Finished in 2014 No. 9

Several years ago I made a set of placemats for my dear friend, Mel.  I've hung on to the remaining fabric intending to make a matching quilt for her and I finally got around to it this year.  I found this quilt idea on a blog but I can't remember which one.  It was pretty quick and easy to put together- I think I had the squares done back in the spring but got busy with other projects so literally finished this one at the last minute.  So glad it is done - and hoping it is bringing Mel some extra cheer this season as it has been a rough fall for her!

Christmas Dresses Take II

 Gymboree had a super sale on their holiday dresses this fall and I couldn't resist getting another set for our girls - especially since the colors will work for more than just Christmas.  Unfortunately Heidi was NOT cooperative for this photo op.  And I have no idea what was going on with Allison's hair - but their second set of holiday dresses for 2014 have been documented!!

Teddy Bear Tea

 Allison and I went to a 'Teddy Bear Tea' this afternoon at a beautiful old restored school house nearby.  We both really enjoyed it, although we were disappointed our friends, Jen & Emily couldn't join us as they had something come up with extended family.  At the same time, it was kind of fun to do something special just the two of us!  We had the option of buying bears to be waiting in the kids' seats but I wasn't so impressed with the bears and we have quite the bear collection already thanks to Miss Jodi.  So we brought one from home (seriously - we have a bear to perfectly coordinate with any of her several Christmas dresses (we also have several of those thanks to Miss Jodi!)).  

 The tea included a reading of a story by a local author - who then gave all of the kids signed copies of his book!  As well as some singing, more stores read by 'Twinkle' the Elf and a visit with a full size teddy bear.  Allison loved it all, especially the yummy treats at the end.

Heidi - All Wrapped Up

 We were wrapping a few presents today and the Heidi-bug was very excited to 'help.'  Eventually we just wrapped her up with some of the spare paper.  She loved it.  Kept bursting out of it with the most infectious giggle!  Love this kid!

Finished in 2014 No. 8

 This quilt was over a year in the making - at least the planning began a little over a year ago when this fabric line was announced.  The designer is one of my favorite children's artists and then it featured horses.  I knew right away I needed to make Bekah a quilt with it.  And the deal was sealed with the little girl featured in the panel that looks just like her (although shorter hair!).  I pre-ordered the fabric in January and then it sat around until this summer.  The blocks aren't all that complicated but all that sashing made this quilt quite the effort to assemble.  And it was waaaay to big for me to quilt myself so it was shipped off to Alaska where my Mom did the quilting on a rented long-arm machine.  I finished the binding over Thanksgiving and finally managed to take pictures today (it was heavy so I had to have Mark help me hang it!).  And then it was delivered to Bekah today and she loves it!  And I think it will be a long time before I make another one this size - whew!

 The 'Bekah' panel!

 One of the horses.

 Side view.

I used a double wide backing - I didn't want to piece the back!  I had originally had grand plans of using the panel fabric but then decided that was too much effort!  I'm so glad it is done,  And a big thanks to my Mom - would have taken me forever to do it on my own!

Christmas Ornaments 2014

 2014 is a bit of a sad year.  Mark and Allison ganged up on me and decided we didn't need a real Christmas tree!  I couldn't believe Allison sided with Mark!  But now that we're a third of the way into December I see some wisdom in the concept.  The girls still got new PJs & ornaments this year.  I found these fun rolled paper ornaments at our local garden shop.  The girls hung them on our small trees last night with the Jesse Tree ornaments.  They thought it was plenty exciting.

Aaaaaaannnnnnddddd of course I had to get a Hallmark musical ornament.  This one plays 'Silent Night.'  The girls fight over it.  Good thing there is a 'Happy Birthday' one from last year, too!

Gingerbread Houses

 We have an annual tradition of doing gingerbread houses with Allison's friend Annie.  This year after our Halloween party we had so much fun we decided to reserve our church's 'Brown House' and have a gingerbread house party with more friends.  It was a lot of fun, the kids had a great time and we all got to enjoy some fun food.  Mark played a few songs for everyone and we called it an evening.  A very fun evening!

 Madeleine wore Allison's Gingerbread House t-shirt from a few years ago!

 The big girls all did some twirly dancing during the music.  Heidi sat by Mark and just bounced away.

 We tried pretty hard to get a picture of all the kiddos.  It didn't go so well - we're missing 4 or 5 in this pic - and those that are in it are a little crazy!  But that is how we know it was a good party, right?!?!?