The End of 2011 and Happy New Year!

wow....another year has come and gone....this past year has been a real roller coaster for us....and hope the next year will be better.....we're getting more commercial calls which is a good thing..two weeks ago we rekeyed a office building and today, Alan is helping a bar owner secure his bar front door....plus this week we put an estimate in to re key 17 tract houses.....hope we hear back on that one.We also picked  up another realtor here in our area............

The most blessing this past year was the birth of our beautiful grandson, of course....with all the joys a new life can bring...and the deep sadness of losing my Mother in law ( Alan's mom).

I am sure you and your family have experienced something similar this last year...ups and downs...health problems, financial difficulty, people problems of this or that....God has never promised us a life free of problems....in fact, Jesus said that in the world we would have problems....but that He has overcome the world...(John 16:33)..

As we look forward to 2012....I thought today's Bible verse was so appropriate...

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 NIV

In whatever place you find yourself..God is there....I am asking  him to make a way in the wilderness for us..get into the habit of reading His Word ..join with me this next year and sign up for the Gateway Bible Reading plan...you will be amazed to see what God will do!

From our family to yours....Happy 2012!!!!

New Years Vintage Postcards

In just a few more days it will be a new year....2012.....so many are saying this is a significant year...time will tell...
in the mean time..here are a few vintage New Years postcard images.....

Especially like this last one..my uncle had a A frame cabin in Crestline California..we would visit and had more fun at his house.....squirrels would come to their window that they would hand feed.....these houses remind me of good times...

The Tuesday after Christmas

We had a very nice Christmas....still working on the leftovers from the dinner.....it was yummy and the two favorites were the green bean casserole (the standard mushroom soup/onion) the kids can't get enough of it...later in the evening, I heard them in the kitchen and what were they munching on? the casserole of course.....
also every bit of the congealed salad disappeared at the dinner table...nothing left to put away....

here is Jayden with his new baby play mat...he just loves it...his other grandma gave it to him and its a big hit....and the big news around here is that he's starting to roll over...a real mile stone......she also gave him the cute Christmas sleeper....we gave him a baby hoodie and jeans, and a baby cell phone that actually records as well as repeats  phrases.......

This year, I  put this vintage Christmas table cloth I inherited...its so pretty..and has hand painted poinsettias around the border........

Our  youngest son led the grace at the table, we all held hands and were really blest.....his brother gave him a new Bible and a nice leather cover for it.......as well as a second one for his girlfriend.........
I got a new digital camera! and am still trying to figure out how to use it..although its similar to the old one I had....Alan tripped and dropped the old one, it hit the concrete...hasn't worked well since so it was a great and welcome surprise to get this one....the broker we do alot of work for gave it to us.....the pics above were taken using it..its a Sony Cyber Shot.....

I wanted to share this quick and easy recipe for Rock Road Fudge....tried to take a photo of the batch we made but can't get it right with this new camera......the fudge is very good and sooooo easy.....

you just take 2 cups of chocolate chips and a can of sweetened condensed milk, mix in a microwavable bowl....microwave  until melted ..about a minute or two.....take the bowl out and add 1 t. of vanilla, stir until mixture is really smooth, then add a cup of chopped walnuts, and 3 cups of mini marshmallows..stir well, then spread in a foil lined 13 by 9" pan..let cool. This recipe would be great for older kids and teens to make anytime they wanted something sweet......no candy thermometer needed!

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours..a very Merry Christmas and a fulfilling 2012....

Christmas Music Flash Mob

This was here in California...guess there is hope for us yet?

Getting Ready

This week has really gone by fast....today I got the rest of the presents bought and now to wrap them....would you believe one of my first jobs was working in the gift wrapping department of a major department store? Tomorrow will be spent wrapping, cleaning and getting the last minute things ready for the weekend....
Plan on some baking and candy making too if at all possible.....I wanted something different for Christmas dinner for a fruit salad and found this recipe...Buttermilk Congealed Salad...

This is from the Southern Plate website..the  link and recipe are above...discovered this site on Facebook and its been a new adventure looking at all the wonderful recipes......and great posts...I had heard of congealed salad while reading a novel set in the south one time but never really knew what it was..now I realize it is a jello salad...what I like about it is that it so easily can be a sugar free congealed salad (LOL) the post gives a little  history of why its called congealed so head on over there.....interesting reading!

We got a nice pork loin roast for Christmas dinner and will roast it in the oven with carrots, red potatoes and onions....plus a green bean casserole (this never lasts) the congealed salad, a large plate of assorted cold vegetables, and fresh rolls...looks like another full house of 7 again like we had at Thanksgiving..guess they all like our cooking..and I say our as Alan loves to cook too! He's in the kitchen almost as much as I am..

A Saturday Visit in Our Neck of the Woods

I've been trying to catch up for everyone's blog posts....so much going on right now....our house is decorated and ready..but still have to wrap packages is all...today, we put up the last of the outside Christmas lights...

Our weather here has been cool and cold.....down to freezing about every night and we've had rain on and off....feels like holiday weather for California...its predicted to rain for the next 3 days..wish it would snow! There is snow in the mountains.....

As you may or may not remember..Alan built boxes for planting late last summer...about 6 weeks ago, I did an experiment and planted some lettuce...well..here is the result.. I  just took this photo...

I think I may get enough with two boxes to have a nice salad soon..meanwhile, I've been pulling off leaves for sandwiches and hamburgers..cool, huh? the boxes don't seem to freeze and keep the plants protected in some way.....its just leaf lettuce but as they are doing so  well....hope he will get encouraged and build a few more boxes....we can always cover them with heavy plastic if the weather gets really wicked.....

Jayden is 4 months old now...and almost 20 lbs.......we got him a cute little stocking cap yesterday and of course, had to take his photo......

The kids got him this wonderful toy which he just loves..he can hold onto it with his chubby fingers and plays with it constantly.....

I know its hard to find toys for young babies...usually they are made for 6 months or older...we found just a few things for his age range....

and as I won't be posting tomorrow...here is a lovely video of "Do You Hear What I Hear" by the Mannheim Steamroller.....with Christmas lights..

A Quick Giveaway and a little more Christmas decorating

Nancy, "Inside Nana's Head" is having a quick giveaway....she's giving away a handmade check cover which is very nice.......she's also having a sale in her online shop........so please check it out...here is the link..if she gets 10 people to sign up..she'll be giving away a second handmade mystery item....everything she makes is beautifully done..I have both her grocery bags, but also totes and raggedy runners which I love and use daily....I also did some trading and have two great pillows to give for Christmas presents from her..Nancy is one of the nicest friends and I know you won't be disappointed.

I added some pip berries to the candle sconce plus added the rusty mitten ornament I won on a giveaway earlier this year.....think it looks rather festive....
About 2 years ago, I made many prim foods and this plum pudding was one of them that I still have...its paper mache, and I made the leaves from a cutter quilt.....

The raggedy runner underneath is one of that Nancy made...

This is our current Christmas tree....

We were really blest after the fire to have friends send us ornaments to replace the ones we lost...I did manage to keep a few of the old ones.....like this one of our boys when they were little

and a few of my grandmothers sparkly pinecone ornaments she made..these are about 40 years old and still hold a place of honor on our tree...

To close out this post...another flash mob......this time, its the Hallelujah Chorus in Nordstroms..

Pie, Trees and Christmas decorating

My blog friend, Carmen (Waxed out Creative Life") posted a photo of a pumpkin pie she made...and I noticed she had added darling pie crust cut outs onto of the pie....Alan surprised me and ordered some Wilton leaf cooky cutters as an early Christmas present...as I had some sweet potatoes, made a pie and placed these across the top..I think it turned out really well....and was sure fun to jazz up the pie a little..

I've posted about sweet potato pie before and also the pie crust...as my older readers know, I hunted for years for the perfect pie crust recipe as it alluded me....finally  found one that I am using now which gives good results every time...you can read out it here

We have the tree up and decorated...last year we bought a new artificial tree as our old one (which was beautiful) was destroyed in the garage fire we had earlier in that year......I haven't been able to take a nice photo of it yet as the light hasn't been right...its been raining and dark but hope to soon...
 I am so glad to have a photo of the old tree in its glory....

The new  tree is much shorter and we put it up on a chest...the cats love to sit underneath it and have been good about not climbing or bothering it....so far anyway! how do you like the bar doors? when we moved in..the doorway had a solid full door which leads into the kitchen, neither of us thought that was very safe and so ordered these..

Alan put up the lights for outside...its mostly done, just a bit left to do..we have about all the Christmas shopping done...still have to wrap..and I still need to get Alan something but other than that....it will be time for candy making and baking a few goodies......thinking of making caramel corn ...and also divinity if the weather clears up..not a good thing to do when its humid.....of course, we always make a pan of fudge also.....there goes the diet!

White Christmas

Thought I'd share this nice Christmas video for a Sunday....I fondly remember Bing Crosby singing White Christmas on my dad's old stereo as a child....My dad was the paperboy of the Crosby family. Good times and now as I get older, not without a little nostalgia. Funny how certain songs and smells can invoke such strong memories, isn't it?

The Constitution, Lights and more

Alan and I have been watching and listening to a series of lectures (that are excellent by the way) online by Hillsdale College..its free and has been opening our eyes to our Constitution in a way we haven't experienced before......and we've realized how far the country has gone away from it.....I personally have realized that my ancestors had more freedom than I do today...yes, we have better technology, and creature comforts but pure freedom? Anyway...I wanted to share the link with you, if  you'd like to listen to Dr. Larry Arrnn, Hillsdale College President click here

I started decorating and will soon post a few photos when I get things together a little bit.....Alan bought me the cutest little resin Christmas tree that twirls around with sparkling lights last night....we went shopping, looking for a few lights for outside...our lights were destroyed in the fire last year...were amazed how the stores were picked over already....but did find some multicolored icicle lights on sale.....everyone  here puts up tons of lights....most of the neighborhood sparkles every year so we didn't want to be left out as we were last Christmas after the fire.....

I collect postcards as some of you know and thought I'd share a few this season....
these 3 are quite different from one another
..first a early last century...I think this little girl is just lovely and of course,  you know I love cats..

This next is Father Christmas.

and lastly, a very American Santa....

hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Best Laid Plans

We got out all the Christmas boxes last night...and were planning on decorating today but the best laid plans...3 jobs in San Diego county again...Alan is at one job here in town and then he'll be back to pick me up for the long haul.....I won't have to cook tonight though so maybe can get started later today....its TACO TUESDAY!!!...we always go to our local family run taco shop on Tuesday...they have the best shredded beef tacos for only $1.00 each.....the line goes out the door every Tuesday and its worth the wait, believe me!.....

Holiday Christmas Music Flash Mob

just an after note, we worked today on the leaves... two neighbors came over and helped..it was quite a job...took 5 trash cans full and we still have 3 large black trash bags full for next trash day...one of the neighbors had a snow shovel which really helped....we're both not a little sore from all the work but the leaves are gone for now...heard on the radio that we expect to get more high winds tonight....oh no! Thank the Lord for good neighbors! We are so blest to be in such a neighborhood.

Wind, Leaves and an Altered Book!

We have had very strong winds the last few days...being at the end of the street....we get not only our own leaves from the two trees in the front but all the neighbors leaves also.....I was going to start raking them up but its windy today too!.....there is a large concrete tortoise in there somewhere but all you can see of him is peak of his shell....
we share a small front yard with our next door neighbors......here is what this looks like

The leaves are  heaped up in the gutters also...so we have our work cut out for us as soon as the winds calm down.....the back yard isn't much better...the winds were so blustery, our patio is covered also...some of the neighbors have cut their big trees down as they don't like all the leaves but we love them and would never do that......I always wanted a house with a big tree in the front yard........

I was reading Mamie Janes blog and saw this tutorial for a altered book...as I had an old one, decided to try it...here is the result....not too bad for the first attempt.....if you'd like to try making one...its not difficult....go to Mamie Janes Book Art,,,I think this needs smaller pip berries but these are all I have for now....haven't gotten the Christmas boxes down yet....something I plan to do later today....

Nancy, Huggins Haven is helping a young family who are struggling....they have children who will not be getting a very happy Christmas...she is asking everyone to donate small gifts or cash for them.....please go over to her blog and she gives the details and what you can do to help....so many are struggling this year...and you will know your donations will go directly to this deserving family....

Carlsbad Beach

We've been fairly busy this week....doing many escrow re keys...and one took us down to Carlsbad State Beach....being winter there were not many people around..a few walkers was all...it was nice walking along the bank looking down into the surf...very peaceful.....the temperature was in the 70s.....

This view is looking south, toward the power plant....

 This is north toward Oceanside..you can see the pier and the restaurant at the end of it......we've eaten there a few times and walked the pier many times.....it was great to look out onto the ocean, hear the waves crashing and realize your problems are not so big after all.......puts life into perspective....

We tried to do a little video so you could hear the wind and surf...don't know how well it turned out but I decided to post it anyway......

Today we had a job re keying a commercial building...different kinds of locks than I am familiar with....learning something new, especially mechanical things is always a challenge for me....it doesn't come naturally like it does Alan.....Alan was very patient and I soon learned how to take the locks off and then reinstall them.....wasn't as difficult as I imagined it would be....but it got progressively cooler as the day went on..and tonight I think I am a little chilled.....so am going to bed early with some hot tea and the good book to keep me company.....so very thankful for the work..this time of year is always slow.....this week has been a complete surprise......and a nice one!

A Chrismas Start

I am slowly starting decorating for Christmas....I changed the washboard out for the holiday.....found the little cardinals at the Dollar store....am thinking of getting one of those strings of fairy lights and snuggle them into the floral picks.....the new battery ones are wonderful......

Happy Monday....

wow...can't believe I haven't posted since last week....hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving...we did...had 7 here for dinner...and everything turned out well.....a neighbor gave us a ham, so we had turkey plus  ham with all the trimmings.....I made two pies, apple and pumpkin..of course, they are gone now and everyone is asking me to bake more......but today was just too busy with 3 jobs and lots of driving...we got up and left early...and got back after dark....rather tired this evening....
I've been wanting to share some wonderful photos of an unusual artist.....his name is Christopher Boffoli...and he works in miniatures.....

He works with food and tiny miniatures...making ordinary scenes extraordinary.......he's based in Seattle, Washington......

Aren't they clever? If you'd like to see more...click here

Little Jayden is growing like a weed....getting cuter every day.....before I leave you, here is his latest photo...he just had his bath, wrapped in a fluffy towel...he has recently discovered his fingers and thumb...

Happy Thanksgiving....

wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving.....this has been a rough year for us...and we have much to be thankful for.....our continued home business,  being able to keep our home and our new baby grandson, just to name a few things in a year of ups and downs.....I know you probably feel the same...Americans have always been their best when things were at their worst...

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Cool and Rainy Monday

I am writing this in the evening...it was a cool and rainy day..lots of clouds and not much sunshine....we are thawing out our turkey, broke up two loaves of bread of dressing....and getting things ready for Thursday...only had one little job today. and only one scheduled for tomorrow.....slow this week but its to be expected.....
I wanted to share a wonderful blog with you..this crafter is so innovative and creative.... she can take ordinary household items that you or I wouldn't even consider and makes them into fun and delightful things...
for example...what would  you do with a yardstick and scrabble pieces?...
why make darling ornaments, of course!

or how about an old wire brush?

what amazed me was her eye for the unexpected........who would have thought of taking a old caster wheel and making it  into a paperweight.....

Now I know you will want to visit her blog and explore all the wonderful and fun posts...so I won't keep you  in suspense any longer.......say hi, to Jane and her blog is Mamie Jane's !

Giveaway Happenings!

I thought I'd post more giveaways that are out there on the web......plus my last post was about mine......I've been heavily cleaning the house, and getting ready for Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas..picking up a few gifts here and there, plus working on the ABC quilt..have it about half embroidered......yesterday with help from husband and son, took out most all the furniture out of the living room. I gave the carpet a through vacuuming...plus vaccumed the sofa and chairs......moved much of the clutter, old magazines, etc. and dusted too....it looks 100% better....we want to get some new flooring for the room, get rid of the wall to wall carpeting and put down some bamboo flooring.....our goal for the next year.
On to the Giveaways!

Brenda from the Rusty Thimble is giving away one of her clever Elves plus for a second winner a selection from her Etsy shop of a tree ornament....you can find her giveaway here....it ends December 1st.

Cyndy from Crafter Stitchers is giving away a sweet raggedy Anne doll plus some fabric...her giveaway ends on Dec. 10th........

Faith, Family and Friends is celebrated with this giveaway from Kim at The Barn Hollow...hurry on this one as it ends November 21st! I always love snowmen!

Willa from The Old Cupboard Door is having her November giveaway...this ends November 28th...the darling snowman makedo is wonderful......

If you like twinkly lights...this might be something  you might want to sign up for....a lighted Pip Berry garland from Hearthside Happenings.....this will end the first week in December.....please check out their website and blog also...lots of goodies to explore......
That's all for today......I am planning on making or at least trying to make some Glitter Houses just for fun if I get the time.....I did a blog post on my other blog about them...you can find that here...there are also links to free PDF files for patterns and directions on making them....what a great time of year!

Just a Reminder....November Giveaway

Just a reminder to sign up for my November Giveaway...there will be two winners this time....and the last giveaway for the year...I will start back in January.......the first winner will receive this beaded candle mat...the pattern is from Primitive Stitches....
and the second winner will receive a set of 3 fabric tags their choice from my Etsy shop....
this is just one of several choices......I will draw the names of two winners on the 30th....so please sign up! This is open to everyone, you do not have to have a blog to enter.....but I do need some way to contact you if you are the lucky one......

Jayden and the ABC quilt

Jayden is growing and is now almost 3 months old....making good eye contact and is just so cute....he's starting to play with a few toys too...of course, everything goes in the mouth as he's teething......we've gotten him a few toys for Christmas..I am also working on his baby ABC quilt...I am trying to get it ready for the big day but don't know if it will get done in time.....hustle, hustle....

I think the animal drawings are really cute......

I will be taking a break from my Etsy shop through the holidays so if there is anything you wanted to order..now is the time........going to concentrate on getting this project done and also crocheting some stocking caps for the young adults......

hard to believe next week is Thanksgiving! have to go through our supplies and see if there is anything else we need.....funny, I always seem to wait too long, thinking there is time....so many things to be thankful for this year...especially this darling little grandson.....what a blessing!