starting sew simple

I have a feeling I am going to learn to appreciate the HARD work that goes into being a seamstress.

Cutting. Measuring. Pinning. Measuring again. Phew.

I got my beauty all set-up tonight. Check her out:

I'm pretty sure if Paris Hilton were here, 

she would say, "that's hot"

Ok. Maybe not. 

She'd probably actually ask, "what's thaaahht?" 

Side note: I don't think Paris would ever visit Delaware. 

I got the thread from the spool to the bobbin. Soon after, I was ready to go!

Ta-Da!

A pouch? 

...the stitches are beautiful!

Magnolia, I love you.

Married Christmas!

Our 2nd married Christmas together.  

This is how we celebrated:

We got a real tree, a beautiful Fraser Fir.

we decorated...

and baked... 

we even took a little walk in the woods Christmas Eve (day)...

             

we didn't forget about Santa & his reindeer!

Just the two of us: stockings & gifts

 (early!)

We enjoyed Christmas Day with Mark's family. 

A refreshing breakfast followed by gift exchanging, movie watching

and great family fun!

Barb outdid herself by making a dinner spread that was de-lish. 

I love this man. 

He is my hero. 

He may or may not have given me a wonderful gift today. 

It may or may not  have been A SEWING MACHINE!!! 

I hope one day I will be as talented as my grandmother who sent me something I have wanted for years, a Christmas tree skirt. 

Beautiful, Gramma!

We hope your Christmas was filled with love and joy! 

Ring, Ring

Gooood Morning, December!

I woke up this morning around 3:15 to a ringing cell phone. My husband answered and I overheard three words, "salt. ice. load"         ...Oh Boy, it has started. 

The Help

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving (duh) and although I was going to cook everything except for the state (ahem) green bean casserole, I am pleased to have three wonderful women helping with the cooking.

  Thank you Barb, Katie, and Rachelle for your help!



to brine or not to brine

that is the question.

It's t-minus a week before Thanksgiving (help me rhonda) and I still haven't decided if I want to brine my turk or slather it with a fresh butter and herbs mixture. I have been reading articles about people who LOVE their turkeys that sit in a bath all night, "I brine a turkey every year because it’s the right thing to do", says Pioneer Woman. On the other hand I have my uber-talented step-father, who just so happens to be a chef, and he says, "fresh herbs and slow cooking is all you need".

Oh brother. Somebody please decide for me before I end up buying two turkeys and doing both.
(My family did that once; one was smoked and one was cooked.  On the day it was a huge fiasco, but it's quite hilarious to think about now).

                                                      brine                    OR                    roast

either way, it better look like this:

 

OH BABY!



reading material

Help!

I keep picturing a beautiful winter evening curled up with a cup of tea (more like hot chocolate) and a good book to read...

So, I'm looking for a few book recommendations.

No HP, please!
Non-fictional OR fictional.
I like things to stay pretty realistic; nothing in space.
A good love story, perhaps?
My favorite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, fyi.
I do like the author Sophie Kinsella, but I think I've read most of her books.

thanks a million!

Welcome Hayden Putnam!

My brother and sister-in-love welcomed their first child into the world last night. 

Even though we are miles away, I could feel the excitement, 

love, and peace in Lance's voice. 

 Look at this precious little guy

So sweet. Congratulations, Lance & Jennie!

ALL our love!