Sunday, we finished our breakfast of scrambled eggs and blueberry muffins and lunch is now upon us - a late lunch really. Now off to finish laundry, clean up, finish putting away decoration boxes, and get to some much needed stitching! It relaxes me so.