Cookies!

Did a little baking yesterday!

Sugar cookies with yummy (and easy) lemon cream cheese icing!

The boys have been admiring painted fingernails in ads on TV, so mine were painted red with sparkles! James then requested his to be painted.

These peanut butter cup goodies were super easy to make! And quick! And tasty!

And Ritz peanut butter cookies! Messy to make, but worth it!!

I LOVE baking! So Saturday was a great day.

Stay tuned...
James has been taking pictures today. It's pretty cute watching him bend down, lean over, and get close for his shots! Some are pretty funny!

Dance Party

Last week while Ben was at a meeting i went upstairs and was told by my 2 year old to go back downstairs. "What are you guys doing?" I asked. "We're having a dance party!" exclaimed Miles. So downstairs I went... ...grabbed my camera (which shot some lovely red eye), and back up I went. This had to be good. Miles was standing on a stool in his room and announced, "attention, attention everyone!" (to James). "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider has been cancelled. Thank you." He then bowed, stepped of his stool and said, "okay James, now we can dance."
And dance they did!

James caught me. I was allowed to take a picture before being banished downstairs again.

On another note... later that night while James was in the tub, I called for Miles to take a bath also. He responded, "Mommy, I just need some time alone right now." WHAT?! Yep, he did a puzzle in his room alone, and then was off to the bathtub.

Hot Cocoa!

It finally got cold in Minnesota and some hot cocoa was in order!

I decided to try and make my own, and I will not buy anymore premade cocoa mix again!

It's super easy, and the kids love it...

Here's my recipe...

2 cups dry milk

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Ghirardelli)

2 cups nondairy creamer (powdered)

a dash of salt

I found it's best to prepare in a bowel or storage container with a lid. Add all the ingredients, pop on the top and shake. That's it!

Fill your cup approx. 1/3 full of cocoa mix, add hot water (or coffee!) and top with marshmallows. ENJOY!!

Slow Christmas

In past decorating was completed in a day or two. This year we're moving a little slow.

Tuesday the Christmas tree was set up.

Wednesday we took a break.

Thursday 4 ornaments made it on the tree, a tree skirt was added, and the mantle was decorated.

Friday we took a break.

Today I wrapped some presents and packed away the rest of the fall decor.

I love that it looks like the boys are laughing at the Christmas balls!

At this rate we'll complete decorating just in time to take it down!

The day after Thanksgiving we went downtown Minneapolis to the Macy's, Day in the Life of an Elf. The boys walked through in awe! James was a little scared of the reindeer trying to get out of the barn and Miles started crying when we got in line to meet Santa. He was upset because he didn't see the elves making any fire trucks! Didn't know he was being that observant! So we explained if he asked Santa then the elves would make one for him.

Miles asked for, "4 things. A cup, and a matching bowl." I could hardly hold in my laughter, I don't think Santa heard that one yet. And, "a firetruck and ambulance so I don't have to share with my brother." At least he's honest!

James asked for a teddy bear. Miles suggested something else, but James just wants a bear!

They "wrote/drew" letters for Santa, donated some money to Make a Wish, and surprisingly didn't ask for a thing from the gift shop or cookie counter. I was stunned!

I'll post a photo of the tree once we add a few more ornaments... maybe around New Years!

November Randomness

Just some random photos from November... Here's James all "clean" after supper. Like the face. Seriously we can not keep up after these two. Yesterday I found a little chicken drumstick bone in the cupboard next to the cereal. And greasy fingerprints on the computer. I have to say I was not home for supper last night, so this was not under my supervision...
A rare photo of Ben and I. And yes, this was in November... at the park!!

Sweet Miles.

...and an innocent looking James...

See his cheek? That started a a tiny scratch from his daycare girlfriend. But he won't stop picking it. So it's last over 2 months now. I've tried putting a band aid on it or distracting him, I don't know what else to do. It'll be a scar for sure now...

There'll be many more, I know.

Sewing Bits

So a few weeks ago, I had a VERY productive sewing weekend with Kristina.

I made this lovely in a day!

I can't get enough of Wonderland by MoMo!

And the pattern from Atkinson Designs, Picture This, out of the Happy Hour book.I've been holding on to some Heather Bailey fabric for some time and finally became courageous enough to use it. Not only that I just winged it to make this little tote!


And I took a class at my local quilt shop to make this fun little apron (finished it on our sewing retreat).

I also completed another project, but it's a secret for now!!

Guest Room

We've slowly been working on guest room, previous dumping ground of all that didn't belong... The HUGE closet is where my crafty/sewing mess is. I fell in love with Anna Maria's fabric's, so pretty. Decided to frame them! The dresser was James', it was too small for his clothes, to now it'll house crafty bits.
As of now this is my little work table. See anything missing?? No chair or stool. Needless to say I haven't actually been using this space yet. Too messy! Once I'm organized, then I'll get myself in gear.

Guest bed.

Nice and cozy...

I framed this card from my Grandma. It means so much to me, it's going next to my work table, to remind me to believe in myself, be creative, and just enjoy my life.

And this is in the guest room as well. My Grandma Riddle made it. I've had it for as long as I can remember. I love surrounding myself with sentimental and meaningful things.

So the guest room is ready for guests! Stop on by!!

Sir Miles and the Wingless Dragon

The boys got it this year!

Last year we went to 3 houses. They strongly believed they should eat the candy as they go.

This year, collecting the candy was okay!So, Miles was a knight, and James was a dragon.

Miles pointed out, James didn't have any wings, so he wasn't a dragon. SHHHH! Don't tell him that! Could have made for some interesting last minute wings!

I think it's time to start Miles on chores. He loves to help, any suggestions on what a 4 year old should do around the house? So far I'm thinking, setting and clearing the table, vacuuming (although this one will upset James, he likes to play with it). What else??

Sweetness

So, I've been having a rough week. I'll leave it at that!

But there have been some very sweet things happening, that are turning it all around!

Yesterday when I stopped for coffee, I was told it was already paid for.

I received a business card for auto body repair, but it started my day off nicely.

Then Miles brought home a flower from his field trip to the grocery store.

Flowers always make me smile!

I've also had 2 great evenings playing with the kids!

This morning both my boys begged to stay with Mommy! And have been extra cuddly lately! Loving it!

Then after staying late at work, I came home to this!

I know a rug...

But this rug and floor is was covered in muddy shoe and paw prints. In the summer it was sand. A never ending battle! But 3 guys worked hard cleaning it!

And on the table was a perfect fall plant!
Did I mention flowers make me smile??

And finally I found this on the counter!

Pecan pie is my favorite!

So my week is turning around.

I'm working on a better attitude, reevaluating what matters, and trying to focusing on what I love!

Thanks for the pick me up!

Mr. Pumpkin Head

Thought we would try something different with our pumpkins this year!

Just like Mr. Potato Head!

Miles named his pumpkin Casey!

We had extra parts, so some of our pumpkins are 2-faced!

Mine is below!

Here's the other side of mine, Miles helped!

Oh and our scarecrow has a name! Mr. Light!