tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42386759886953466552024-03-13T11:51:06.381-07:00cherry kingdomKekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-45851446451766443652011-03-21T23:19:00.000-07:002011-03-22T19:19:42.688-07:00Have You Met Mary Jane?Click <a href="http://www.maryjanesfarm.tv/FarmRomance.asp?Action=PlayVideo&VideoView=GridView&FarmRomanceVideoID=14&SortBy=VideoDate">HERE</a> to meet Mary Jane. You'll be charmed I'm sure.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/recipe-project/project-20110321.asp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586786423478054930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTrjwg80j-5Off724A1rAnyL1GZjMMXVzPek4hxufuwjh9lvaxWhewq70eeDjIDwHfx2sB2k6KM93L_rHpQ8BxlNdhIf31VNfAn5WhRfkGoCzeEf0r4Z2FXjE94bme2-ewqL5-0xfHJQ/s400/seed+starters.jpg" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;"> This is what was in my email waiting for me...I love the Mary Jane newsletters. Did I ever tell you I was raised on a farm? Did I ever tell you that when I was a kid all I dreamed of was leaving that farm that was in a one horse midwest town? Yup! That's right, I was moving to San Francisco and I was going to be an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">architect</span> or a lawyer.... It took me 25 years and I only got it about half right....Did I ever tell you that NOW...all I can think about is having my own little farm in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loveliest</span> place on earth!! Click on the pic to go to the Mary Jane's Project of the Week page.</span></em></p><p><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Project of the Week</span></strong> </p><div></div><div><br />Make Your Own Seed Starters<br />What you’ll need:<br /><br />• Used newspaper<br /><br />• A tin can<br /><br />Creating starter pots from newspaper is cheap, easy, and environmentally savvy. Just take a sheet of newspaper and fold it so that it’s about the height of a can of veggies. Then roll your can in the paper. Slip the paper a couple of inches down off the bottom of the can, and fold it in against the can as you would a roll of coins. Fill with potting soil and sow your seeds. When the seedlings sprout, you can plant the whole thing in the garden, where the newspaper will decompose!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#000066;">I'm dreaming of spring and knee deep in a nine point promise to God while I'm trying to get back on my feet again...</span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#000066;">I hope your day was abundantly blessed!</span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#000066;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></span></em></div><div></div><div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-43233134994399241102011-03-12T23:24:00.000-08:002011-03-13T00:08:45.149-08:00Is that a Cherry or an Apple?I was in the book store about three weeks ago and I found this awesome magazine from the U.K. I can not tell you how many times I've poured over the pages of this magazine...like a sloppy bucket of crazy I am simply mad for it!! <br /><br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583463881707475970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PsLreYwoiTAJTBAeWlK9kZiVu3A8iA_s-kh4kr6-CFe_zIgQGC0HAh_3gfNlCC15y6k6kbiIFmtwIDCG49Sce3ZEUByhYcUZ-zU_AGipe50kw42AsHs1laOb_8lky_W7lpZi6I5RXiA/s400/100_1838.JPG" />Unlike a lot of other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIY</span> magazines on the market, for some reason, this one just speaks to me. My favorite thing about this magazine is the term 'maker'. <br /><br />I spent the first twenty years of my life designing and making folk art, dolls, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">primitives</span>, etc... yet I always had a hard time calling myself a 'folk artist'. Never mind the fact that my designs were taken to show in Chicago and other places around the country,I had a pretty sturdy following and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">received</span> calls almost daily from prominent folk art stores for my wares... I didn't have the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">confidence</span> to define myself. <br /><br />I think I was hung up on the term 'artist'...It felt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">presumptuous</span> to call myself as such. All these years later, although I dibble in this and that and no longer sell for profit I still struggle by the same definition, until now. It's taken 27 yrs to know how to describe myself or what I do... I am indeed a 'Maker'. I love that term!! There is no pressure to claim to be an artist, as if the word 'artist' by definition demands some type of approval or credibility. I'm simply a 'Maker'. No less no more. I also absolutely adore that this mag is called 'Making'.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583463879169093234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWSa54Sd7eQrIcxwNHOZSs85N03EByF4TgpjpVPHhF4_DfPUY70yTyNCbEZz0FsSvFXpRLVbJl0qK2hGxjVoe4VJ0O61Fy_VGCI4M0gBFuOaaWcYGjOzeeL6NZuq6fsBNe11xG0RZweg/s400/100_1835.JPG" />I couldn't wait to try a pattern, and since I've seem to have forgotten how to crochet, which totally blows my mind since I use to crochet like a mad woman when I was a teenager, here I am trying to remember...trying to retrain myself, and we won't even discuss how my attempt to learn knitting is coming along... I read the pattern, of course I can do this, easy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">peasy</span>, hands down. And when I was all done....<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583463871976025474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMrSti4jby2n8-j_fA9mzfKp0lTsDkqkpU1TOIRYfL3kkc_zGQZ8o9WekwubXL86jnB6MMzepXtmT-yKDbpbXmYRXtr9SFHaUp56bkGZ__3XCXyLzX5zR1cy6SULgnTdq6K4XUU6aCA4/s400/100_1830.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"> THIS!<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583463869063593314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BPUUacN2F9xIu0suwCUx4pkS5CysybmVPcPLbDA2etDYzroUFURPuIAogwoFXIYLY6a2rFy2pkvzMR3kfRlLakZgQ0AuEhHrabQxu7cjs7_rYvNrXr6-E4pnyoiQKW2pjkIRI836MaE/s400/100_1836.JPG" />Is what my attempt to make <a href="http://www.makingmagazine.com/page.asp?p=100">THIS</a> turned out like... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ughhh</span>...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">sighhhhh</span>... Is it an apple or a cherry? None the less since it's the size of a ping pong ball I'm most likely not going to be wearing it proudly on my sweater any day soon!! Practice is as practice does...I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shan't</span> give up, only take a deep breath and try try again. In the meantime, if you want to have a better look at this awesome magazine go <a href="http://www.makingmagazine.com/">HERE</a>. <div> </div><div>Until tomorrow...</div><div>May your day be filled with rainbows!</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error">aka: 'A Maker</span></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-66659297238691809812011-03-10T20:18:00.000-08:002011-03-10T23:14:41.952-08:00Bunnies and Lambs are Dancing in my Head!<div align="left">I know Easters a little late this year but bunnies and lambs and all kinds of things are jumping around in my head!! Check out the pic below and tell me that's not the cutest funniest little cookies you ever saw.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/holidays-occasions/spring-table-settings-centerpieces-00400000041389/page7.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582672412718582418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgVWMLGn5eimzJw5xA2QP8qqA1dfbhpBNAWko2epZ6HcRQAOCMo3UlsOvIn54_HRNU_oKqmuWItQI6I9nHQvFVM5GVVwX1SE0amobN7d9xfnvqrWRt4VG6XzAWqwk4RNlZ2xUDpUfUfE/s400/sheep-l.jpg" /></a><br />How adorable are these cookies? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Apparently</span> all you have to do is dip a cookie in melted white chocolate candy coating and cover with miniature marshmallows. Dip chocolate m&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">m's</span> in a bit of the melted chocolate to add for hoofs. Using more melted chocolate add a cookie for the head, mini marshmallow eyes with mini chips for the pupil. Squish mini mallows for the ears and attach. As soon as I'm back on my feet I'm going to try these and show you how they turned out. In the meantime if you click on the pic it should take you to the complete instructions from Southern Living.Com along with a lot of other amazing ideas for spring.<br /><br />I hope you had an abundant day today flooded with rivers of blessings.<br /><br />I heart U.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-90681409307701879052011-03-09T21:43:00.000-08:002011-03-10T00:01:29.989-08:00La Vie En Rose<div align="center">One of the best things you can do when the world is storming around you is to pause.</div><div align="center">-Mitch Thrower</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/mimi-lou-wall-stickers-paris-par-louca-p2807"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 378px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582348355792576130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW0IRwoMi7DaGjpJdJrwUV4Amwy4owtg252vV-9WDc17iPR1Plf_Uxm-ZoguadcqnrVAdN1K0t8AuyCIGFHt7NNZxt0NcyE9bFIjC8D3ZXFZwN44BUfOOojzHqc7JQQBmMRYS5gRZjQk/s400/6c5ba412f46c7ce70f609963ddc0637e.jpg" /></a>Pink makes me happy.<br /><a href="http://www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/odd-molly-damask-dress-631-vintage-pink-p2603"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582348349556846290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqAQLaGpyJl4fNyG896gDNwW3TgRtbuhrBUxtnNoqMoQA_KmbGkSoLvaPJifJyAkpjp_hh8JW5v2GmoaUUUVaiHPfMkeOPpz8uVqMt5-RyaDUcAuABdr94kKLDKcZrb1cKqhwPBwTAkI/s400/580ec039986756240b793ef1d0164fa7.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/odd-molly-damask-dress-631-vintage-pink-p2603"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582348342394424050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnWvmf30zzEEU2rDYS1O10KlbViBZs7fU8iSm7p6S64orcjZZLDCugKhpEFJSE7CP19SA6UFmyfVSd4_KVWnQsIk3JOlYjhXnDZEChJkjxO_-Y6gh7WkP49umckNCbybuVo6LdQXYyik/s400/631-Vintage-Pink-back.jpg" /></a> I hope it makes you happy too.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582347928004863938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZaHLchrcKISbK2LnQEwtmIIGbbFNL9HMqYKPqqilv8TkxyvNfUvpAK30yb_e5bVs1Oc1LGn9oqIdDe0YVnBdFNtxalQ3Q33yEQ7ZjBLezSx9OlindvHGzJhRIobdYlreYDc-ZKrhU7w/s400/il_fullxfull_225630657.jpg" /></a> Click on the pictures to take you to happy places.<br /><br /><a href="http://happy-as-a-lark-designs.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582347929795074898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XVzyqxJFINHYTZfsSeApPu1jd1o0LH1HdpQNN8uUzgBeTsQD-rEseuTtBbTvEq6qSYeNiqm4D5HttscDzje28pO2RdHt9GqK7EOU1-tCzgomYJn1kBlXyio-8qZLdi650t-TvpqmyzQ/s400/il_fullxfull_224868568.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />Give yourself permission to pause...if only for a moment.</div><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><div></div><br /></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-64309728137492118582011-03-08T22:22:00.000-08:002011-03-09T01:02:42.461-08:00Steampunk<div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunk</span>?<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581965166320509186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXuXYZOiN9GhyphenhyphensQojC_ObQtSUFs0w9k6yjg0T5rLWt0vMs929eBl0fpYS2LgVdrSWY2aVmgcsc2mKsF3WzNudwkG7BQ-8IU54fCGRm-h-dotKaynxg-xznyUfg68UhYVu0ig5ZdUss2I/s400/steampunka.jpg" />This wasn't the original post I'd planned on sharing today. I'm actually working on a tutorial for things I made with that cute little 'Old Mac Donald' wrapping paper from </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/waddlinonion">"<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Waddlin</span>' Onion Designs"</a> that I shared with you on this <a href="http://cherrykingdom.blogspot.com/2011/02/big-i-love-you-give-away-9-more-days.html">post</a> for </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.theshelbyrfoundation.org/">"The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ShelbyR</span> Foundation."</a><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581965160095697730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yCjPROZMx-gTHDG0rtprGqfzISidl-4I-jZOJDwrMJoVxslL_ZLJSPj4qP73kVE1TWpX0bn5bcqT2NTk8xMkHDDSiHN64mhVpzrgwe7a0JEjCr0UBIPwXxNtrbQC0dGTMr4NyNY1XaM/s400/steampunk-comp-1.jpg" /><br /><div align="left">Unfortunately, I was a little under the weather today, coupled with a trip to the doctor's office that took most of the day...needless to say I've spent the rest of the day surfing in my nest.</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581963630534415762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObAg-EgxxoAffeHL_dz8LVjMPd9jWqY8WveNdFmuL-pg2zH6HZVPGhI5MpeGlolGV-wXs0Bh7ndTSJMEyDRVC-EA6vYgdl_vXSB-S97GoRkQWuzeTcDOsq9vWwbD_IWfdCidyo7PxiuE/s400/steampunk+lady+for+blog.jpg" />Which brings us to this.... I've been noticing a lot of 'Makers' <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(I'll explain that term in a future post I have planned.)</em></span> have been advertising certain items they've been making or selling as S<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">teampunk</span>. The researcher in me, <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(you can take a puppy off the porch but you can't keep her from running back home...)</span></em> forced me to dive head first into the land of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunk</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I'm curiously excited to tell you it's been an awesome visit. Some where between past and future in an alternate universe you land in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunk</span>. Just in case <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">your</span> wondering...YES, OH YES! I would wear this dress in the most beautiful place on earth...and just in case you want to, you can find it <a href="http://www.clockworkcouture.com/ladies-1/dresses/victorian-2-piece-traveling-suit.html">HERE</a>. They call it a two piece traveling suit, and since I'm trying to travel back to the most beautiful place on earth I must have this! Besides, AH has long called me Ms. Poppins so it's very fitting.<br /></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581963622839936114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hVJ9JBOy7ueVrSKJsKR8ZEIClkiVQ4GxFDPs7Fo2IuakWgD1RRo_IOSFPIW1gN8zRXk5HEIyVbnGI95mM5pqC6tn35QddQRAgoYf2xoMlsK5q1mNamg391EyjbktV8LPHin60eLOXg0/s400/collage.jpg" />I've found a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">myriad</span> of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunk</span> art in every form imaginable. I can tell you for certain that if I show AH that pocket watch he will want it for himself! I on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">other hand</span> want the necklace! They call it <a href="http://www.clockworkcouture.com/accessories/jewelry/the-duellist-cantosonic-wave-gun.html">'The Duellist <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cantosonic</span> Wave Gun'</a>, and while I'm dreaming of wanting...I so want that Steampunk lap top pictured above!<br /><br />After all of my research on this topic today I think I love it because it embraces the past with wonder and curiosity <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wiliest</span> giving birth to all magical futuristic possibility.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581977286736642594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikl6TR6njkVNr_fZHRE8WzxNNry9or9MublXoTjGpSu24zhaAfuODErZNEnWZ1tZzo-HdDiaXFUHRe3kzoeAiyssQoWZZhpaT_s2kILTt3lcsNDQFLmVs3IgYkyLkX9kX8KpbdtSMVWIQ/s400/William+Hartnell.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Have you ever heard of Dr. Who?</p><br /><div align="left">Doctor Who is a British science fiction television program produced by the BBC which began filming in 1963. The program depicts the adventures of a mysterious and eccentric time lord known as the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/index_first.shtml">'Doctor'</a> who travels through time and space in his time machine, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">TARDIS</span> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(an acronym for Time And Relative Dimension(s) In Space)</span></em>, which normally appears from the exterior to be a blue 1950s British police box. In any case, I read today that Dr. Who was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunk</span> before the term or this counter culture existed.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581979770333653858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6di6CkH1FzhJakU7KETkE3_Vj1SyeqnLCorZo5r3axS_xzr-Zt8b3EnGESHWAKETez_mct-klkVwdjxa8Ds_PYileZsrRtqKJX628_H45gZJGZanBYpV9LDFjaZxH5_VpqN1A2TIe06k/s400/11th-doctor-who.jpg" />I also have to say, <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(sorry William <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hartnell</span>)</span></em> the 'Doctors' have improved with the passing episodes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Steampunk-Style-Jewelry-Victorian-Mechanical/dp/1589234758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299650028&sr=1-1#_"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581977284011010130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2tf7BxY6zmLWTaoEG8HxkKtagtyoD2qPYpDowrAxpL1yxyHz1JstuVGspU-iUiZpZCZpxHWahBI3-hTAnT8_zlbKvCs89xpb6RBvLMpyK_uaDUeJP50ceiIL20pXmCvZ33gPEOwU7kg/s400/steampunk+jewelry.jpg" /></a><br />Do you know that Amazon.com offers 44 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=steampunk+jewelry&tag=mh0b-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=158728832&ref=pd_sl_92opdkmt4t_e#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_13?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=steampunk+art&sprefix=steampunk+art&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Asteampunk+art"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunk</span> Art Books</a>? Who knew.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581962537597341154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtPw9e2J60kyQZP1T_8NSYcForMgvOE-z4uu7pm7X8TekiT0x_1e9seHet4TeKq7yfzP7Z0B-xgRK5Hp3ckVeQIfoA9aRicoxzQt0ea3GPZlAM5EETLgpCokjCemMXmtaSoS8OoibgQ4/s400/gizmo.jpg" />Would you wear these glasses?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4ukmSWvtKoqmO2n2sizOeWUbQNfO4x5eqv9oC5bdwbinSNXmHREGMR25OyxaNAbI3YCE6LS_yrS7lkmmdlMSgp0m9o44HbAYanzcyUDAa3__GK8nfdYyxwbDwPs_2fhbSwRUPIZBLes/s1600/zteampunkc2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581987172793932162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4ukmSWvtKoqmO2n2sizOeWUbQNfO4x5eqv9oC5bdwbinSNXmHREGMR25OyxaNAbI3YCE6LS_yrS7lkmmdlMSgp0m9o44HbAYanzcyUDAa3__GK8nfdYyxwbDwPs_2fhbSwRUPIZBLes/s400/zteampunkc2.jpg" /></a> While I don't exactly fit the 'Wiki' definition of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunk</span>...<br /><br />I think I've been a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunker</span> for a very long time, and the above images remind me of so many childhood illustrations from the story books I remember reading. I guess I just discovered one more layer of self defined.<br /><br />I also found the work most makers describe as Steampunk does not fit into Steampunk in the classic sense as defined. But then again, can one ever define art? Is not art that burning deep inside... so deep inside you that words can not define?<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 326px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581962534920407490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrskvAfqBe1we7WaqjtO_zC9YY1yvdOJW0-nQaRNaNXDIcfSKMJV7jPAt8L5AHlm0gYtaj3NM1CeOcEl4F19j1634ASmlmRtQDErJF7ahzDOdqzaEQp8KJDFkz6Q8pseCUBeHqkTRcC6s/s400/steampunk-hottie.jpg" />Could you be a '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Steampunker</span>'?</div><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-21245384138320255602011-02-10T07:04:00.000-08:002011-02-10T07:04:13.881-08:00Mother and daughter doctor-heroes: Hawa Abdi + Deqo Mohamed<a href="http://blog.ted.com/2011/02/09/mother-and-daughter-doctor-heroes-hawa-abdi-deqo-mohamed/">Mother and daughter doctor-heroes: Hawa Abdi + Deqo Mohamed</a><br /><br /><br />I found this video so inspiring on so many levels, as a woman, as a mother, as a patient and as a human being. If these woman, this mother and her daughters can treat 300 people a day, complete 20 surgeries and manage 90,000 people when others fled to far off lands... If these woman can change their world in a country filled with war and poverty, what's the least we could do in a land of opportunity? Will we gather or flee? This video came in God's time, a time when I needed to be lifted up to fight. It's so strange to me and wonderful at the same time. 'What ever your seeking...it's seeking you.' I have said to both my children in the last couple of days... "That's how reveloutions are started." FAITH. I'll explain later in the post I intended to leave today. For now if you could do me the favor of soaking this story in and passing it on...consider it 'paying it forward.' I hope your day is abundantly blessed today. XOXO KekeKekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-14888406096210956812011-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:002011-02-04T08:09:10.687-08:00Gratitude<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span></span>...I promised myself that this morning I wasn't going to wait for my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">med's</span></span> to kick in and I was going to wake up take them and head straight for the shower....the truth of the matter is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">med's</span></span> aren't working well anyway and every morning this week I have stressed myself out by almost being late for court....thank you God....the angels on my bumpers made way for me and I managed, some mornings by the skin of my teeth to be on time.... I told the judge in my hardship claim that early mornings weren't a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">possibility</span> for me. The problem may lie in what is considered 'early', my 'early' now is any appointment before 11:00 a.m. is nearly impossible for me to make. It's frustrating to me. I have been an early riser my entire life. 'Early bird catches the worm girl' has had to redefine her expectations of herself. None the less, since I rec. the last round of toxin I have been awake every night every half hour. I'm exhausted. I'm hoping today will be my last day, we are to go into deliberation this afternoon, but this whole experience has been so unpredictable I don't know what to expect. And here I am, visiting the kingdom, waiting again...last night my neck went into a twist that was so severe I considered going through ER. I tried to call my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">neuro</span></span>, but I got the after hour machine, all I really wanted was to leave a message for him so he would get it this morning and hopefully be able to help me today in between court. I couldn't bear the idea of the ER or the after hours on call doc...so, I hooked up my electrodes and wrapped my neck in heat. Eventually my neck muscles released themselves but this morning my neck is so sore it feels like some one held me by my head and flung my body around in circles. It doesn't help that I'm out of some of my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span></span>, and I called my primary doc for refill and was promised a call back. No, I didn't get the call back, and I knew I wouldn't because of 'incompetent normal'. That's what I call one particular office person in Dr. M's office, if I get her on the phone I know it will take about four more days of calls before the doc even gets my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">msg</span></span>. Anyways, I'm going to call both docs again this morning before court, some one has to help me before I start banging my head on the wall...ugh! But none of this is really what I wanted to share with you this morning, so what am I doing????</span></em></div><br /><div align="center">What I wanted to share is gratitude.... since Christmas I have come to a great appreciation for how many generous artsy people there are in this world! So many willing to inspire and share, I can only be filled with 'GRATITUDE'. Even on days when I'm not up to creating, I can surf and dream.... Speaking of 'Inspiration'...has anyone seen 'inspire co' ?</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeF4ZOlI0kmnsXIRyvdP-Jqx4l5NSXWzDpGMIKNxq_0XrsjjemXnoK2wqeB0lFqVDZMoR2xCfsZOuMOrrwI1OHR1S2DU8tqUtXdF-umgiRaZ67veBF-i_BOwkpAk3tmGxRpKMkDtOr60X/s1600/inspire+co.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569857620711529378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeF4ZOlI0kmnsXIRyvdP-Jqx4l5NSXWzDpGMIKNxq_0XrsjjemXnoK2wqeB0lFqVDZMoR2xCfsZOuMOrrwI1OHR1S2DU8tqUtXdF-umgiRaZ67veBF-i_BOwkpAk3tmGxRpKMkDtOr60X/s200/inspire+co.jpg" /></a> Amy has the cutest little inspiring blog.... <a href="http://inspireco.blogspot.com/">http://inspireco.blogspot.com/</a></div><div align="center">I absolutely love visiting her site...and she publishes an 'e-zine' that is filled with all kinds of inspiration and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loveliness</span>....<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV8YiTgWZbvWQFq28fKle6RovyzfRtcqFF0vjmJn61sLhfUJxiow7S5hYc4ZR-z1fuloPGqxdRCTaOkb-44UVZ9A3dVa-DDz7qncpukAAPqMKs0kmO36Ad27ZdlPtGCLtDjV6X69KwkAu/s1600/inspire+co1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 116px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569857616145352050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV8YiTgWZbvWQFq28fKle6RovyzfRtcqFF0vjmJn61sLhfUJxiow7S5hYc4ZR-z1fuloPGqxdRCTaOkb-44UVZ9A3dVa-DDz7qncpukAAPqMKs0kmO36Ad27ZdlPtGCLtDjV6X69KwkAu/s200/inspire+co1.jpg" /></a> In fact...she has a new one for spring coming out after Monday that you may want to check out... I for one am excited to have something to look forward to. Speaking of...what to you think about my new page? Not sure I'll leave it this way, it's not very 'cherry' but at least I'm making progress to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">unstick</span></span> myself, right?<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1QO6PoWFcBEkjNU2qlDJ0T8Dv5EO8hovZzJPKinObp3LvyI-IGUaW2AYF9CU5tFoMzR-G3gxWX_RoIBOB-sGNC3YeMK1AJdxiZpYT3qqxK9FC3rPL0TORwyIymBXpqSr5vsgGRYtjZbn/s1600/ip-valentine-girl-with-heart.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 104px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569857614300542578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1QO6PoWFcBEkjNU2qlDJ0T8Dv5EO8hovZzJPKinObp3LvyI-IGUaW2AYF9CU5tFoMzR-G3gxWX_RoIBOB-sGNC3YeMK1AJdxiZpYT3qqxK9FC3rPL0TORwyIymBXpqSr5vsgGRYtjZbn/s200/ip-valentine-girl-with-heart.jpg" /></a> And some more love inspiration....images for you to print...how cute is the little lover above?<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisjPz_ARdLRdVNo3D2rZrMOyn5hs_c-gBYIfobZl4zEokIA35G2sUYWtW4vNTmvPUTH32UpBTTNeKRgSDPhRMj2W97kyTdcwo-2FN_bffvDBExdf-63uLr9A3-_gTu68h2SM_eN1K_nV8/s1600/vie5soda1_340x189.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569857612419595826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisjPz_ARdLRdVNo3D2rZrMOyn5hs_c-gBYIfobZl4zEokIA35G2sUYWtW4vNTmvPUTH32UpBTTNeKRgSDPhRMj2W97kyTdcwo-2FN_bffvDBExdf-63uLr9A3-_gTu68h2SM_eN1K_nV8/s200/vie5soda1_340x189.jpg" /></a><br />And even though I haven't had breakfast yet....i so would eat the sundae above if I could wave my cherry wand and make it appear in front of me.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFYcNsQz79lshfo540l_hpbFGCNDXX8wBsSJWTvm898RgAj6Ok-oXDjrqx1GZvLe-zaqeNAZ6y85wPnHRe1R_BG5krBZvvVT6q7Vg9ezvOSmaD-UDWibGCse-3C_Uav5p9Ln1vrMQZbHD/s1600/ip-valentine-cat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 169px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569857604974260034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFYcNsQz79lshfo540l_hpbFGCNDXX8wBsSJWTvm898RgAj6Ok-oXDjrqx1GZvLe-zaqeNAZ6y85wPnHRe1R_BG5krBZvvVT6q7Vg9ezvOSmaD-UDWibGCse-3C_Uav5p9Ln1vrMQZbHD/s200/ip-valentine-cat.jpg" /></a><br />Here kitty, kitty... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">hmmm</span></span>...I just had to share the above Valentine....the look on that cat's face makes me laugh...she looks so vicious...this maybe could be considered a passive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">aggressive</span> vintage valentine? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span></span>!!</div><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span></span>...now that I have all of that off my chest... I can not procrastinate my shower any longer...</div><div align="center">I hope you all have a blessed and abundant day today!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-83029616949152286622011-02-03T08:05:00.000-08:002011-02-03T08:12:18.977-08:00Sweet Valentine<div align="center">I'm back in court today...hopefully this won't last much longer. Being a juror has left me with much to share about this experience...alas it won't be until this is all said and done. The spot in my neck that Dr. D missed unfortunately is still out of control. Ugh! </div><div align="center">But on to happier things...</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSA8hZApuzp3C8gVlZw8hyBHOxnLYlLhD4jhura0U50FUYMSPEcFMDbJrZCsvzMSKFBL31Dc08Hzn8qao1hXQCzT-5HwCKlFaNrE4-feQ3UFv-530NM_HYUpeD9bdome0AXsnh1_izdmM/s1600/free-vintage-valentine-card-popcorn-and-red-heart.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 152px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569495562551803666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSA8hZApuzp3C8gVlZw8hyBHOxnLYlLhD4jhura0U50FUYMSPEcFMDbJrZCsvzMSKFBL31Dc08Hzn8qao1hXQCzT-5HwCKlFaNrE4-feQ3UFv-530NM_HYUpeD9bdome0AXsnh1_izdmM/s200/free-vintage-valentine-card-popcorn-and-red-heart.jpg" /></a> Love is in the air....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnZrixWeUwiBmsi7IL-E5mcSix47RHqf2748xRhFjGt3C6G_BHtzqs1V_OMPQb5LCVyffw0uvmU0b-aOYoOoyKXEp1w4gZ6kczx109v5fXLM8RfT0lfW89UYRZOKAgtxMoiyEcZaD6A6C/s1600/free-vintage-valentine-card-red-puppy-blue-bow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569495559714595058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnZrixWeUwiBmsi7IL-E5mcSix47RHqf2748xRhFjGt3C6G_BHtzqs1V_OMPQb5LCVyffw0uvmU0b-aOYoOoyKXEp1w4gZ6kczx109v5fXLM8RfT0lfW89UYRZOKAgtxMoiyEcZaD6A6C/s200/free-vintage-valentine-card-red-puppy-blue-bow.jpg" /></a> Valentines day is right around the corner...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMSXC9ABL1YPmuIiJO0gloveF31YFlDD2DcBpaHrRyI_lwx6K3EQUV87tmQUWFV71y9gIu4k4QygnGbnK7B7XjJwA1J5aG2_VDPH36F4u393PDJhrUYNX9UCopoqHjJ0NcyElR6S88go3/s1600/free-vintage-kids-valentine-cards-little-boy-bowling-with-heart-bowling-ball.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569495557178087170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMSXC9ABL1YPmuIiJO0gloveF31YFlDD2DcBpaHrRyI_lwx6K3EQUV87tmQUWFV71y9gIu4k4QygnGbnK7B7XjJwA1J5aG2_VDPH36F4u393PDJhrUYNX9UCopoqHjJ0NcyElR6S88go3/s200/free-vintage-kids-valentine-cards-little-boy-bowling-with-heart-bowling-ball.jpg" /></a> I hope you can click on this to enlarge and print...they really are so adorable. Why don't they make Valentines like these any more?? </div><div> </div><div>I wish and pray that you are all abundantly blessed today.</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-9194547267287950922011-02-01T09:19:00.001-08:002012-05-30T08:17:53.840-07:00Under ConstructionI've decided to reinvent.<br />reinvent: re-in-vent; .v. 1. To make over completely.<br /><br />My blog and my life. For well over a year now I have felt completely stuck. A <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">precarious</span> situation for a girl like me because it really isn't in my DNA. I feel like I've been lost in a dark forest. Why the sudden change. Not really so sudden. More of an awakening. To be continued... lets just say the events in my life seem to be pointing me in the direction of awakening and realizing that life is fragile, life is too short, and if my lucky, lucky stars have given me people to love and who love me back, and a new breath today, then it's up to me to make the very best of all of it. Let's just say yesterday was a pretty rough day that sent me running home wanting to throw my arms around AH and baby girl who was here waiting for me when I got home. I walked in my front door to hear and see them laughing hysterically and ...uh-hum...playing dress-up.... they were organizing my closets for me....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ofRFuKNL728Zu3H4JgW6Lv3CvQpQy6ujQ0rZm6LunjodJULXshzqc1iuZykwEz9P5Gceo58QtBubXtYzyaq7S_M5QjxGPy6_O64Z-yIn7zLJIgY713FdZ8ZKZ_G2BFyjJt6eq9tdpuYt/s1600/free-vintage-valentine-card-boy-and-girl-dont-give-me-the-brush-off.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 162px; text-align: center; display: block;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568772680222694178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ofRFuKNL728Zu3H4JgW6Lv3CvQpQy6ujQ0rZm6LunjodJULXshzqc1iuZykwEz9P5Gceo58QtBubXtYzyaq7S_M5QjxGPy6_O64Z-yIn7zLJIgY713FdZ8ZKZ_G2BFyjJt6eq9tdpuYt/s200/free-vintage-valentine-card-boy-and-girl-dont-give-me-the-brush-off.jpg" /></a> Ah...and I've been wanting to share with you some new vintage valentines I have found. I think if you click on the pic it should enlarge so you can print.... I hope...let me know.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YrNxHK87AqYNPFb7IBrvoVdoBKPBzod90TsOlz3rUa4JRr58VOe983ojv7VnN9_eYQlvB1HT3a9GcQkRQT4D_C3pNpjS2SCxmpi4foEdVqocceRknRbGl7s4EUChXVFQqNJlIvLra4tw/s1600/Amy+in+pearls.jpg"></a> <div> </div><div>Have a blessed day...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-74463024228426171182011-01-31T08:05:00.000-08:002011-01-31T08:57:56.724-08:00Life is Fragile<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBv4GcnVokT3BK5vM4mioI6We77Eh2o9M5M1khBSluzrefWk7Mkv5CV5mK2sN1ZUFPi1-K-2OYkf5GVSWmNTiueFg8WxpozrnqY0kYHqGVYSEHTtBktrLiQeZlICkiJdnS_EaiGHyZWJa/s1600/Crops+of+Luv.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568385068749366434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBv4GcnVokT3BK5vM4mioI6We77Eh2o9M5M1khBSluzrefWk7Mkv5CV5mK2sN1ZUFPi1-K-2OYkf5GVSWmNTiueFg8WxpozrnqY0kYHqGVYSEHTtBktrLiQeZlICkiJdnS_EaiGHyZWJa/s200/Crops+of+Luv.jpg" /></a> No matter how much I promise, commit to visiting the kingdom daily... life waits for no man, or cherry queen, as I've said before. Before I get into the thick of it, I wanted to share this site with you. So many people doing good things...unfortunate they never make the five o'clock news, but I won't digress...This almost new nonprofit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">start-up</span> pictured above is so sweet I had to share with you. Their motto is, "Preserving memories and dreams because a life documented is a life remembered."<br />They make and donate scrap books to families with sick children. You can find them here...<br /><a href="http://cropsofluv.com/cms/">http://cropsofluv.com/cms/</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXrdGBu_aG1awd4BODtT-o7gW1zEUdkth8t8Q__v_JvREElA4WP5GnNIltofUVxElqREDDkgB_Yj-2tYgGi4YJ1MBkD3P9TIke-nDi-34hFKk32YapnRX4h_9HX3Ll_rmab-u90vfvqg1/s1600/100_1473.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568384512338069394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXrdGBu_aG1awd4BODtT-o7gW1zEUdkth8t8Q__v_JvREElA4WP5GnNIltofUVxElqREDDkgB_Yj-2tYgGi4YJ1MBkD3P9TIke-nDi-34hFKk32YapnRX4h_9HX3Ll_rmab-u90vfvqg1/s200/100_1473.JPG" /></a> Since I've last posted, life has brought a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">myriad</span> of things beyond my control, and some things delightfully within my control, yet surprising....<br />Just look at the yummy new vintage fabric prints I've found, that was within my control, yet I showed absolutely no self control upon the purchasing of this fabric. Uh-hum...I promise to try harder next time. One complaint though...when did fabric start costing $16.99 a yard? Remember when we used to sew because it was cheaper than buying off the rack? I'm afraid those days are gone... I guess the law of supply and demand comes into play here. I did tell b<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">aby</span> girl that while that theory has gone out the window, we can apply a new...now we sew for the 'quality'. Unfortunately I think this one will hold true for a long while in our disposable, we'll just get a new one society. Do people still value heirlooms?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsriZmG2bi2BVzpYjE72HgcXXlg033lPDn431XrWGUTIru2o39inbkS4avH_-ZJmKaWARt9bIHtGzVIHgjbazYetZBkS3pm2ite05L7ZpZfQrULn8pmIdxoS8vZmUbkDAASJSIGw0EXuF/s1600/100_1467.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568384505991938018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsriZmG2bi2BVzpYjE72HgcXXlg033lPDn431XrWGUTIru2o39inbkS4avH_-ZJmKaWARt9bIHtGzVIHgjbazYetZBkS3pm2ite05L7ZpZfQrULn8pmIdxoS8vZmUbkDAASJSIGw0EXuF/s200/100_1467.JPG" /></a> I ask because of an estate sale I visited yesterday, unfortunately I don't have time to post pics of my treasures this morning, but the children and I brought home someones life time of love and it's given me pause and a lot to think about, and a lot of comments from the children. It also turned us into detectives to try to discover who this sentimental woman was. To be continued hopefully tomorrow.... (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, I know) don't hold your breath.</div><div> </div><div>I have jury duty this morning...that's another to be continued story.</div><div>I rec. my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">botox</span> shots on Friday, again to be cont., the short story is...I think Dr.D may have got most of the spots right on this time except '1'....and that '1' is a big one and causing me to curse, if it weren't my new years resolution to not curse, not even a single 'darn'. Why was that my resolution you ask? In case your wondering, no, this cherry queen did not have a 'potty' mouth. However, I have become painfully aware of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">English</span> language and how it seems to be going out the window...what was that quote from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Gandhi</span>...something like, 'you must be the change you seek in the world'...or something like that. In any case, I will be calling Dr. D today because I don't think I can wait three months until the next round of the toxin..</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568384497029723378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzD4iOke2M_EQstuJWAUwRROelT3Gk8d5kEdI57GZKViXQDIY6Mn2rT550-N5CjDrze9n6CBJZvT9wrCJp-Ln9osSeF-JbwA5istgDZ3uARGr5AL4XZdT9zAspPinQopawA8Xj_fmjQSh/s200/100_1498.JPG" />See these yummy little ottoman's...It's an Amy Butler pattern. She calls them gumdrop pillows, trust me, they're ottomans. I wish my blasted camera took better pics because the color in these are so yummy....guess who made them?<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568384487913586130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_SNrwofr8ouhHqEYZMyoGGd_VcNTe6Yfht5K-dRcen2CaWbXTxVGjWVQn6TQB_bwn6uIJxm0OD7OKfvhyphenhyphenw8nzr3A-gZ-cH78NSVZwnQOv_P8IYqTh3Veo2XbexuM7wFic6P_3WeLQrGZ/s200/100_1491.JPG" />Baby girl did a splendid job on them for her first project with her new singer.... nothing like a mum's pride.' But I have to run now... blessings on your day. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-76099545543085894622011-01-09T23:26:00.000-08:002011-01-10T03:03:24.769-08:00Time (nor dystonia) waits for no man or 'Cherry Queen' as the case would be....I'm sitting here tonight trying to patch my sore heart and cursing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dystonia</span>.... From the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">beginning</span> of receiving this blasted diagnosis I have been determined to not let it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interrupt</span> my life...or at least allow as little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interruption</span> as possible, no matter the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">consequences</span>....I have learned over the last two years that there are some things that even 'Cherry Queens' can not control.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560464627973472882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4N2D09G3buKJ0kqDeXfhqrp6_ehhuQh8W1d48hb9o8qFGm7OibNNnnysGRHUB_1neHu2G67wHXOLvWYb5IEHTQL50mVKBAvpo6-ZlQi4czdSlgilCuX_RIebJGTmhOwAG7lJF7m5rIPo/s200/100_1458.JPG" />I should be sound asleep right now at Mitzi's house 3000 miles north...instead, I'm in not so sunny Oz at a mere 32 degrees feeling just a tad bit sorry for myself and guilty for not being there for my Mitzi.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC069LG14J15XcSOOu1-4lmEitL8ig1xYL59YiCq0wNlOCvHreIpcf3nHv2hHt0ytoE_0oA1SmyIsJqbmFNjp5eFDMt80k_NyWrlJxeQSuluj3saLO4T0Q8U5mBtIo0p6ko_rYBsO4Om4/s1600/100_1463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560464626292711218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC069LG14J15XcSOOu1-4lmEitL8ig1xYL59YiCq0wNlOCvHreIpcf3nHv2hHt0ytoE_0oA1SmyIsJqbmFNjp5eFDMt80k_NyWrlJxeQSuluj3saLO4T0Q8U5mBtIo0p6ko_rYBsO4Om4/s200/100_1463.JPG" /></a> Instead I've been laying on the couch whip stitching little magic mushrooms trying to cheer myself up and trying to ignore the pain of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">dystonic</span> tremors that have been kicking my tail since before Christmas. Just like that! Mr. Holiday was filling the house with merry, I was hanging in there the best I could and then boom! The north pole was turned upside down and Mr. Holiday got the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">stomach</span> flu that lasted a week and a half...then we both got a cold/flu....and it never stopped, just round and round we go.... I think the worst thing besides the obvious is the guilt I feel for letting everyone down and not being able to finish things that I start...like posting the last dozen matchboxes! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ughf</span>! But Christmas came and went and so did mine and Mr. Holiday's 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> anniversary, and New Years...the children came, pitched in to help with things to be done...Baby girl has been running around trying to take care of all of my business for about three weeks now...she really is such a sweet and wonderful baby girl....and then she got the flu and is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> sick right now! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> God...forgive me, but could we get a break here???? </div><div></div><div>And most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disappointingly</span>...I've missed my trip to see my Mitzi and her band of princess'...oh they are so sweet and yummy and beautiful....</div><div></div><div>Today was one of Mitzi's princess' baby shower...ta <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">da</span>...just like that, it was a blink...I remember the day my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">niece</span> was born, I remember being really angry because my parents made me go to school, I remember talking incessantly to my best friend on the school bus all the way to school about this new baby ball of wonder that had just been born and gave me a new title...'aunt'. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmm</span>...but I'm wondering...Mitzi is not old enough to be called 'grandma', she certainly doesn't look like a grandma...nor I a 'great' aunt...but I could skate with being a 'great aunt'...but what should Mitzi be called? Baby girl has informed me that should my son and his wife have a baby in the near future that I should be called '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">memsie</span>', for the reason above...and I quite like that...so maybe Mitzi should be called the same.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nVWdLXUSYkFcDX58B_pdA2plIioEvEzc9GGWvwOHK7eGbsrQNOTWucRKPoErfEdjVUKQcwZm1CzmRnKbwZawx5eptur383MvLQ_V5WTpnGoVtLAxaRe-4pZvuEYuoKJubT-E86MzbpT9/s1600/100_1286.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560464622103228466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nVWdLXUSYkFcDX58B_pdA2plIioEvEzc9GGWvwOHK7eGbsrQNOTWucRKPoErfEdjVUKQcwZm1CzmRnKbwZawx5eptur383MvLQ_V5WTpnGoVtLAxaRe-4pZvuEYuoKJubT-E86MzbpT9/s200/100_1286.JPG" /></a> Speaking of Mitzi or soon to be '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Memsie</span>'...I've missed out on sharing so much over the past few weeks....this is a glimpse of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">yummies</span> sent in one of the Christmas <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">pkgs</span>. received. Mitzi's little Em made these adorable 12 day of Christmas felted ornaments for me...so sweet. And I won't tell you that I ate almost that whole tin of the yummiest cookies you ever wanted to taste by myself....<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560464611880862722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgYD5S6d9W-AT5yfBArSbcGVDPjrbymkurBXQYYgooQ72AAC0IYqn5WKEQTEfAFFX80x3_cNMPos5zG6sN44tSTZE2aKLVqlu970kO07OXTNT0AiLy3cuHmB0aEmMIiBczOqezqaHsy20/s200/100_1284.JPG" />And below, our sweet little Christmas kitty dressed in her Christmas scarf that she didn't even mind wearing because it has been so ridiculously cold here....<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560462096873654018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNJE1Cq8XaWlmWwEiT1JwB5RY5eOvhE0N_Ww6KVEs7C-sbndVIH2z_cyZxsmR3pkTJ81tf2aEcTHc_193cXScJAx9BDtDW3KXrzTzeJFd-KB9KdbR4X67GDM_Cp_jx0DV32nh5LKlxgzK/s200/100_1321.JPG" />And her naughtiness continued with the Christmas tree and presents....<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560462090967503250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM3L3iK-j77RF4TPFwEXhOXfArFOTOCvX8ijh965QhK2w4iSwPt8BfJSv8kGjEJ3PcvXNkVW_rQe4L2LUfJvhRvbt7sCLIdTzPN015FSxgN1Gmlesk4v0rv_GoMMDGuOqMViYRo0wy1Z4/s200/100_1324.JPG" />My son and his wife arrived early to pitch in with Christmas dinner...below is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vegetable</span> tray he put together complete with what he called reindeer dip because...well you can see for yourself.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560462086458562866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv6bJaZeUQZa8M130FbBUBNjnAy4KSqXHSGMhySUOgDFhJhTwCdgyQNE8cPKJ19iZY-za32OYPM-c0ZDjd_rvqaIvaB-7ji23GfqEB9ZMO3lpeyCxDGS56OhbIDjdtCOOR_pYkZPkez_g/s200/100_1336.JPG" />And he set the table beautifully.....<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560462082585107170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7v46EhXFgblCtCEW5teWGOY7ZMvXH1-fZQJOLRwReK20qqzl68SZLJVdSh_yK1MC18o9zYvGCsf0mMdJBbU2YWOCALy91bv2GTkPJbQdM_vzhL_jMsCvjqHeYEkoUIXUd2zI2Ixx2NIP/s200/100_1356.JPG" />The nutcrackers lined up to play Christmas carols....<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560462078295052658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB4I9uVshz7OkJ7ifeGJg7Tq88Gh6vxqH8uWcVDJiJuxftTxQxKMqJKuvXFc4FiBspq9NMmE1VciPaAYKeKegD7-zryE1-IJwkUAS_WK1yXKadqH6CMTZxmF2d-p724oyqVDH5ZLmpgYg/s200/100_1338.JPG" />And Santa brought baby girl and my daughter-in-law new Singer sewing machines for Christmas and the delight on their faces says it all.....<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560458943592196562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X4noWMFlR5rYW1iLAv2nmi6ok5e0Zu5b400N3kmToyhNyTBxHNhB8vqDdQqRjd4Is6uPi1KLSjPBcVXao6evhtkKhuFwFJv7mhPJOuNDiH9KH2pdK26Gk6eHhzlNkKN3pfCxek4h_PYQ/s200/100_1359.JPG" /><br />And then....well, I made Mr. Holiday a sock monkey for our 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> wedding anniversary...isn't that what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everybody</span> gets for this occasion? <em>I can not even tell you how excited AH was with this gift seriously!! No I'm not kidding....and he immediately named him 'Jack'.</em><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560458931251740402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G2wWX_rIppIFtZCvO_DIzVYgXr8rYwB9dTPEQ5f6_SCPoBKU675QMaXOPemwEVR1Q0dBvOC7EKE5jH63c4PMa0_pB3uWT5E1kjReFEwt8nnXtRqH47MP79UBh6QVLzrPnd7THYBeLvkf/s200/100_1453.JPG" /> And just in case your wondering....AH a.k.a. 'Mr.Holiday' tapped the naughty little kitty's toy mice to his mini coopers on his race car track so 'Jack' and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">naughty</span> little kitty could watch them go round and round.</div><div></div><div>I hope this post finds you all better than well, with wishes for a bright, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shiny</span> and happy new year filled with abundant blessing beyond your wildest dreams!</div><div></div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></div><div></div><div>P.S. I placed a new button in my side bar. A Swap for All Seasons has a new Winter swap started and it is a simply sweet one indeed just as 'Linda' the best swap hostess on the planet intended. You should really come play along if you can....<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G2wWX_rIppIFtZCvO_DIzVYgXr8rYwB9dTPEQ5f6_SCPoBKU675QMaXOPemwEVR1Q0dBvOC7EKE5jH63c4PMa0_pB3uWT5E1kjReFEwt8nnXtRqH47MP79UBh6QVLzrPnd7THYBeLvkf/s1600/100_1453.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-39755158492437734332010-12-14T23:51:00.000-08:002010-12-15T08:04:20.903-08:00Match Boxes 11-15, I'm a lucky, lucky Christmas Girl!!<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Um...I've never had so many problems trying to blog post in my life, which is why this is being posted today instead of yesterday. Has that ever happened to you...yesterday I had my post nearly done, which was no small feat considering how many pics I'm including in this one, and boom! Post disappeared! What!? </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ooooh</span>, lucky it"s Christmas and merry and I'm surrounded by Mr. Holiday! And then this morning my pics are disappearing... is this a test for how many times I can upload? </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>. In any case, the match box days will be out of order because I just don't have the heart to fight pic day #ll down below #12. Maybe it's because I'm just still a little under the weather and everything that can go wrong is because I probably need to be in bed but I don't want to miss out on all the merry making. Mr. Holiday has fixed me up a nice little nest on the couch so I can watch everything that's happening at my crazy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frenzied</span> holiday house...which is sweet, but still...you know what I mean. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>...I'll stop my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">grumby</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">fumby</span>, there's no place for it right now. Besides, I know I'm still a lucky Christmas girl in spite of everything....So on with the show!!</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Match Box Day #11</span></strong><br />The match box below came to me from Marie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Entwistle</span>. What can I say? Adorable, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">magnificent</span>, excellent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">craftsmanship</span>, just all together so awesome? Yes, all those things and so much more....<br />My pics just don't do justice! And you know what? If you visit Marie @ <a href="http://spunbyme.blogspot.com/">http://spunbyme.blogspot.com/</a> you'll get to see <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Marie's</span> pics of 'real' little elves!!! It's true, and I would be jealous if I hadn't been so happy just looking at their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shiny</span> little faces! Thanks a million Marie! <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> And if that's not enough enticement to visit her I'm telling you should 'RUN' don't walk on over there because she's having a give away of the most beautiful kind!! Seriously, the one who wins her giveaway is going to be a lucky, lucky duck!!!<br /></span></strong></em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550921897960017666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGfnkb1tN-BtE5nMKg4tIK4YEWWe12sxMMIKjcbGDkDDr7kPvxMVPmEMgR1Ir8f0zIYQDcyhbholwpefklGlgIr7mFYtrqVHTe5AyXmhrxq3EZKJTfek5i3JrJcn4GX8ymIE-v5PCYb3y/s320/100_1265.JPG" /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Match Box Day #15<br /><br /></span></strong><div>The below wonderful matchbox came to me from Amy Duff @ <a href="http://papertrailsleaver.blogspot.com/">http://papertrailsleaver.blogspot.com/</a> You can not even imagine how excited I was to see the wonderful little gift inside this box! Complete with my favorite word! Thanks a bunch Amy! <em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>You should also know Amy has a wonderful blog with a wonderful giveaway going right now! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tis</span>' the season, better to give than receive, more the merrier? Yep!</strong></span></em></div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550833992126104578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ozy5MltjyQdCW4W-fm0lXCnyNu85nd46UscrDD9zz2o9dkPIERA7rCx0Qcc12-se5GOvGWfX_0Vu6wHexsDrTCPm0X_D3dyyiXLJ9UIR_Zpp99ZCItWMLefRRgpUPen7bJnQneeBwYq8/s320/100_1267.JPG" /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Match Box Day #14<br /></span></strong>This cleaver little box below came to me from Linda Gates, winner of my give away. Remember I mentioned one of my biggest challenges with this swap was how and where to put the tag so it didn't look all junked up? Uh.....why couldn't I have been as clever as Linda and put a cute little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">hangy</span> tag on mine? But you know what...it's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, I'll know better the next time, and the best thing about swaps and new blog buddies is that inspiration abounds everywhere! Please go look for Linda @ <a href="http://countrypickins.blogspot.com/">http://countrypickins.blogspot.com/</a> Thanks bunches Linda! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550910622623070658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_05WeaXGGdphOORZZ8EdpgeS8-adrfjZJ8jF4Q2-p5MZyWhSwwdQSqo6ykbRaUfAT3EvbCvbbChrDc8RyR2pSOLgWlqC6_D4kLZPEqTfYiQknaX8SdYN6c43FBsh5wS0snmcRcoYTl9xC/s320/100_1266.JPG" /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Match Box Day 13</span></strong><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, get ready, I'm on a good roll! The cute little minimalist styled,(one of my favorite themes) matchbox below came to me from Jan Roberts and I can not tell you how thrilled I was to see the little gift inside the box!! Is that the most adorable puzzle charm you ever saw? Which is so very clever again!! Jan met my #2 biggest challenge of trying to find a cute little something, something to put in the box without breaking a sweat!!! Again, why <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> I have thought of that?? Doesn't matter...lucky,lucky me!</div><div></div><div>And you know whats so silly about my artist block on this challenge? "I LOVE <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Miniatures</span>!" This should have been no sweat...again, next time, because since we started opening boxes I've thought of a thousand ideas, and none of them are the same as the ones I got, I just found so much inspiration after opening all of these...it's like my artist block flew out the window and I've had a hundred ah-ha moments.... You can find Jan @ <a href="http://www.artfriendzy.blogspot.com/">http://www.artfriendzy.blogspot.com/</a> And yet another blog <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> so fun to visit, you'll even have a cute little owl on your pointer if you stop by for a visit....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550830538663045826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGCnjD_GfcmJ_sEno81b8TktifG95u1fnUPIcDxAW9X39qWCXcW0Ty5jV4sKFWW926tUhD2LzgrgAkzQCitmTD8FYtKLBpU01MFp273SvLe9XUUG9-M8CcfyHbazj7zhd0dhbe69u9pYN/s320/100_1263.JPG" /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Match Box Day #12</span></strong></div><div>The below match box came to me from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Arizona</span> from Pam Snow. It's so wonderful finding out the distance your swap gifts travel as well as being able to find so many new blog buddies! Pam's cute little retro box is covered in sheet music and filled with little red heart buttons...awe.... thanks Pam! You can find Pam at ...</div><div><a href="http://treasures-n-textures.blogspot.com/">http://treasures-n-textures.blogspot.com/</a><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550830529219607746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLOj2qyljd2cvj0xSzwBx3OsNQ4csNCGHU0I9jO9RgD463BQ3NczKFs22n8bD5T9PBX_fqFu5ZCk5HoCfLjrqPcTPNtVYTmXl0F5KmvDOJBnFCqM5g3if7aYZZqlV5bEttMRwyBEt6Wp8/s320/100_1264.JPG" /><br />Have you been wondering where Mr. Holiday is? He's still in the kitchen, and yes he's up to his usual merry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">shananagans</span>....<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550830507352804978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRZXCCOqtiYr_rJ0REWjvWGXtzv9sw-4-ikElEEWWgX7UEtwpFOAlhfCFRT5CpzHjp4-6WH5756jt-8v4CW575iMc6t_G_fGEuH-FeX03zFQqNdvZksF65C7Bc9Z-_BtZjc1n5qkvwRHg/s320/100_1248.JPG" /><br />My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">baby girl</span> caught him doing this...and in typical 'Christmas Ham' style, when he discovered her, he did this....<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37OfByML18O85hh3IbOUOme7t_6L_gkGuuFNnZYMh6QXkxtViI5Kz7bMWU6viBxu7dSNcCTF0E5UZ7q40EhRxdiOXd-z8870MJgTE-V65xyWw2DQTBXu-p2Il48rsZOYvTfWco5xoX8Qj/s1600/100_1263.JPG"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550830496950936130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CgYT8KVtFooe-cpL5x_MKIeE6k5TOA842bhQKibparEsdKRzjIIfQxGXkHHgjrVIllA3cHbctXg9bTSfqdvz4zzCazMH4Dv00MqXZuQzZ5-x7lCCxP64x4rao1bpwqL94Pq7DdgdaVIw/s320/100_1239.JPG" />He's patting his sugar cut out cookie dough into rounds so he can chill them in the fridge...I'll have to share more with you later... It's time for me to rest now...I hope all of you are having a blessed Christmas season!!</div><div>Thanks for stopping by....</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span></div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-82730225446424990962010-12-13T17:29:00.000-08:002010-12-13T19:44:06.545-08:00We have a winner!!! Match Boxes and Just a Little Under the WeatherWithout further anticipation...<br /><div align="center">The winner of the Gingerbread Apron and goodies was Linda from Country <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Picken's</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Whoo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hoo</span>!</div><div align="center">Congratulations Linda, and thanks to all of you who played along and made my first ever give away so much fun! You can find Linda @ <a href="http://countrypickins.blogspot.com/">http://countrypickins.blogspot.com/</a></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550351792619249842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7uNws6TadjElwx5meX3xkAHeXoGu_YeP9Z9fSkdA9NVMxGFLK6-F9-BdrkX1NjhEh1bTQIoeddgPU9C6vMf_m-TkN2JJY_goKpA5-EfBzv7J45fU-kzTrJ8G7fFUIU1cXLtwb1G9CyBF/s320/100_1144.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, I was only going to post one picture of Mr. Holiday pulling the name out of his Santa hat...</div><div align="center">but when I started to look at the pics, the look on his face was priceless! </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550351788503967202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrHQ0O1L2ZoUV3npsqxFz-gjdc-cPAiqk2c7HLEYZdSSwv4e2-DX9reDO__FltJPggVQLvocGTXyFqu-B6E1jhTOG1gqxg37Wvcd8MJcq19Lm2DIdPQCx69oBbn8gt9QikxBxoJNZOMSX/s320/100_1141.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Can you see the concentration and holiday anticipation on his face?</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550351052392705586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkW1x8H7ARLPR6mWnXqMY3mp50odFEWhnzSxAGkdZvBw19CvLSfzLon79J8G2kE3l-JNNf4IRq_LTju0eWkplt1Q-k-2ouP7qh-y08TbQovrj0ov6zvXuBdREpSOverZjIY6m_-HBv2n8/s320/100_1140.JPG" /> The one below is my favorite as he's looking off into the atmosphere determined to make it a blind drawing! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>... Mr. Holiday takes the festivities very seriously! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550351050403937618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYszt0EHVbRdRQc7Xdtvmo548Uasdrq1qzMbacXWPVHfZ5FGWhmAmOu8H4dmrvryGyqsjkXj3cw4AScBe2mnULoH7YWcEvE5LOw6cScP8a3SBHs37OwiJcARgfRuU12rvYMopL86cXgli/s320/100_1139.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><br />By the way...Mr. Holiday is feeling better thank goodness...baby girl said the other day that it was starting to feel like 'A Year Without a Santa Claus'...awe...it was so sad... But now he's feeling better and guess what? I think he's passed it on to me!! Which is why the drawing didn't happen yesterday! :(( So sorry.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550351042966406514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa-h9p6WPDb1CbD8S6Q_vr9MVukMtK3sz5AqGDwpPv3LsGThOXxS51MgW9r3DlBulJ79iYIWMFFGNixT__V4-tcQ4fqC4eI8Q6qQUOelPIk8xN9n-hpUhAMKBgr1-feIxso5Y-Vsh3mUZ/s320/100_1111.JPG" /><br />But still...there is inspiration everywhere, and merriment and hearts of good cheer, even if my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">dystonic</span> tremors are off the charts and I have the sniffles. Above is a cute little Candy Land swag I put together a couple of weeks ago...<em> I</em> Love the Candy Land decorations...reminds me a little of 'Babes in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Toyland</span>' which Mr. Holiday and I just watched the other night. Did I ever tell you about our Christmas movie collection? There's not enough page to list them all...but you can imagine.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550348271592486754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURgUcZE7puoD4KPp3WL9FE1UENVZ_cz-hwBUQ5XHZ2y9_XhvWeiR7lmInXshikpUi-MdziccYPn4w6BaSIsvEHqpYROWApJyug_CCmfTSzSHIxSwlnN0qtTGXYFv2Vf-pUnmiASd_aRfL/s320/100_1110.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"><br />The above is a close up of the Candy Land swag...Can you I spy the Gingerbread Snowman Mr. Holiday had baked when he was making his Gingerbread house? Oooh and look closely, attached is this chain of plastic retro candy that I bought a million years ago, and as cheeky as it is, I just love it...every year it seems to get a new life.... Do you want to do something fun? I think it would be really fun if we all posted a picture of our oldest or cheekiest holiday decoration to share with everyone.<br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550351029370053074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0I06GF1erq_wdyDbINIA_sgw3J9mwjYEkDrjwRTK5Yv0vroaA5A04rPIw3bHWSAXcRIsXG0u1YrugPdPF41JWJBvypYi3L5qDcZcjvs9fhFFsaFlxvZp5IeXXGORYd1GjMPnbbK9JS67/s320/100_1089.JPG" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">A</span>nd before I forget to show you...Look what I found for Mr. Holiday. Mr. Holiday was very upset at Thanksgiving time to not have a proper carving fork. I was so happy to find this one! Gotta love Paula <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deen</span>! Not only does she have yummy recipes, I have to say her cookware line is pretty nice too! Do you know how hard of time I had finding a nice one to Mr. Holiday's specifications? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shhh</span>..Don't tell. I think Santa is putting it in Mr.Holidays stocking.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550348311100837442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U3VeiB_7mvbVm3VvrwIt9addJFEsMNoooXpGCSK2pM0cmMkBcWtMkXm5zRSjCIeUeRuGWnFdsmqm4574yw9Y-N9opMiP25YEdIPQULo-7YnGfpp3UHGS9-wjjY88d5R-ixcuGTA01Uuv/s320/100_1091.JPG" /></div><div align="center">So with Mr. and Mrs. Holiday both under the weather....baby girl came to fill in the Holiday gap. Yesterday when I woke from my nap I found her sitting on the patio making snow on the sliding glass door.... Baby girl loves snow... and lucky for her Aunt Mitzi keeps her in good supply.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550351038291741698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS-nCVAT_A8V_1Lj8Z1xZdgLGheRuiCdETYxXOhFFjhM1zLvSLHKZa3dZ-XmSo4z3yRAGuwxQdxzhQAFzWZpWwTR0xlVieWEb1wDfTUjkdbOaoItoDMSm_Txram-Mf7f1BgfZLeJKtHPm/s320/100_1107.JPG" />And look what else she's been up to.... How cute is this large 'Reindeer Food' matchbox. She's planning on filling it with Reindeer Food too! Do you want the recipe?</p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550348307661160498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82893wxupyXCDZNXf0To4trj_rum7hzaqwrDech9R5Gs0eYdA3vIjOAIfydCvcu5khMbg-Cj1z7w2FBwaOoJ_d-VXkMmpFPN_76RaB2Z1b99Rw8fQmxmqMqTuLfW6jcUxsEFhjW_UBzeZ/s320/100_1106.JPG" />Look at the other boxes, I just love the one with the snow globe on it...</p><p align="center">And, do you know how clever she is...the snow globe is actually a gift tag that she altered just to use the snow globe. It is just so darn cute and when you shake the box it actually has snow inside the the globe.... her use of these tags not only made them <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">ubber</span> cute, it made them really quick to put together....<br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550348288436165858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhh4CdZFrBy0LdHLcUgYaCVFwoYwOBgBfrijWaOnBaBcHv0XdQqMa7viVyyjFXjG2vPrZGslyG2-TFWTObKKzZF_L0HscOxuQQX1xcrQ4tqhJVQaUp8rHBQHpIQViCOeV_SeqUmu8ctq4/s320/100_1082.JPG" />And I wanted to show you the one I made for her... For those of you that are new to the Cherry Kingdom...you maybe starting to notice I have an obsession with decorating match boxes. What can I say...it's very economical, you can do a million things creatively with them...I especially like making them 3D.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550348284975564434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyRjexL7xWAputgxP6TDuQcRWVHzJ-anWrd1U2YcWVC5p5rFWhEASlH-lRJPusTo-Iw91ZtnpGMVZZ-JwIHMnhNB17nYvwyY2kVDSE4vjqAxWJtCMcv-rQ3fO9ONfDqkO-zBAY1ixxdhj/s320/100_1086.JPG" /></p><div align="center">And...they make great gift boxes...it's like two presents in one! So large or little, you just really can't go wrong when creating with match boxes! The large ones are easier to work with and to fit things into, but the little ones are like creating little treasures. This one is sitting under the tree waiting for baby girl to open on Christmas morning...what's inside? That's a secret...wink, wink....I'll have to show you later, just in case she sees this post.<br /><br />Speaking of match boxes, I need to post #11,12,13 and tomorrow with the best intentions #14....</div><div align="center">Until then, I hope your holiday hearts are warm and merry and abundant blessings are surrounding you!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Warm wishes and holiday kisses,</div><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-16146771053299032552010-12-10T03:28:00.000-08:002010-12-10T04:13:16.471-08:00Match Box Day #10 and Gingerbread Give Away<strong><em><span style="color:#00cccc;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Match Box #10<br /></span><br /></span></em></strong>The cute little matchbox below with all it's snowman goodness came to me from Sherry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wescott</span>.<br />Inside was my favorite word of the year, 'JOY', transformed into a cute little yo yo ornament. Thanks bunches Sherry! You can find Sherry at.... <a href="http://ificouldsetmysoulfree.blogspot.com/">http://ificouldsetmysoulfree.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549014610314816354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_SUiNflAVnCNye1nd-sLmh7H0Vr_8AhMhFMh0mS9M3Vc36s9u4qIT7YSKgplwVjdH8goB8yZHKUITztSK29w2yxBCjw_0hlV7LHnPmJqakb53U8l7f7E8se6J-y8Q7ecrqJeuHvrDvKn/s320/Sherry+Wescott+%2523+10.JPG" /> </p><p align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>_________________________________________________<br /></strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#00cccc;"><strong><em>Updates:</em></strong></span></p><p><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Unfortunately Mr. Holiday had to take a break from his 'merry making' to help our son with a home improvement project yesterday and to celebrate our daughter-in-laws birthday. I'm sure he'll be right back at his capers today though....</span></em></strong></p><p><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Please don't forget to sign on for the Gingerbread Give Away....Please see post below for details. You have until midnight Saturday to sign up.... Then Mr. Holiday will be pulling a name out of his Santa hat!</span></em></strong></p><p> </p><p>I hope you are all abundantly blessed today!</p><p><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span></p><p><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></p>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-88259294482941750142010-12-09T00:36:00.000-08:002010-12-10T03:26:55.652-08:00Matchbox Day #8 and #9, Mr.Holiday Presents and My First Ever Give Away...<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>...first things first, we have to get business out of the way before we move on to silly nonsense and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">yummies</span>, oh....and the giveaway!! Who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hoo</span>! It's posted, it's finally posted!</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">___________________________________________</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><em><span style="color:#00cccc;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">MatchBox</span> #8</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548611225161938162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeVn9hpArI3AtN9bxzFNjEYo-2My6iip-R3n5bbxr13Wmbtz9kY_RJXpCoKQ31_BWXQUvgyIlGaj7l3mzuM5R9weH9vWeaA5z7H-ckDDhbIp3Xj7vlQgeJWB0rZDXMrJp06-gcvxUJHfR/s200/Shannon+Linde+%2523+8.JPG" /></span></em></strong></div>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sparkly</span> snowflake matchbox above came to me from Shannon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Linde</span>. Thanks a bunch Shannon! Inside was a cute little bookmark with a jingle bell and a love charm. You can find Shannon @ <a href="http://quiltinginpinksbulldogsatmyside.blogspot.com/">http://quiltinginpinksbulldogsatmyside.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#00cccc;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">MatchBox</span> #9</span></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JQ-O3CiyoX6aVJPB3VRzjSxGBT2H8ihlD_mHuny0PEDjESeMZhW253aRUY48VChhpEh2tjhNY6LvA8yWEuiPCegkwHlIz3n43o8zk5e5NEacg6JCdhS1c7fpR5cZujkB8Cx39W3hzhSS/s1600/Sherry+Edwards+%25239.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548610490798504274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JQ-O3CiyoX6aVJPB3VRzjSxGBT2H8ihlD_mHuny0PEDjESeMZhW253aRUY48VChhpEh2tjhNY6LvA8yWEuiPCegkwHlIz3n43o8zk5e5NEacg6JCdhS1c7fpR5cZujkB8Cx39W3hzhSS/s200/Sherry+Edwards+%25239.JPG" /></a> The matchbox above came to me all the way from London from Sherry Edwards. Darn, darn, darn I wish my camera took better pictures....This cute little matchbox with postal stamps had a lovely domino ornament on the inside. Thanks for sending me such a lovely box Sherry! You can find Sherry @ <a href="http://sherrysimpleblog.blogspot.com/">http://sherrysimpleblog.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">___________________________________</span></div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#00cccc;"><strong><em>Holiday Capers and Mr. Holiday's Great Reveal!<br /><br /></em></strong></span><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Drum roll please.....</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmBHitI7cxV2hx_qS1YlBo7Hynsg6vSIP7F8eXBUaiin80PO_m0X_iPm3_-_Bdx0no0GdMrswzCaWSBtRXXPByXVKK9EgzCaYsfi6SSmAV4YtbLppiMpoqrLhTZvrz3SK4gnqLWQ2T1c3/s1600/Mr.+Holiday+Finished+Gingerbread+hous.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548610485933507122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmBHitI7cxV2hx_qS1YlBo7Hynsg6vSIP7F8eXBUaiin80PO_m0X_iPm3_-_Bdx0no0GdMrswzCaWSBtRXXPByXVKK9EgzCaYsfi6SSmAV4YtbLppiMpoqrLhTZvrz3SK4gnqLWQ2T1c3/s200/Mr.+Holiday+Finished+Gingerbread+hous.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>Here's Mr.Holiday standing in front of his giant Gingerbread house. All said and done, the house measured out at 19"x 19" and weighs 25lbs (I'm sure most of that was royal icing weight, Mr. Holiday really liked the royal icing) It took 8 lbs of candy to cover, but I'm not sure how much of that got ate or went on the house! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span><br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzrJz0P-cVPSCjjSfnj4oVHH8OREotv2gPqNv4jme3TZFFR_S8Lw-oDUSvxOmnmzqvZH5IOmbJXcHdyqXRMmb-r3ShmmL13-heMn5e7id4AAk5YFDfx_hGlL-gbHXiqfmZqfycdzrIbcj/s1600/Mr+holiday+and+mrs+house.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548610479412895122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzrJz0P-cVPSCjjSfnj4oVHH8OREotv2gPqNv4jme3TZFFR_S8Lw-oDUSvxOmnmzqvZH5IOmbJXcHdyqXRMmb-r3ShmmL13-heMn5e7id4AAk5YFDfx_hGlL-gbHXiqfmZqfycdzrIbcj/s200/Mr+holiday+and+mrs+house.jpg" /></a> Here's a picture of Mr. Holidays house next to my little one...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HMXKvF__Z8fL_qqOm9VOCnL1_-U-LwxZNO3miDHJGBjUyjRlL77DCdlM_H9fvzww7Awfi__NYNlrVRtuX2S5CpmE40DxarLdYriTjM88M2NHaKjOPTarEs9a0ge9K2lPQZj2VFtDMtx0/s1600/Mrs+holidays+gingerbread+house.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548610471298253426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HMXKvF__Z8fL_qqOm9VOCnL1_-U-LwxZNO3miDHJGBjUyjRlL77DCdlM_H9fvzww7Awfi__NYNlrVRtuX2S5CpmE40DxarLdYriTjM88M2NHaKjOPTarEs9a0ge9K2lPQZj2VFtDMtx0/s200/Mrs+holidays+gingerbread+house.jpg" /></a> A close up of my little house of joy!<br /><br /><br />Now do you want to see what Mr.Holiday has been up to lately?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffcjn_bKn9hwp-N4cFsv7QsjXbmnWqKc_9LNx0b26rsZ8ZEvW1_qkm_hY8mftZLmiCcJPQZsnVgmm_wwYci_nORAt-EauTBT2mY7jviNIQsz97odAnLyZzsf3WbPqStfIBmzURBe4fhfH/s1600/mr+holiday+elf+close+up.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548610466953479202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffcjn_bKn9hwp-N4cFsv7QsjXbmnWqKc_9LNx0b26rsZ8ZEvW1_qkm_hY8mftZLmiCcJPQZsnVgmm_wwYci_nORAt-EauTBT2mY7jviNIQsz97odAnLyZzsf3WbPqStfIBmzURBe4fhfH/s200/mr+holiday+elf+close+up.jpg" /></a><br />Well the above picture is of him pretending to be an elf.<br />(Note his ears sticking out. He pointed out to me that is a very important elf factor.)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548607271745097154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ejMqw8pothiS9hHrAmBwvtQ19huRoA5y3HTiRlwWcYXb5pOEbqVcaEqD8u2pp4JQyZM6ER5XAYiB3c_J1c9UrchBnhclaZRKFkKSQcc4YerYxdp3skUDvNnmQ1iXakDU-0E91amo0iEh/s200/Mr.+Holiday+in+ginger+bears.jpg" />And then there was the afternoon he made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">gingerbear</span> cookies...I think it was the day before yesterday...honestly, he's got so many holiday capers going I can't keep track...<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548607269314166066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsHVC35OFkFioGNrMvHZdXwFV1WXtP0wTDKk9lVAjKp99xO1sM9K4M1sCyve_aX-nqcolF2QK9vh2yEED2XuWyLxYFPd6R9HzUZ1YFa74ebZyL6u7FbQ2_8Gz7jpMkxBufOAVoiijr1Z-/s200/mr.holiday+with+cookie+scoop.jpg" />Mr. Holiday using his cookie scoop to make an assortment of peanut butter cookies...<br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(He made the recipe X's <strong>FOUR!</strong>)</span></em><br /><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>...things are getting just a little out of control around here...what in the world are we going to do with all these cookies?<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548606399429561922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5yGY-Qas5Xh6m1GWgDXCxR9iNuw12jO0my3e91mxu05VVOLEBpghZmZg84agaKb0GeI9_NI7EmsC9qDHVJAuRt6pDCLqQVprW6a-dravGSIyJmqqROmyhhLHshf2qtw_-V3oYFBo2qU_/s200/mr+holidays+jam+cookies.jpg" /></em>He made peanut butter and jelly cookies.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548606385093683538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi9Y7UpHH6geYP-Dj2vWixirmxeEE-ClHW_EsbbQ5tMahzcrzSYsmQw5WmPepoElqBvTbCU-68greMBzjTesPiqfnjWkre8v379RET3hi7NgFuobC-hkxuC87LVZtc1a1lvWxYN2azyIo/s200/mr+holidays+peanut+kisses.jpg" /> And cookies with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brach's</span> chocolate stars in the middle, citing that they taste way better than <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Hershey</span> kisses and they look better too.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548606381156264546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkfxh6Q8XjZzN2HAHNFeV0O2bGfKm_n8B_EfTQokjDH3qvC_y2AbF3xrfVAN8Wvi5vsnAY_7ZnlpUGvAZrJutjCpywiM_wwJyeba6F8wwrFutE2jal4P-OGPNU36T-eUh2OBWgPt02iwd/s200/Mr+holidays+row+of+cookies.jpg" />Here's his trail of cookies.... I told him tonight that I will take<em> no responsibility</em> for any holiday pounds added this year!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> My house looks and smells like the North Pole! What's a girl to do besides eat a cookie???<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">____________________________________</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;">And now for my first ever give away in honor of Mr. Holiday and 20 years of making Gingerbread.<br /><br /></span></strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548606375399601778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaQ8GvfU50_UtFN4EZrWH5cVWKo5jUwnicUW3_2ivTYQA3Yvc4DWXG64iNB6-zcOUXzR-xinnrz9r8ERc6EknU7quWM4nyie3kF83_bXeVsjT9ryG1gTVEgLebbWWFztzMb-MmmCsBawu/s200/mr+holidays+apron+give+away.jpg" /> Ta <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Da</span>!! <em>I hate to keep whining about my camera, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">butttt</span>...</em><br /><em></em><br />The above pic is of the most adorable chef style gingerbread apron you ever wanted to see!<br />And some lucky follower is going to have this (and a couple of other gingerbread goodies) mailed out to them this weekend just in time for Christmas!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548606370619879090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dp4mfLuYJ5eNdfJz5wAyCqYWEpla4fxH2859AsXBcGgIZ0WmTJck91CxmgEZ7Ks4rBx8HpSyZ5mgh5r24QJrNmNF8xzxIrm2BNaCvarFuNL5IAXH0VB93oO8gqqduIrUvpjuRgkfp_6z/s200/mr+holidays+giveaway+post.jpg" />Above is a close up of the print on the bottom of the apron. I chose to make a 'chef style' apron specifically because of the print... I didn't want to take away from the detail of the print with too much ruffle and foo foo. Oh, and what I mean by 'chef style', just in case is.... have you ever been to one of those $50.00 a plate, foo foo restaurants where the waiters come out with their long aprons on with the long ties that wrap around their back and tie in front? Just straight, clean lined simplicity.... It may be my new favorite apron to make, <span style="font-size:85%;">(actually they're really nice to wear too!)</span> and if any of you have some last minute Christmas gift need, I highly recommend making this style of apron, it really is quick, easy, elegant and so stylish!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>...do you remember the give away rules?</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">1. Leave a comment letting us know what you think of Mr. Holidays Gingerbread House and let us know you would like your name in the drawing.</span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2. Become a Follower</span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">3. Post on your blog about Mr. Holiday's Ginger bread House and Holiday Capers and link back to here.</span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">That's it! Easy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Peasy</span>! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em>Entries must be posted no later than midnight on Saturday, December 11th.</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em>Winner will be drawn and posted on Sunday, December 12th. </em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I do hope you'll all play along...Mr. Holiday is having a blast being the subject of my holiday blog post...but then again, I did tell you he was a Christmas Ham!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I hope you are all abundantly blessed and enjoying your holiday season!!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></span></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-46011565395479869462010-12-05T19:50:00.000-08:002010-12-09T07:49:07.358-08:00Matchbox Day #5, #6, #7, St Nicolas Day, Monsters and More Holiday Capers<em><span style="color:#cc0000;">I hope every one is following along...Cherry Kingdom's first ever giveaway is getting very close....</span></em><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Matchbox Day #5</span></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3gs1T7W82OgqqL39deOQcgfKSsYBO6d665YD-zX_or1uglPXphtaEWZ5wxQBb1fyh5Taed-Kme0gS_Ep5-JUJaxebK0dkOxrFUZfgmoPYGULk19I657SjiKa0FK8isao_mApFB9iyZsG/s1600/Marcia+Chunn+%25235.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547852449320418194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3gs1T7W82OgqqL39deOQcgfKSsYBO6d665YD-zX_or1uglPXphtaEWZ5wxQBb1fyh5Taed-Kme0gS_Ep5-JUJaxebK0dkOxrFUZfgmoPYGULk19I657SjiKa0FK8isao_mApFB9iyZsG/s200/Marcia+Chunn+%25235.JPG" /></a><br />I want to apologize for being MIA the last two days...too much going on with doctors appts. and sick kids... ugh. I also want to apologize ahead of time to my swap buddies for my inadaquate camera. The pic to the left is matchbox #5. I can not express how adorable this matchbox is....I'm in love...I want to make a whole village of these and the little tattered joyeux banner that was tucked inside was just delicious!! Gratitude and love go's out to Marcia Chunn for all of the time we all know she dediated to this yummy! You can find Marcia @ <a href="http://vintagefrenchhen.blogspot.com/">http://vintagefrenchhen.blogspot.com/</a> It's a lovely blog, you really should take a look...<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Matchbox Day #6</span></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH2Ib03jR1sSTSkedwL-ZA3NBqt_g-5RDBvw5KkxEf7lHEVBLuoUIjLB-Wu2v8EuAiCxCfljp4I-kbyR9TvceOnKGPYwjjg1YgcRMp2dyOVPqEMQD1lp_HKVrtORXHWdTWOLBzyWiYrXI/s1600/Sarah+Sommerville+%25236.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547852441271727522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH2Ib03jR1sSTSkedwL-ZA3NBqt_g-5RDBvw5KkxEf7lHEVBLuoUIjLB-Wu2v8EuAiCxCfljp4I-kbyR9TvceOnKGPYwjjg1YgcRMp2dyOVPqEMQD1lp_HKVrtORXHWdTWOLBzyWiYrXI/s200/Sarah+Sommerville+%25236.JPG" /></a>Next is matchbox day # 6. It's simplicity is soft and charming. Tucked inside was a little paper tree stamped tag. Thank you Sarah Sommerville for this cute little matchbox. You can find Sarah at<br /><a href="http://ourpumpkinandsweetpea.blogspot.com/">http://ourpumpkinandsweetpea.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Matchbox Day #7<br /></span></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB4yMEa1YYjaT0P46LSwGUcjWIfmQt7QWIwnH94wxfIhzlnyHKkBoyuJSNuEjdoxbYVhbTbQvDpbAoxbeoYN5ZtsMCDm6rbGZS9vXrSc6lw2Y6AFEPR6CJLWezNaFFPGWIWHAGL01JSb1/s1600/Michelle+and+Ashley+cox+%25237.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547852435877818178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB4yMEa1YYjaT0P46LSwGUcjWIfmQt7QWIwnH94wxfIhzlnyHKkBoyuJSNuEjdoxbYVhbTbQvDpbAoxbeoYN5ZtsMCDm6rbGZS9vXrSc6lw2Y6AFEPR6CJLWezNaFFPGWIWHAGL01JSb1/s200/Michelle+and+Ashley+cox+%25237.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Matchbox day #7, which is technically today, just very early today...(12:51 a.m) ugh!... None the less the early hour does not deminish my excitement for this matchbox made by Michelle and Ashley Cox.<br />Thank you ladies! Tucked inside was a cute little beaded snowman ornament. I'm so sorry you can't see it better it really is cute. You can find these ladies @ <a href="http://thetatteredquiltcottage.blogspot.com/">http://thetatteredquiltcottage.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">St. Nicolas Day</span></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL35bxMUdK9Ge7LJYkoY9xMbsJ35a9P8cpsdhdb1-IDHS1umfA2x5FVzWgekyglXfdUga3cO4lXEY0MIM8DU1BCX9O5G60IIRvsefrrjn1TOyAuTkGItxZXCpkkkBwklcbVCfSwEFsH8yl/s1600/100_1035.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547852427440816610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL35bxMUdK9Ge7LJYkoY9xMbsJ35a9P8cpsdhdb1-IDHS1umfA2x5FVzWgekyglXfdUga3cO4lXEY0MIM8DU1BCX9O5G60IIRvsefrrjn1TOyAuTkGItxZXCpkkkBwklcbVCfSwEFsH8yl/s200/100_1035.JPG" /></a><br />Did everyone know December 6th was St. Nicolas Day and that St. Nicolas is the patron saint of children? Children all over Europe was waking up to their tiny little boots and shoes filled by St. Nicolas....<br />St. Nicolas came to my house and filled a beautiful little red shoe filled with candy and toys for baby girl...<br /><br /><br /><div><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSusY6_X-3Stk_yo3g0Ry7jzGtm1JBZkmo95iXiM0rXAXOAS3fHh7wng2Aq5CK7rfcAxzyPBSagivzRRWDdTJ1crngxb9bkFThINf9T1izxMHkkB3tucQEcF4JrXRJ6jPpb9RRvNt1qKw/s1600/100_1044.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547852430544372546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSusY6_X-3Stk_yo3g0Ry7jzGtm1JBZkmo95iXiM0rXAXOAS3fHh7wng2Aq5CK7rfcAxzyPBSagivzRRWDdTJ1crngxb9bkFThINf9T1izxMHkkB3tucQEcF4JrXRJ6jPpb9RRvNt1qKw/s200/100_1044.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>I liked the shoe filled so much that after she took her candy and presents from St. Nicolas out to take home with her, I refilled the shoe and put it under the Christmas trees in Christmas corner...I will have to tell you about Christmas corner later....<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Making Merry<br /></span></em></strong><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM3FAZJz7fhTJ3myqZ5MfWdLwlCYPCzGn5UGzLclUJDjcTInkeEbd4IJcqGtaa2FopNSZKKUiSee2Pjb6a61Z42r2BHV4PU74IbJdNnbGI4NYtunHCEMNHd5ETKS5lbZM8eV8JyN13lBR/s1600/100_1034.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547850428481532994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM3FAZJz7fhTJ3myqZ5MfWdLwlCYPCzGn5UGzLclUJDjcTInkeEbd4IJcqGtaa2FopNSZKKUiSee2Pjb6a61Z42r2BHV4PU74IbJdNnbGI4NYtunHCEMNHd5ETKS5lbZM8eV8JyN13lBR/s200/100_1034.JPG" /></a> I'm so lucky that AH is Mr. Holiday...even on my days when I don't feel so well and spend the day in bed, he continues.... My Christmas wish is that everyone who may not be feeling well this month would have a holiday person in their life to surround them with the magic of this season. Some how, some way, it just makes you feel better , at least a little.... To the left is a platter of gingerbread ornaments waiting for the ribbon so they could be hung on the tree...AH put the ribbon in them last night and they look awesome on the trees in Christmas corner.<br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Popcorn and Cranberry Strings and Monster Cookies</span></em></strong></div><br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547850416534376434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTLDUdVezd46rZ7mNZeILBshYBBXpYG55vWSyal1C_irq8Epu9pX5tuqs_S6Azfb7BP3jO-ztzTeWlWEmidsE20uTHwkPus-FnlhIp_NM0Bs-Ex_YXDnMsoWjKnvzjoOpB7bBfeWceAgC/s200/100_1033.JPG" /> AH decided to sting popcorn and cranberry's Saturday night while he was watching holiday movies....sadly, he threw them out today because the cranberries molded????? I don't remember that happening when we made garland as children??? Does anyone have a helpful hint on this?<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOSLlyFkjTXmx1rJ3HG37O9xhfwX45MjzkehhrYFKz11vw1ZPj3d1oK2ikE6gEVewv5r8Vl7DUKHbRfB1wHvQEe0MdQwEXvjHLjWLIMoAYYxE9-uU7mSGDfgjAaTlRp7-lwZ8qK0Yrxc4/s1600/100_1031.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547850405054431794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOSLlyFkjTXmx1rJ3HG37O9xhfwX45MjzkehhrYFKz11vw1ZPj3d1oK2ikE6gEVewv5r8Vl7DUKHbRfB1wHvQEe0MdQwEXvjHLjWLIMoAYYxE9-uU7mSGDfgjAaTlRp7-lwZ8qK0Yrxc4/s200/100_1031.JPG" /></a><br />So sad for all the work he did....at least he had fun doing it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUaWYldvBJfPRHkoN-JKvaUkdh094PE9xVGoltS9SiNxgg7Jv-5Q1mfSG0AjELTIcnpfnyiKJGh3r2XMgx9ALWdZZf_78PkaG3dfYnut5iLFgQe7BE0QIF287HRFBMP4G07attNY_OfUe/s1600/100_1027.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547850408013092754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUaWYldvBJfPRHkoN-JKvaUkdh094PE9xVGoltS9SiNxgg7Jv-5Q1mfSG0AjELTIcnpfnyiKJGh3r2XMgx9ALWdZZf_78PkaG3dfYnut5iLFgQe7BE0QIF287HRFBMP4G07attNY_OfUe/s200/100_1027.JPG" /></a>Mr. Holiday also made Monster cookies Saturday night! Danger...danger...abort!!!! I've gained 5lbs of monster wieght since Saturday night...they are incredible, and that says alot because as wierd as it may sound, I've never been a fan of Monster cookies...but these were not ordinary monsters. Instead of the normal m&m's and choc. chips he threw in a whole list of items. White choc. chips, Heath bar toffee bits, almonds, pecans, red & green mini choc. chips and m&m's. I'm sure I probably left something out!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8kNJdnWJtS52LeqJnyjWAeGFIXCgOQSPyyGZ0uwNjzw9Bcb5QV_q9fNt1goNZkY30mcutO8ECHuPNPLXSHmAskJV6rc8Q_Lh9A4hppLuczSZXuRG1sbExtMZcgzD5St4G1JIZmf6gkRR/s1600/100_1020.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547413332506470178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8kNJdnWJtS52LeqJnyjWAeGFIXCgOQSPyyGZ0uwNjzw9Bcb5QV_q9fNt1goNZkY30mcutO8ECHuPNPLXSHmAskJV6rc8Q_Lh9A4hppLuczSZXuRG1sbExtMZcgzD5St4G1JIZmf6gkRR/s200/100_1020.JPG" /></a>I just had to take a pic of him doing this...and being the Christmas ham that he is...he just had to give the Vanna pose!<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Gingerbread Capers Continues and the Giveaway is getting Close</span></span></em></strong></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X4V_r9madRHNV-iXUXXCHsAl5knnUzySiurdrEVs9D7ABvAUQvFrdwme5_8W4bglynZgoY4C1jjUSQLpfiPAfiSV3my6ynjIyLH7e-kNEs2VufXfkyaPKWokmjE2hlWdB9-OpKQ-zGzC/s1600/100_0976.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547413308747690162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X4V_r9madRHNV-iXUXXCHsAl5knnUzySiurdrEVs9D7ABvAUQvFrdwme5_8W4bglynZgoY4C1jjUSQLpfiPAfiSV3my6ynjIyLH7e-kNEs2VufXfkyaPKWokmjE2hlWdB9-OpKQ-zGzC/s200/100_0976.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />AH left no candy pebble unturned...he covered it from top to bottom and all four sides!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5ixx036NSILVVjHFxzLuV2lJFOr991ZKQGjFmL0sY5u2YAVIswfOLU-T5wEskJxyEZQNBBOdj30_wrbdPm72EM2y_SyKwIxxdkblvQhbyG8UKZ0Cy9P4RxtA9ZddwstMMG-YuXQ85Ryg/s1600/100_0983.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547413316174140978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5ixx036NSILVVjHFxzLuV2lJFOr991ZKQGjFmL0sY5u2YAVIswfOLU-T5wEskJxyEZQNBBOdj30_wrbdPm72EM2y_SyKwIxxdkblvQhbyG8UKZ0Cy9P4RxtA9ZddwstMMG-YuXQ85Ryg/s200/100_0983.JPG" /></a></div><br />AH is getting so excited for the big reveal and the giveaway....he just had to put his bumble teeth in for this picture!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5ixx036NSILVVjHFxzLuV2lJFOr991ZKQGjFmL0sY5u2YAVIswfOLU-T5wEskJxyEZQNBBOdj30_wrbdPm72EM2y_SyKwIxxdkblvQhbyG8UKZ0Cy9P4RxtA9ZddwstMMG-YuXQ85Ryg/s1600/100_0983.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><div>Sleep Sweet Dear Ones.... I hope your holiday season is blessing you abundantly!</div><div>XOXO Keke<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5ixx036NSILVVjHFxzLuV2lJFOr991ZKQGjFmL0sY5u2YAVIswfOLU-T5wEskJxyEZQNBBOdj30_wrbdPm72EM2y_SyKwIxxdkblvQhbyG8UKZ0Cy9P4RxtA9ZddwstMMG-YuXQ85Ryg/s1600/100_0983.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-83482954606506195662010-12-04T10:32:00.000-08:002010-12-04T11:14:12.536-08:00Match Box Day #4 and More Gingerbread CapersMatchbox Swap Day #4 came from Valerie Williams @ <a href="http://itsanalienlife.blogspot.com/">http://itsanalienlife.blogspot.com</a><br />aka 'Mrs A' made the adorable little box below with a cute little pin for the surprise inside.<br /><br />Thanks Mrs. A and Happy Holidays to you and yours!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3xgnz_wY5TCzctgM1xhffXImtJSOMeF1GJPt__mQm9GEGqNJE_wpAD2T06dhyphenhyphenkv6eWg9Jraqhk5q05CV1w5VSzLa2t0-ObuV9N1EGspW9Ix-n00GW61l-AObAj1c8xUZO4JyZYwn0NVa/s1600/Valery+Williams+%25234.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546897975226937186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3xgnz_wY5TCzctgM1xhffXImtJSOMeF1GJPt__mQm9GEGqNJE_wpAD2T06dhyphenhyphenkv6eWg9Jraqhk5q05CV1w5VSzLa2t0-ObuV9N1EGspW9Ix-n00GW61l-AObAj1c8xUZO4JyZYwn0NVa/s320/Valery+Williams+%25234.JPG" /></a><br />___________________________________<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Gingerbread Capers continues.....<br /></span></em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZE_n_3wLabNEnE5_1SHg0AsZBTI1IsLjj-h54L4aMQB-IOhbdi5R61t6x0N3CpvHySl4_caSO6A2sc45zT1GYE1ExbQyY4s-JcYpZ0avSPTOD-EQfZblO6Hiupfw36O4QQnT7f6icm0O/s1600/100_0979.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546897964737401554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZE_n_3wLabNEnE5_1SHg0AsZBTI1IsLjj-h54L4aMQB-IOhbdi5R61t6x0N3CpvHySl4_caSO6A2sc45zT1GYE1ExbQyY4s-JcYpZ0avSPTOD-EQfZblO6Hiupfw36O4QQnT7f6icm0O/s320/100_0979.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxowyibV24iLy27oZi7WpdyrwCfAJxCoLzsgmF8j5uc7o2iywhtxUiYWmehvjuUPz_S6wQH1pGbqRuSnIidig3oUt5oxe5Cq6l9_DVCntCubG7g688aq6zeBJYM18iEzi32qk8Ir02guX/s1600/100_0972.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546897958897581570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxowyibV24iLy27oZi7WpdyrwCfAJxCoLzsgmF8j5uc7o2iywhtxUiYWmehvjuUPz_S6wQH1pGbqRuSnIidig3oUt5oxe5Cq6l9_DVCntCubG7g688aq6zeBJYM18iEzi32qk8Ir02guX/s320/100_0972.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N81pixIvLyY-xQyI-C9nSvgH9dY9nUB1cSt8VHzlDWqJl9Ec-1hDqc5smLLPzDCmNa0znMy-QLar_HXXswuNkGNVFL7seHT_5Wp4Uq3Uw0PDSRB2pJh7nA5RQHikQe2EqbAuB6RPpefz/s1600/100_0967.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546897950444124274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N81pixIvLyY-xQyI-C9nSvgH9dY9nUB1cSt8VHzlDWqJl9Ec-1hDqc5smLLPzDCmNa0znMy-QLar_HXXswuNkGNVFL7seHT_5Wp4Uq3Uw0PDSRB2pJh7nA5RQHikQe2EqbAuB6RPpefz/s320/100_0967.JPG" /></a> Mr. Holiday became obsessed with the embellishment process last night and worked on his house until 4 a.m this morning.....ugh! He kind of looks like he's scowling but it's actually the look of extreme concentration... I'm thinking he's fallen in love with the 'pastry bag', which of course really is a wonderful thing....but I watched him use it for everything even things he perhaps could have used a spoon or spatula, which was no big deal except watching him struggle every two minutes to refill his pastry bag was slightly painful...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>. Then it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurred</span> to me that of course...a pastry bag is a 'tool'...and men need tools to get the job done! ;) wink wink.... </div><div> </div><div>He's getting close to being finished... which means it's getting close to posting for the give away...</div><div>I'm so excited, I can't wait for you to see!!!</div><div> </div><div>Happy Saturday, Happy Holidays... I hope your day is blessed!</div><div> </div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span></div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /></div><div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-65804890857202636582010-12-03T12:16:00.000-08:002010-12-04T09:57:26.478-08:00Match Box Swap Day #3, Gingerbread Capers and My very first ever Giveaway!<div align="center">Below is my Matchbox #3 which came to me from Cami @ <a href="http://creatingmyselfcreatively.blogspot.com/">http://creatingmyselfcreatively.blogspot.com/</a>.</div><p align="center"><br />Thanks Cami! </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557792523422514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttkeQzVwfjxXVoSJe5R71XZamKHEFleWrNOTtq_zdvfvu4iDZB6AgpkDLVqBBnhc1hJb-EWrmxjvDP5IXfQi1tfngmg5oUxyNSO1ckwj7re_NXQPnLZOlFH7_SlvV0kj33F9Rs4MRUiXr/s320/100_0941.JPG" /> <p></p><br /><p align="center">________________________________________<br /></p><p>And guess what? Just by happenstance she recieved one from me for day #3.... posted below.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546560204305464754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ADCLf1l0w11WdY10_ymlxu7vPeW6Vi_3qyLNWf_B2Dec06PkyWjgTGKUgIC2ulORXEigBia2Qd0W3zMj9YPkq-_kq6NRfpxOYohG96c-6Y7pAR1DeYlyzyjgXaPR2dlPkWpmRA_ElWiX/s320/matchbox+sent+to+cami+%25233.jpg" /><br /></p><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Every day's</span> a new surprise and this swap as is always with 'Swap for All Seasons' has been stellar. I really don't know how Linda manages, but as I said before...she has to be the best swap hostess on the planet. I don't know what she has planned for the next one but you can be sure it will be top notch as always, so if you want to have a little fun you should go visit her site....You can find her link in my sidebar.<br /><br />__________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><p><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Gingerbread Capers:</span></em></strong></p><p></p><p>Guess what Mr. Holiday is up to now....<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZY5LZ0FZnsCtQBqU36jZNp2GKJIcg6aMKWRGMOpenpIfK6eJWh5bl0BdahxrKi-qcV6UwAei4KIykK77kVSWxFT_fJ5L3bSIUDDjCqTghlMZpj2ch1VYNVyqgy5C18NqmLehYSf3E7_Ir/s1600/100_0960.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557248285993202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZY5LZ0FZnsCtQBqU36jZNp2GKJIcg6aMKWRGMOpenpIfK6eJWh5bl0BdahxrKi-qcV6UwAei4KIykK77kVSWxFT_fJ5L3bSIUDDjCqTghlMZpj2ch1VYNVyqgy5C18NqmLehYSf3E7_Ir/s320/100_0960.JPG" /></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557235455932258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdnhta4sSNy4U6QlopmC-nPhg9oo0WR7cgic4zWkpoul54OTK69RWc6MEDySydokloDYgCpkmFRfehdzq4YRJMEY6E0rk08mFF0Mg71dQ97rtkQ5wMIBdme55LyQpg1WjVCxImcybXjI1/s320/100_0959.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557229988901538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05HGNPiVpEixKRBIjcDRIJrW1MNba8zlrwPeniDehsTSYdU2J5nw6O0gMtr1NNlKCLl42jsJUfdooIlLr2tP0mofGcARlOyGb42o4oCU-qL38F2xzMIe1oCU2wtI0LQtF9CLu7-3rtz5P/s320/100_0934.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557210178480562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAEKCEWQeqtixBvooqCL7iy8Fpv8QN9h1V8LPxk7lfyUuAjbCLmU7V94VWgi2jEijAA6R_asH58uPI6Bqy_LmKDogO2Tk3T7u4JV3SAZomiYRgwa7liWDxrEEbxx-DQYgsmvnIZ7ZtSjS/s320/100_0927.JPG" />I loaded these pics backwards...ugh! I'm just a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disheveled</span> lately....but, in honor of this being our 20<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> holiday season of making ginger bread houses, Mr. Holiday has decided to make the gingerbread house of all gingerbread houses! And I have decided to have my very first ever <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Give Away</span></strong>! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Whoo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hoo</span>!! It's about time!! My how time flys!! I can't believe it's been 20 years, and it was a blink.... I wish I had pictures of the past years...I might have a few somewhere...but when we started technology wasn't exactly what is is today.<br /><br />All you have to do to win is:<br /><br />1. Watch for me to post Mr. Holidays <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">finished</span></strong> gingerbread house and leave a comment on how you think Mr. Holiday did. This will be Mr. Holidays first gingerbread house that he made all by himself from start to finish.<br /><br /><br />2. Become a follower<br /><br />3. Mention Mr. Holidays finished house in your post once the picture is posted in Cherry Kingdom with a link back to here.<br /><br /><br />I hate to keep you guessing....because I love you all so much...but keep checking in. I will post both the prize and the finished house within the next 7 days! :)<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span> Be blessed and well!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557196683478418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-n26yYK0am54MdhpiU17Q3jEgYsUfDx45MgKMLRIOCAyLnh64cA7n4CCANEx_ji5UPEBuQw8s637jkFVGgKDRT8BTxKygdU-fwwKNYZAzSfARsfRMb7VRcb7Y3ZPsgOo5SQqKKFCXT2e/s320/100_0924.JPG" /> <p align="center">This is how it began.....<br /></p>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-1485166934868332322010-12-02T09:01:00.001-08:002010-12-04T11:50:09.494-08:00Matchbox Swap, Making Merry, Rudolph Party and Thanksgiving<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakg582cRN28ek_4WU1oy94uf4wTD-4bJcYqyuGhoAMyYcMHLah9trTy6xlhkQTYC4cwrBj4Ez84uSc0r1tKLK1rBOaNoR9hki5gWeQwlQ-jespCsb6wRRmnmwVhnN1j84xEyd363daoN-/s1600/Matchbox+sent+1.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546156104207114834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakg582cRN28ek_4WU1oy94uf4wTD-4bJcYqyuGhoAMyYcMHLah9trTy6xlhkQTYC4cwrBj4Ez84uSc0r1tKLK1rBOaNoR9hki5gWeQwlQ-jespCsb6wRRmnmwVhnN1j84xEyd363daoN-/s400/Matchbox+sent+1.bmp" /></a><br /><div>Remember my Matchbox Swap.... Well as the first day of Christmas month is upon us, it is time to start posting... I'm a day behind already...but hopefully I will stay on track from this day forward... The matchbox above is the one I made and sent. Lucky for me Genie, a teacher from Lexington, VA was thoughtful and posted a thank you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">msg</span>. so I could see where it went and capture a pic. (I love teachers! It has been my experience that almost all teachers I've met always seems to have an extra gene of thoughtfulness...) I can't believe I forgot to take pics of my boxes before I sent them... ugh-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">dah</span>! The little pin I put inside the box was a new invention and I absolutely love how they turned out.... It's hard to see in the pic, but they really were yummy!</div><div>You can find Genie here: <a href="http://buttonsforbaga.blogspot.com/">http://buttonsforbaga.blogspot.com/</a></div><div>For me, participating in these swaps bring friends both coming and going...meaning I can't decide what I love more, seeing where my gifts came from or where they went to. None the less, Genie has a sweet little blog and you should jump on over and check it out....</div><br /><div></div><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Matchbox #2<br /></span></strong><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhZCndpnjyYEgbKz8vNaq3fn191xjYuqnuuEJVsr8M5CCV6HUzKUYIWQPAcnbuVGsHVxGfJ3epsHRR_kDSGG61PVeSIX7PijmxGgLEZk8BhaHO611IGX61YHzVXABEFxGhP4RVUD8fLlC/s1600/Jenny+Sellars+%25232.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546155046880890210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhZCndpnjyYEgbKz8vNaq3fn191xjYuqnuuEJVsr8M5CCV6HUzKUYIWQPAcnbuVGsHVxGfJ3epsHRR_kDSGG61PVeSIX7PijmxGgLEZk8BhaHO611IGX61YHzVXABEFxGhP4RVUD8fLlC/s400/Jenny+Sellars+%25232.JPG" /></a> On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me... a match box with a silver star for my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> tree.... Thanks Jenny <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sellars</span>! You can find Jenny @ <a href="http://theredbulletinboard.blogspot.com/">http://theredbulletinboard.blogspot.com/</a></div><div></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Matchbox #1<br /><br /></span></em></strong><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiGOTkEoFykIlSFYU5AEKGONNuw7_usmPa5LipOYTg-xiv5R_HSdLxG71C2qEw9soHUvT2TDH6E28vBKCmDXeDArSnMVQKRmpIcS8mNxGCUkTAVerHCcRzNPiYs8VCZ7SqltR7eGj5G_w/s1600/Jill+Doyle+%25231.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546155040699316626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiGOTkEoFykIlSFYU5AEKGONNuw7_usmPa5LipOYTg-xiv5R_HSdLxG71C2qEw9soHUvT2TDH6E28vBKCmDXeDArSnMVQKRmpIcS8mNxGCUkTAVerHCcRzNPiYs8VCZ7SqltR7eGj5G_w/s400/Jill+Doyle+%25231.JPG" /></a> This matchbox came to me from Jill Doyle... Such <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">yumminess</span>, so well put together...so many little details she gave her attention to. One of the most challenging things for me in putting the boxes together was trying to creatively add a number to ea. box without making it look <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">junky</span>...Jill's idea with the little tag on the ribbon was awesome!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IUPto0fNONjA0BBBxIpYOYWiGrPfjbIwoG8Td8yEs8e4W9L5CvDiSTX5c9LDqhMrTce8oZ7WOkCuL7MnetNpviw12gnTvlIzq2v7pebmzw49K8bSMENOVj3V7sxWtJwDlOIAIZ5UFbQx/s1600/100_0938.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546155036082699810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IUPto0fNONjA0BBBxIpYOYWiGrPfjbIwoG8Td8yEs8e4W9L5CvDiSTX5c9LDqhMrTce8oZ7WOkCuL7MnetNpviw12gnTvlIzq2v7pebmzw49K8bSMENOVj3V7sxWtJwDlOIAIZ5UFbQx/s400/100_0938.JPG" /></a> The second biggest challenge was trying to come up with 25 little yum <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">yums</span> that would fit inside the small matchboxes....how cute is this little paperclip with a classic button? I want to make a 100 more for myself and gifts. Simple but yummy and again, put together so well. I so appreciate it! Thanks Jill! You can find Jill @ <a href="http://file-under-misc.blogspot.com/">http://file-under-misc.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">___________________________________</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jingle On It's Way....<br /></span></em></strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-S5sOki8OvViw57PnBm9e63BHm0voyKPcHOZ4ZosDAw7S5pydJ-g-we52L9AnPfL4jCtKwwE18DZEm9V3g3KDvYQsk-JKBioy__c8VaAe65BToqcjHY9MNteh1QDfjBsHlI4ERrhBl39/s1600/100_0866.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546143043375461682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-S5sOki8OvViw57PnBm9e63BHm0voyKPcHOZ4ZosDAw7S5pydJ-g-we52L9AnPfL4jCtKwwE18DZEm9V3g3KDvYQsk-JKBioy__c8VaAe65BToqcjHY9MNteh1QDfjBsHlI4ERrhBl39/s200/100_0866.JPG" /></a><br />Baby girl was kind enough to model the apron I made for my MIL....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRsXIBsVBVC0ttF22TF0Sbrrp-6-XnO2dPjHis3FPvgugF_LEeNyOb0n4iFFKiii6mdh4OSkr2PNSCcQA3AgYmr27AkGPS_qHXSYaojFJM9rXPmGkNVayRwZdvP1UkGXRQSqgw1kdm5XY/s1600/100_0868.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546143024199056018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRsXIBsVBVC0ttF22TF0Sbrrp-6-XnO2dPjHis3FPvgugF_LEeNyOb0n4iFFKiii6mdh4OSkr2PNSCcQA3AgYmr27AkGPS_qHXSYaojFJM9rXPmGkNVayRwZdvP1UkGXRQSqgw1kdm5XY/s200/100_0868.JPG" /></a><br />I'm so sad my camera is so crappy!</div><div>The apron is a Charlie Brown print with snoopy and candy cane stripes. On one of my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">MIL's</span> visits we took her to the Snoopy Museum and she absolutely loved it...so did we actually, it was pretty awesome.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO2_M0r5j-heMFoYhclAvnKkMgMTqRtQoIUIHQafpcVLvEuWi9sf9TohskIH6Ctxm5XeDKSaWV-6XydY1rxUNr1mg8DWPf58lFbjwNHcGEAQKypcOISzaDx4HW3HFciXzOWzVUFllOnJt/s1600/100_0873.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546143017732365890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO2_M0r5j-heMFoYhclAvnKkMgMTqRtQoIUIHQafpcVLvEuWi9sf9TohskIH6Ctxm5XeDKSaWV-6XydY1rxUNr1mg8DWPf58lFbjwNHcGEAQKypcOISzaDx4HW3HFciXzOWzVUFllOnJt/s200/100_0873.JPG" /></a>The museum gave me a new appreciation for the talent of Charles <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shultz</span>...I always liked the snoopy comics and the holiday cartoons but never imagined the scope of his talent. If you ever find yourself in Oz, it's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> worth the visit. In any case, AH and I have been getting a kick out of the fact that every since we took her to this museum, she acts as if she knows Charles <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shultz</span> personally... it's really kind of cute. It worked out wonderfully, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Halmark</span> has a really cute <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">animatronic</span> snoopy and piano...(I'm not a big fan of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">animatronics</span>, but this one was of really good quality and played really well.) My MIL however loves <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">animatronics</span>, and last year she made a point to tell me at least 10 times while they were here that she had only ever had one apron in her 75 yrs. on this earth, that her aunt had given her one but that was yrs. ago. I had made baby girl a cute little pink apron to go with a pie cookbook that I had gotten her for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> when my MIL was here...and the for rest of her visit, and all last yr when she talked to AH on the phone that's all she's talked about... The pics don't do it justice, but it please AH that I made this for his mother and I hope she likes it as much as he did. In any case, while I like to get her something she would like, the fact that it pleased AH so much is good for me.</div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">__________________________________</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">It Wouldn't be Christmas without a Cat in the Tree...<br /></span></em></strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA7TgMD2rK8KLuhIYt9YVGwid81O0lsxs42CVStLaBQabZ33l25oUZFRC6BfmBZQSxbpoCDqLp8KjCwudD25rGr47y89wOR1CdJ4ieUh0T1HeqyeTS4hH6lMrN6PZz5oXcKgMhKkfHJdR/s1600/100_0830.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546143013740757378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA7TgMD2rK8KLuhIYt9YVGwid81O0lsxs42CVStLaBQabZ33l25oUZFRC6BfmBZQSxbpoCDqLp8KjCwudD25rGr47y89wOR1CdJ4ieUh0T1HeqyeTS4hH6lMrN6PZz5oXcKgMhKkfHJdR/s200/100_0830.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ummm</span>....just one problem...I don't think it's as funny as AH thinks it is...I really like my silver retro tree and would really like her little big bottom to not bend my branches!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">__________________________________<br /></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Mr. Holiday Rocks Out...<br /></span></em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM1ScZUBFAPRPfROVdIXPbeWVA0rQ0TkwEgD4DZrH9f2SzhuT5oYK2tVBKFIvgBEm_uVS-_jN8RQ4vFvjrhiKGpdCri3ObAiCI6wCAbgWBCJwB-EQrmbvnfB4ycUyeBIcLOT7tCaAKV18/s1600/100_0819.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546143008835679762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM1ScZUBFAPRPfROVdIXPbeWVA0rQ0TkwEgD4DZrH9f2SzhuT5oYK2tVBKFIvgBEm_uVS-_jN8RQ4vFvjrhiKGpdCri3ObAiCI6wCAbgWBCJwB-EQrmbvnfB4ycUyeBIcLOT7tCaAKV18/s200/100_0819.JPG" /></a><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>...AH has a collection of hats he can pull out depending on which Christmas character he feels like being.... however, the rock-n-roll Santa glasses with white fake fuzzy sideburns maybe taking it a little too far!<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">___________________________________</span></em></strong></div><div><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rudolph Party...<br /></span></em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZUdV-fJOxw84D1kg3C_gV2_WE_idbg-I5_lH76rQja0Lbd_uYdD5wnBV0fLoGhp2WKdqyRWuDztO7XnrhAHKYuzooq1D8O6bAk_aoLs9CdQXeJM1fOhl7SQbe3X_u74Q-KVzH7hJR8-H/s1600/100_0801.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546139459976581042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZUdV-fJOxw84D1kg3C_gV2_WE_idbg-I5_lH76rQja0Lbd_uYdD5wnBV0fLoGhp2WKdqyRWuDztO7XnrhAHKYuzooq1D8O6bAk_aoLs9CdQXeJM1fOhl7SQbe3X_u74Q-KVzH7hJR8-H/s320/100_0801.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>Evey since the kids were small we would always have a Rudolph party the day after Thanksgiving...The idea was to make up for not being home on Thanksgiving celebrating together because we always had the obligation of running around to both sides of our family on Thanksgiving day...The Rudolph party was our little family's way of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">cozying</span> in together and celebrating our thankfulness for one another in the warmth of our own home. Now that the kids are older I think they kind of feel silly, antler headbands, light up noses, baking cookies and of course watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer...<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4f1QaIMAHLuJwujILOr1-ttt04ZkPnKArnTkbBG7GlXBx-By2LhD9huAQdzTZkLNharDlJ1_m3r1iYjQ76gi5hHwy8nIGBVfOaXO8Jxjv7E-E6uZi90StDw_OYcdBwzzfRj8F6pQ88Z-/s1600/100_0796.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546139447599926690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4f1QaIMAHLuJwujILOr1-ttt04ZkPnKArnTkbBG7GlXBx-By2LhD9huAQdzTZkLNharDlJ1_m3r1iYjQ76gi5hHwy8nIGBVfOaXO8Jxjv7E-E6uZi90StDw_OYcdBwzzfRj8F6pQ88Z-/s320/100_0796.JPG" /></a><br />This year AH was a "Bumble", <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hence</span> the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">scary</span> teeth...but his rock-n-roll Santa glasses are kind of throwing off his '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">bumbleness</span>'.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">___________________________________<br /></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Thanksgiving Day....</span></em></strong></div><div><br />The pie cookbook I bought baby girl last year really paid of in spades on Thanksgiving day this year.... Look what she brought...mmmmm....mmmmm is all I can say! I was so proud of her, the crust was the perfect <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">flakiness</span> and the filling was so rich and nutty!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yummo</span>, it was the best pie I think I've ever had! And look how pretty she made the top.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IevmPN8Id5cBhfLUW_dampXQmgn_jfrpeiBQvZpWWipV7DrAakcr0bY6747-3R-xk2r9dHyzAnfz_8PpJlkGHoA0FgMA1cMLYgu4R6EIMn2HkOh-ovxLj13u2Zx2ofhprhSVBHTdbJmv/s1600/100_0746.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546137875349140338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IevmPN8Id5cBhfLUW_dampXQmgn_jfrpeiBQvZpWWipV7DrAakcr0bY6747-3R-xk2r9dHyzAnfz_8PpJlkGHoA0FgMA1cMLYgu4R6EIMn2HkOh-ovxLj13u2Zx2ofhprhSVBHTdbJmv/s320/100_0746.JPG" /></a><br />Sometimes the holidays bring about an empty nest feeling for me...I was telling baby girl a few weeks ago how much I missed hearing the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">pitter</span> patter of their little feet running for the kitchen in the morning, their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">shiney</span> noses peeking around the corner to see what yummy goodness was being cooked up in the kitchen, their squeals of delight. She said, "but I'm still here mom". I know, but it's not the same, she wakes up at a different house now... and lets not forget hands traced around on construction paper and paper pilgrim hats....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V0Fhe3dF8Z2e2_JpDSv_bMDlQuOMPOt2URafBQTvrKcZ7kRTS81q0CEEd5ZYbkD7vH7L6jPektN8JKn4Ft_p1SRCUpLWCnXmcueFw58wd-zOnWij27AGLFfOdxLzoiqVooC30JqZ61u9/s1600/100_0744.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546137866748357378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V0Fhe3dF8Z2e2_JpDSv_bMDlQuOMPOt2URafBQTvrKcZ7kRTS81q0CEEd5ZYbkD7vH7L6jPektN8JKn4Ft_p1SRCUpLWCnXmcueFw58wd-zOnWij27AGLFfOdxLzoiqVooC30JqZ61u9/s320/100_0744.JPG" /></a><br />So...on Thanksgiving morning bright and early look who was knocking on my door for breakfast....</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKohZuCPpgJaJLp8maUMV32_Q8PRvm_KJi_nHNlkb1jrODZ7teXVIG3iSdfak2Ehv_nEazotAvUzHsgy7Nw18DpEBXufd8Ya1hvPPH0iDSdQLWQUbi_nd5EtOQ1s28lIa_NT3FQmDIyOt/s1600/100_0743.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546137858183601154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKohZuCPpgJaJLp8maUMV32_Q8PRvm_KJi_nHNlkb1jrODZ7teXVIG3iSdfak2Ehv_nEazotAvUzHsgy7Nw18DpEBXufd8Ya1hvPPH0iDSdQLWQUbi_nd5EtOQ1s28lIa_NT3FQmDIyOt/s320/100_0743.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>A cute little pilgrim girl, paper hat and all...and yes she even gave me a little squeal and then we both laughed really hard....<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546136254944605234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyl-7oQe7PMx9F5hEfXZzJZeU5UWN_9jCW2X37YcitV_WrXpx151CgEFYwIV4MSTm80KvkGB-pZkhnoEC5qa6qhnbAyefgOkORxNM56Y9QNmWlSB0k2SYXiEUa6KmtqghLTs6EbUokyIr/s200/100_0755.JPG" />And then we had breakfast together...before she had to go to her BF family Thanksgiving meal..I hate to be selfish...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>But I liked it better when I didn't have to share.... however, I'd always told the kids that their holidays would be their holidays to spend how they chose and I would never make them feel guilty or try to manipulate their emotions so that they would feel as AH and I did when they were small. Put up or Shut up time...kind of wishing I would have shut up! But that's not very nice of me now is it....</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546136244282239858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLtOy4YaTFPeQVFL-MiBecw6OfR8BQ3ZDOsNphF9HrroKhxajHrAZI7ztV8KryeE4h4copW_S4jE2cCPx-4CI8GYKhZR7NPa7yc7MbD-k1S0qD94Ymmd_34TPrOn4ppA647w1GofRAHIH/s200/100_0747.JPG" /></div><div>Besides...I still have AH, and my favorite thing on the holiday is that he cooks with me... We've always worked well and seamlessly together on projects and I love this about us.</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546136228290497826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZ1E8QV0ntZ70Yq_-xfatFUn2S_YeGUNDsk0QhVCBdz7_M3PI81KdVBSIewekea2l5WvKJzT8OQtD7dOScxYte6_Ahw3af-XpPX3uM7oufRO9RcZuoQLlz-ky74V4zd9wvflW7kn_sIRP/s200/100_0774.JPG" />Not to mention, Mr. Holiday wears a turkey hat when he carves our turkey.... but wistfully it was a quiet afternoon with just the two of us.... </div><div></div><div>I hope you and yours had a blessed Thanksgiving... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">XO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-55395146570188529392010-11-23T10:12:00.000-08:002010-11-24T02:25:03.703-08:00Don't Buy Brown and ServeAs promised...the homemade bread recipe...I will be making this recipe into rolls for Thanksgiving instead of the usual brown and serve or rolls of that type because it is so worth the very small effort that it takes to make....Mr. Holiday aka AH will be swooning again....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDCI4lhuBiT6E6rb4SAko1Xokqw_D70UcdJ7AX5gHuzziy3zIi3xXyImnEa4_Cd4m5OY6SvlF6HJAILKoKo4JEEc4bC1qK_dz9h-OLHny_U_9L1QkGGP-LI-q5Ofck36mId-mSNRLiJk-/s1600/Bread-794664.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542813397610234658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDCI4lhuBiT6E6rb4SAko1Xokqw_D70UcdJ7AX5gHuzziy3zIi3xXyImnEa4_Cd4m5OY6SvlF6HJAILKoKo4JEEc4bC1qK_dz9h-OLHny_U_9L1QkGGP-LI-q5Ofck36mId-mSNRLiJk-/s400/Bread-794664.jpg" /></a><br /><p>Amish White Bread<br /></p><ul><li>2 c.of warm water</li><li>1/3 c. of white sugar</li><li>1 1/2 T active dry yeast</li><li>1 1/2 tsp of salt</li><li>1/4 c. of vegtable oil</li><li>6 c. of bread flour <span style="font-size:85%;">( I didn't have bread flour...and all purpose still made awesome bread)<br /></span></li></ul><br /><p>In a large bowl mix the warm water and sugar until sugar is disolved. <span style="font-size:85%;">( it really only took a couple of minutes, it wasn't completely disolved and it was ok because the yeast still needed to proof which took about another 5 min.) <br /></span>Add in yeast and allow to proof <span style="font-size:85%;">( which basically means it will get foamy and have air bubbles.)</span></p><p>Mix in salt and oil into the yeast mixture. </p><p>Add in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough lightly... <span style="font-size:85%;">(at this point I wasn't feeling well enough and AH did it for me...he only kneaded the dough for maybe five minutes at the most.)</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><p>Place in a well oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth in a warm place until doubled in size...(<span style="font-size:85%;"> mine took about 45 min.) </span> Punch down, knead lightly, form into your loafs or rolls, place in your oiled pans and let rise approx. 30 min. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.</p><p>Minus the time for it to rise, which really doesn't count because it's not like you stand there and watch it, this recipe really only took about 15 minutes max to put together and it's really worth the effort.... I hope you'll try it and see just how easy and yummy it is... it has really encouraged me to try other bread recipes and I'm a huge foody so I'm not sure why I never did before...probably because of the myth that making bread is too much work...it's really not true, at least in this case and as I move to try to put more natural food into my body for health reasons this is one more thing that I can pretty easily do... :) Not to mention there's just something so comforting and satisfying about having bread baking in your oven that didn't come from the freezer section.... The original recipe called for 2/3 c. of sugar, I cut it down to 1/3 and for my Thanksgiving rolls I think I'm going to try omitting it all together. I'm working on cutting out all white food from my diet....now thats a daunting task!!</p><p>Changing gears...I would like to introduce you to blueberry...he's the latest newborn to come to our family.... He's a gracious little pony, but he is a little melancholy because he doesn't have stripes ( he thinks he's a zebra) and he's worried that blue makes his butt look big....I've tried to explain that he's beautifully and wonderfully made but I don't think he's come to full acceptance of this yet. Poor blueberry, I hope that he will be able to love himself for who he truly is soon... it's so hard to watch him struggle with self acceptance.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812258255933970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL13KxKRgCONDXWKfLzUUKfAkKX3qBOWz_HZSv79Y_FxaUP7eY_OpMYR7epAzAnR9tUQ10u5JQc28X_qOyDc6KpwIMa9zJ9EsVyMY_G_R2Fukfz_DXMawUyx_s1vwm_b6knTRXfPcuAxKp/s400/Blueberry+and+Ms+Itty+Bitty.JPG" /></p><br /><p>In the pic above Blueberry and Ms. Itty Bitty was enjoying a little quiet time to themselves...</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812236405907362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSd64FXZs_LJrVJf23Udxu9n3WcyP6XWsY3I8aMxQ82Aw1WDKcJdQUSVTgxaZBaCIIYvvQGIXPncvEf6bwZrcJ39U2augFNewTqzkOW3eht8UWRcOhhBEPuhxmwFybys4QAlw3lQPaXa4/s400/The+mad+hare+and+his+christmas+tree.JPG" /><br />Oh....and the Mad Christmas Hare is more out of control than ever....I've stopped counting how many times he's moved his tree....I've given up and wonder if he's just high strung and has nothing better to do with his energy....he is sort of nervous and jittery all the time....</p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812225764633330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H5G-EVv0Md6XFY2bEUYyUSTvyWiXD2Muda0KAt0mMq7akD8cPcb6lCFZ1obmc13PhYcJleybTI1W_zQZ9EzcfkAbFK2wGo72LVstOrPrOVx4z1iDjErDZ8XwFtM6T0RhGqyEV0QHbiTo/s400/The+whole+family+of+friends.JPG" /><br /><div> Above is another family picture with the newest members...oh how they all seem to enjoy each other and get along so well, considering their vast individual personality traits...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 379px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812209541593090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sqE6PJFbAuwQSo5K7hzT_9LCgNZ98niyfrfyN9dXA-A1SV16YWlt734fI5XdodJ12golPfFi1Id-Imb2ZFDfF-f2PF6pTR7Pl3tOyxZls0hE8yXINMwZ85iVJZJSAmlLT3KWCzx85Gqn/s400/MJ+and+wooley+friends.jpg" /><br /><div> So funny....while getting together for a family picture, MJ couldn't help herself and decided to get in the picture...she is such a naughty kitty most of the time that I thought she was jumping on the stool to grab one of them...instead she laid perfectly behind as you can see in the pic above.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542812218092281362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgse9_XbZrNeaxujtk0EEKKUWh578StIHrGkKO7ZYIeRdIvBjpUISop9BQzbrS9FlBx_HjJMTiQiRP9iZODwVnNeVcoPW-oWipYK3VdjZby677FqktiM97ydCJZqJru_x8OEst4BPwKROj/s400/MJ+napping+with+her+flea.JPG" />And I just had to post this pic of MJ that Mr. Holiday had taken, she's all tuckered out and sleeping with her pet flea.... I don't know if I told you, MJ is Mr. Holiday's third child...seriously! I think it's a 'Godfather' thing...(you know, the movie), none the less I'm sure she is the most spoiled pet on the planet!</div><div> </div><div>I have so much more I wanted to tell you...but I'm too pooped out right now so I'll have to save it for morning...Until then...I just want to say I am so thankful for you and I hope you are blessed beyond anything our minds could concieve!</div><div> </div><div>XOXO Keke</div><div>P.S. It is only 30 degrees outside tonight and we are all on 'snow' watch... so much for 'Sunny CA!!!)<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-74411582033155150622010-11-16T22:39:00.000-08:002010-11-21T01:07:45.953-08:00Sugar Plums, New Friends....and shhh...lets just forget September.Meet my new friends...I can't remember if I mentioned, but last December when Mitzi came for the wedding she gave me a crash course in needle felting. We were in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loveliest</span> hotel on the pier in San Francisco, the night before she was to fly back home. We had gone to the city the night before because she had a much too early flight. We spent a lovely evening window shopping in the city, drinking cocoa, exchanging our Christmas gifts and her showing me how to needle felt as we sat on our beds in the hotel room (she also taught me how to wet felt with a bar of guest soap in the hotel bathroom)....Thinking about it now, I don't know how she had an ounce of energy left to show me and I'm shocked that I retained anything at all .... selfishly, I wish we could repeat our stay at this hotel five days before Christmas this year.... minus the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">exhausten</span> and the early morning flight. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541719946689564338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAu9c2OPcolr-fueGPQuWdu_zoT3N-pqZRGwc2PdrhMH-TlTjcizoesuuK8_swODlJ6E3p5_lp__nCy_zG2MAOxFLxKc0Bem4ISCJBishKAiAVOtQe9W-cMSa3bUtWdTT2F8IdDm0-Dvl/s400/042.JPG" /><br /><p>Please note that my new camera needs to be returned, it takes such awful pics and it really doesn't do justice to how cute my new friends really are, however, I'm happy to introduce you to... </p><p>Dough dough the Christmas bird (he is a royal). Harry (yes I know an unlikely name for an elf). The mad Christmas hare with his snowman tie... and in front, please meet "Plum". If you wish to speak with her you'll have to use sign language because unfortunately she's deaf due to a lack of enough periwinkle blue wool to finish her ears.... </p><p>Poor, poor Plum, and she is the sweetest one of them all... hopefully tomorrow I can introduce you to a few more new friends as new ones are born each day, just in time to be adopted by way of gifts in time for Christmas. The original intent was to put a string in the top for ornaments....but as they sort of, kind of, start to come to life...I'm rethinking...I'm also selfishly trying to decide if I can even give them up for adoption now.... </p><p>Today brought "Bitty", that would be 'Ms. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Itty</span> Bitty', who is a precocious pink wiener dog with white polka dots. Ms. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Itty</span> Bitty made fast friends with Little Miss Plum, as I knew she would because Plum is a friend to all.... Harry however thinks Ms. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Itty</span> Bitty is his pet pooch and you can imagine the upset around my house today as Ms. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Itty</span> Bitty let him know straight away that she is '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nobodies</span>' pet! As the tantrum ensued, dough dough bird just sat quietly eating his gingerbread cookies and the mad hare stood stoically pondering the placement of the Christmas tree, which he has moved and rearranged at least ten times already...he really is quite mad! </p><p>This last week has also brought a new bread recipe... AH thought he was in Heaven and I had every intention of sharing it with you...but as it's quite late, it will have to wait until tomorrow.<br /><br /></p><br />Just a pinch more of catch up....September brought baby girls 23rd birthday. Pictured below is the birthday girl complete with her pearls and sash...and my big boy and his wife.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541721008444189410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB_OEjCqRu3UcHEKyHzY1dSHM6GMiwzsbjiPy_x_z4V6ZusRqejFFWqfRcvY5M-wvbKK_5QjOjWq165A7RR2zwfj7Oo2iXb33P6a6YDCufofY6l5ehNeUBXNv7D6jhJ4rsVYSWhEAZSMG/s400/013.JPG" /><br />A few days later brought literally three weeks worth of misery for baby girl.... there were moments that I really didn't think either one of us was to live through this one... What seemed to be a typical visit to the oral surgeon turned into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">trauma</span> and visits back to his office every other day...literally, I'm not kidding....thankfully she is all better now, but lets just write this last September right off the books...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YMcJYtoQ8wUE198uFtXCmsHNUG_o4fo_be49rfQXZmsFDBL9YNmWjUL0sPY-XA09yR3QLyfJVP7IPMOUGcRe7-QMjquf8Cpvg4-yN1XGH7UHudv9s1Js5-c_doO6gZ8oS3PKfXFdRS3o/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541721023460855298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YMcJYtoQ8wUE198uFtXCmsHNUG_o4fo_be49rfQXZmsFDBL9YNmWjUL0sPY-XA09yR3QLyfJVP7IPMOUGcRe7-QMjquf8Cpvg4-yN1XGH7UHudv9s1Js5-c_doO6gZ8oS3PKfXFdRS3o/s400/017.JPG" /></a> There was a little bit of irony and grins however....her oral surgeons name was Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Choo</span>.... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>, that doesn't happen everyday....<br /><br />Sleep Sweet Dear Ones...<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-45010039432363754022010-11-15T20:26:00.000-08:002010-11-20T12:17:14.764-08:00More sugarplums.... with a pinch of catch up.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSypIzBp_RYo6BYiQfGJuf_igFqovvQt13OsnzRtxQIMQv1_YL6YTnlsvZ6nM31y2pzEH6PVTaFJMretMWzAoyib0eGEQKFy0-XO4KGyGZkrq1sS0hgiLtj-f7k39zieOwuBNASxjBDs7/s1600/Blog+along+matchbox+badge"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540031677314954722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSypIzBp_RYo6BYiQfGJuf_igFqovvQt13OsnzRtxQIMQv1_YL6YTnlsvZ6nM31y2pzEH6PVTaFJMretMWzAoyib0eGEQKFy0-XO4KGyGZkrq1sS0hgiLtj-f7k39zieOwuBNASxjBDs7/s400/Blog+along+matchbox+badge" /></a> Remember the matchbox swap...well I received my swap back. Twenty five little boxes filled with tiny little gifts. No matter how good my intentions are to post everyday, inevitably each day passes with a blank page yearning to be written. The last time I had spoke with Mitzi about my dismay, she said, "don't worry about catching up, just go forward, always go forward..." Good advice. But somethings are worth being remembered.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu_1vn297FX_1MFL-gnakG_leTW1WlnrAmidRuHVVHYeFc42LrcGG_38C19cKCS7t8vo_9UZaRFtV8YCl2SoO9iHeHR1uQckXMnDCeM7whUSo9FMMCgaUjo8EUEx2DUzAsB-yqEqxC-uU/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540031674931499170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu_1vn297FX_1MFL-gnakG_leTW1WlnrAmidRuHVVHYeFc42LrcGG_38C19cKCS7t8vo_9UZaRFtV8YCl2SoO9iHeHR1uQckXMnDCeM7whUSo9FMMCgaUjo8EUEx2DUzAsB-yqEqxC-uU/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a> Sugar plums are still dancing in my head.... I've started little odds and ends of Christmas <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">yummies</span> to be given if I manage the fantastical feat of finishing them in between my down times. But first...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiORbOY5-ixruXYHvxlHb-jWhG2U38hkSK5mSpkCU7qvEUhoP5aBA9YJUrGYUGKY70tziKrZJT2VufRN-VlmxUFfpuqddJ5Zm9KpUJJGLSljD5Oeqjk3BWqopKt3q4rc_ZwqkPjHEUMUt/s1600/Halloween+2010+%252834%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540028503047181618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiORbOY5-ixruXYHvxlHb-jWhG2U38hkSK5mSpkCU7qvEUhoP5aBA9YJUrGYUGKY70tziKrZJT2VufRN-VlmxUFfpuqddJ5Zm9KpUJJGLSljD5Oeqjk3BWqopKt3q4rc_ZwqkPjHEUMUt/s400/Halloween+2010+%252834%2529.JPG" /></a> The end of October brought AH to his alter ego... "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spiderman</span>". AH has been in love with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spiderman</span> since he was a little boy...and now he has become "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spiderman</span>". I wish you could have heard the delights of all the little boys telling AH, "I love you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spiderman</span>", "Hi, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spiderman</span>!", "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spiderman</span>, your awesome." You can imagine how this made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">AH's</span> heart soar.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540027633096432498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCor_UipXweeg1GZZwBO6ck1h5jY4ifk7NFN53krxrpV0HixqDkb-AsP8TuV4Y6ti-Mu_rvn9hscZSLx_I_Ba8fPhMwIy_9jZvxsBcTzzux9q5ItV7OjlvTdTiiz7EFx1E_wOMFJnAz22H/s400/SF+Giants+Program.jpg" />World Series week brought excitement, cheering, moaning, jumping up and down and all various sorts of chaos to my living room. I wish you could have seen AH...I'm still giggling about his shouts of victory as the "Giants" brought home the World Series trophy...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZiZ4ofTIzHxqrrmQMTI7QTgnGMpPpib3qN9eDMsks4aTfJRVf6B3jZOd3YUoXAySvaeMfn4cM1sUcNSb9Ao-zxwvojfHG3ydks-_v_W0DGE2aiCMBUCxx2jUCvnchJlrb72cmuje8MJ7/s1600/Halloween+2010+%252840%2529.JPG"></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540027633769421922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEaqMypLTODZ_MModjnZokIVYqNWVl1BDKKFW1Vq3KEksmMle915DPwLUILezM7WiaMWGJG0YkVq4UvOnjCO2ARhuZBvZ4o_Sca0YfEaHRaSUAvGsJiSNIseIdWDMTvwaZsNafjVVWyE4/s400/Giants+World+Series+2010+%252817%2529.JPG" /><br /><div>And then there was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">AH's</span> favorite Giant, known in our house as "Timmy".<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540000150252809522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwm7d5_JiI5q7SwK7txMAbHN8c3IoSQrOnLtMl-ynvDLJYKgc8W_1cG9Jw708UC0w1IdgtMBS-ZA6YuMGXnQS8kdYJ6k8TT-h6BknbiGu5UAE7E7kygUdRO-NP7lPpdYaxA883bhLFWZi/s400/LMChristmas+paper+dolls.jpg" /><br />But in between spider treats and baseball dreams sugar plums still dance in my head...<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540000122699824530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScG54Ct4yKT0f8varhS3QkLRLFJhGLZjfxH8ycwPvfNM52bPs748n0FH-6aZwpxOHYRf1RJtrcJXZRhZuKHU5t7ZZjTV2VuEqbmS8nwPdD78VPg6Xuvm1MhxiIHKzMkk7RjSW-dfCbzGa/s400/Christmas+cookies+in+a+tube.jpg" />Who would like to get a roll of cookies in the mail? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHG</span> has wonderful holiday recipes and gift ideas on their website right now....<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540000113643749554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CC3N-Ig_-Fr6qGd7bTvfrNzczeMpgGcMs_93cfmR3gWaBRUFxahw6zSJw1KYClEu1pfPyq0B-56p-wjx4dwflFaqiDbNFVQTJ43payOYFiZ63SF344KlY_v0TjuhWlfmWD7C6sgKB8kd/s400/Christmas+cheese+straws.jpg" /><br />Or how about a little envelope of cheese straws laid on each guest plate? Maybe even for Thanksgiving...maybe instead of old paper, maybe a note telling each loved one around your table why you are so grateful for their presence. That envelope above actually looks more like a sheet of parchment neatly wrapped around the cheese straws. So much inspiration, so little time... which is why a girl whose never made a list in her life is making one this year. One for Thanksgiving, one for Christmas.... Little things done each day no matter how small...that way when the big day comes I'll be totally organized and if AH or baby girl needs to step in for me it will be totally laid out for them. And that my friends will make Merry!<br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540000107074543522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsLvon6_8W0y3quXQ3sZZgIoWiZZCYR3jfXiLs59VpMgIP2TX_vPHLqdGLpoUSlyHz0rW9F9AA5X0Y6MBYV5cSUpTW1d9yN5cIxHBNHgKND_TuQTSd19VmVH7AcP5hyphenhyphenPHt0PSQPNie-Ks/s400/Beautiful+sugar+cookies+in+a+cd+jacket.jpg" /><br />Check out another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHG</span> inspiration above. How darling, CD jackets with a beautifully adorned cookie on the inside peeking out the window. How nice would this be for a teacher, mailman, your favorite grocery store clerk, co worker or maybe an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">acquaintance</span> that you just feel like doing a little something for. I'm in love with that idea..... </div><div></div><div>So for now...sleep sweet dear friends. I hope to visit with you more, offering a little inspiration along with a little catch up along the way. Be blessed and well! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-75465121183582559462010-10-26T18:42:00.000-07:002011-02-28T12:32:18.850-08:00Dreaming of Sugar Plums before Halloween?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_qCF4tRv-KDdd1Bsx-C0Dz1MGNxoXLVgjWL0bXoA8lo9wLKR_10W5GJmJ9Wdqtmyp2CbW1aghX5sBd4pwgFH_gd_rWocdGBsMT5EzWEbtYTwxmfz6RGDAExd1WKyx4zYVpZPCo3WRHY2/s1600/matchboxes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532535684193844466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_qCF4tRv-KDdd1Bsx-C0Dz1MGNxoXLVgjWL0bXoA8lo9wLKR_10W5GJmJ9Wdqtmyp2CbW1aghX5sBd4pwgFH_gd_rWocdGBsMT5EzWEbtYTwxmfz6RGDAExd1WKyx4zYVpZPCo3WRHY2/s400/matchboxes.jpg" /></a> I have been dreaming of Christmas for months now. Why? I can't say for sure. It's complicated. Story of my life. I have a list of <why's>though.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">1. First and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">foremost</span> I never know when I will have a good/bad day (s) ... what I used to take for granted, all that I could accomplish and shove into a day, I now have to be well planned for. Additionally, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">simplest</span> task seem to wear me out now? Wear me out = <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dystonic</span></span> tremors = bed all day. I find that to be the most frustrating thing of all.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">2. For some reason I feel the need to amend the travesty of last years Christmas.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">3. I just finished Count down to Christmas matchbox swap. I can not wait to get those little gems in the mail. I love decorating matchboxes....they are easy, I can do a little, rest and repeat.</span></em><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Linda at, "A Swap for All Seasons" is truly the best swap hostess on the planet. {aswapforallseasons.blogspot.com }The idea was 25 matchboxes swapped for 25 in return and then opening one a day starting December 1. Kind of like an advent calendar only better. I have to give props where due and I couldn't have accomplished and finished with out baby girl's assistance.... (One more thing I hate and can't get used to....my own self <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sufficiency</span> is ultimate to me...it's very difficult for me to wave a white flag) However...I am so grateful when she rescues me, esp when I'm refusing to be rescued.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;">4.The economy is tough right now, things are tight. When the kids were little and AH and I had so little money, I always shopped year round, I always had a gift closet filled with all things wonderful, it was truly an awesome thing. I never had to worry if the kids came home with a last minute birthday party invitation, etc. I was fully stocked, and enjoyed my friends making the comment, "I just don't know how you do it?". That my friends is how I did it. And actually, everyone ends up getting much <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lovelier</span> gifts because I can find things at a fraction of the retail price by not waiting to shop until a week before I need it.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">5. AH. That's all I need to say. I wish you could all see him on Christmas morning, it's like magic, his face is all a glow and his Christmas spirit is so real you can taste it. </span></em><br /><br />I won't continue my list...we could be here all night, just thought I'd let you all know where my head was these days...it's truly a great distraction.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532535684626253938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1Syg3FxVAuX8gnXAyLNzi3g12dSI2xeP_qjIxNVBK9gsEhLB_Ysj87TM9yImUWWxDhI4QQekas-kkQi2MugdnkvML4vGJALGj3R4Zipct1eFu7AunFSMUIu3JC-PhwrBERpRFHZlJ775/s400/0679-Christmas+paper+dolls.jpg" /><br />How cute are these paper dolls? I copied and shrank them to use like tissue paper to fold over the little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">goodies</span> that was in each match box. I hope I posted this right so you can click to enlarge and print it out, I have a whole bunch of favorite girls out there who have little princess' that this would make simple projects for.... you know who you are. Think of having them cut these out to make pennant banners for Christmas with.... paper,glue, scissors,string and a printer is all you need.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>A. Print out two or three copies.</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>B. Have the baby girls cut out all the little pieces.</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>C. Draw small triangles for them to cut out.</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>D. Paper punch the corners of the wide part of the pennant.</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>E. Glue dolls and accessories to the triangles.</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>F. Add any beads, glitter or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embellishments</span> that make them giggle with sparkly delight.</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>G. Tie pennant flags together with sting, ribbon, torn fabric, etc....</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><strong>H. Hang like garland all over the house.</strong></span></em><br /><br />How much fun would this little project be? Not that messy, just glue, string, paper, etc.<br />Could be a ten minute project or an hour depending on how busy you want to keep them...and I think a sweet keepsake to keep or even maybe a tradition for years to follow. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Uhhum</span>...and I will be doing this, so I'm hoping I'm not a dork and the only one out there with a little girl inside that just wants to come out and play.... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">WALLAH</span>!!! Yummy adorableness!!!!<br /><br />When my match boxes come I will try to post a pic of each every day <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">beginning</span> Dec. 1, (if I can wait that long.... most likely I won't be able to. At least I have good intentions of doing this.... I'm also going to try to post inspiration at least a few times a week from now until baby Jesus' birthday. It makes me happy, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">infinitely</span> better and more motivating rather than posting my complaints and challenges. Speaking of baby Jesus, check out '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">aswapforall</span> seasons.blogspot.com' Linda's last matchbox posted was one celebrating him and it's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> adorable as well as the story she posted along with it....did I tell you how much I love her and what a stellar person I think she is? You can also find link in my side bar.<br /><br />All things frivolously mentioned above....I hope you are all better than well! Sleep sweet dear friends.... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span></span>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-77194635340789386632010-10-12T21:36:00.000-07:002010-10-12T23:11:37.696-07:00A Lovely Day....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT6LaxxdnqX7akawGYWB_ydTTW83AobnNTFWyrs-ZQEKV2duOOxAf1xNvQw_RxgS1dki65khi-mEku4oFr3z7XevIJ3L8kqpvgvOoxRWu8ZpyTfn5jAQf9qERo7YAFZQlch2rfONzcWcr/s1600/amy+and+kevin+closeup.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527385373101485298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT6LaxxdnqX7akawGYWB_ydTTW83AobnNTFWyrs-ZQEKV2duOOxAf1xNvQw_RxgS1dki65khi-mEku4oFr3z7XevIJ3L8kqpvgvOoxRWu8ZpyTfn5jAQf9qERo7YAFZQlch2rfONzcWcr/s400/amy+and+kevin+closeup.jpg" /></a> Today was the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loveliest</span> day I've had in a very long time. I spent it with the most gracious couple pictured above. Mitzi's daughter Amy is in the city celebrating her honeymoon with her new husband and was generous enough to take a day to spend with me.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ_2k8NBNOun4fQEd4V_O1fvMP_C1oDoAz4UcJuSPNRFjwFnBrvCcxoSvsGF5U-K7rRABaNhjyHnTWmoGp-FR1YvdyNe1YBwEovXRGI_HCeWmpLVIRrVrbvGtpnvFq-rxP9DohPKtM5LK/s1600/Kevin+and+Amy+black+and+white.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527385364395247234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ_2k8NBNOun4fQEd4V_O1fvMP_C1oDoAz4UcJuSPNRFjwFnBrvCcxoSvsGF5U-K7rRABaNhjyHnTWmoGp-FR1YvdyNe1YBwEovXRGI_HCeWmpLVIRrVrbvGtpnvFq-rxP9DohPKtM5LK/s400/Kevin+and+Amy+black+and+white.jpg" /></a> They came early this morning and then we drove up to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loveliest</span> place on earth.... except it wasn't as lovely as it normally is....after a long hot summer everything lacked the green and glow that it usually has and was more crispy and brown. The flowers that are usually in abundance were barely found and a few of the shops and my favorite gallery was closed since it was mid week, and it was 90 degrees. Still.... all was right with the world because the two of them together exuded the glow that filled the plaza with that which was lost in the summer heat. We did see a few shops, had a nice lunch, sat on a bench in front of the duck pond and listened to the water fall. This afternoon we visited the champagne caves, but again, the caves were closed....so we sipped on a glass of champagne on the terrace over looking the vineyard and the mountains and chatted a while. We ended the day with dinner at a Thai restaurant before it was back to the city for them. Honestly more generous than I would ever expect, I would have been thrilled to have had lunch with them considering they're on honeymoon.... AH and I both really liked Amy's new husband, he is very friendly and out going and seemed to be very genuine and kind, all the qualities we want our daughters to find in a good man. I could tell that he was very attentive to her and it was sincere. Honestly. </div><div align="center">As far as the above pics, I have to give credit where credits due...the beautiful pics above were taken by Liv in the Moment photographer, (because I seem to be so scattered and absent minded these days and I forgot my camera!) Ugh, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">dah</span>! It's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>. Mitzi's little Liv is a far more talented photographer... I've posted about her keen eye before, but honestly you should click on her tab in my side bar...I'm not being a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">braggy</span> aunt...she really is taking amazing pics.... And to that I'm going to say good night, it's been a full and lovely day...sleep sweet dear friends.</div><div align="center"> I hope this post finds you better than well. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238675988695346655.post-50755384380274536662010-10-06T00:39:00.000-07:002010-10-06T01:13:30.697-07:00Let's Hear It For the Girls, Even If We are all A Bit Upside Down Right Now.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZkr4tZkF4jKrz07hIH78M7JCr0JQFM-D46c27IrskqkfpkFv1g4fWo4oMRmXqUoDr4HMjYZlH5ld9AMxkq8yhyphenhyphenE6SqMsqQZnj45FMYpuOR3AHwsM8Wk7e5xWvRmNCoQkvzEb7N8Tek4J/s1600/emily+upside+down.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524834619837758818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZkr4tZkF4jKrz07hIH78M7JCr0JQFM-D46c27IrskqkfpkFv1g4fWo4oMRmXqUoDr4HMjYZlH5ld9AMxkq8yhyphenhyphenE6SqMsqQZnj45FMYpuOR3AHwsM8Wk7e5xWvRmNCoQkvzEb7N8Tek4J/s400/emily+upside+down.jpg" /></a> As always my near and dear faithful friends are always there.... humbly I thank you all. Everything feels upside down right now. As I visit each of you it seems we all have so many struggles to overcome right now and my heart is challenged to stop the tears from flowing....<br />I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">committed</span> to pray with out ceasing for all of us. How is it that such goodness and light be surrounded by so much darkness? I was thinking about it for the last couple of days, people are always so quick to quote, "God never gives us more than we can handle...." Sometimes the quote angers me...but I was thinking yesterday that maybe it's because we are not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">supposed</span> to handle so much and in blind faith hand it over to him? Just a thought to make some kind of sense of the struggles we are all facing right now.... <br /><br />I have a new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">neurologist</span>... Dr. Duncan. Yesterday after months of fighting with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">botox</span> pharmacy, insurance, etc. I finally received my shots. Now I sit and wait to see if they're effective. I did appreciate is approach, instead of the nine or twelve stabs that I have become accustomed to, he only injected me twice. One injection in the front of my neck and one in the back. He assures me that it will be just as effective and that there is no need to stick me as many times as the other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">neuro's</span> did. I'm afraid he should have injected me one more time on the right side. It usually takes three or four weeks to see how they are working, but the right side is driving me crazy in excruciating pain tonight. I woke up this morning with my body so sore I felt like a mac truck had ran me over. AH liked Dr. D tremendously...I think he really like it more that I didn't break his hand from squeezing it yesterday...usually he holds my hand through the shots, but baby girl had gone out and bought me stress balls to squeeze instead....it worked pretty well. The shot in the front of my neck wasn't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pleasant</span> but no where near the pain from the one in the back left side. It felt like he stuck the needle so deep that it was going to come out the front.... but lesser of two evils and at least I have finally found somewhere to go where everyone from the receptionist to the nurse and doc were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">empathetic</span>, friendly and professional. I told AH that usually my body goes into shock from the pain of the shots, but this time I think I was in shock by all of their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kindness</span>...sad but true, I have never been treated so kindly in the two years since I've developed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">dystonia</span>. Amazing and sad to think about when you consider how many doctors I've seen. Still thanking God for mercy none the less.<br /><br />I have much more to tell you all but I'll leave it with this for tonight. I hope all of you are blessed and that God will send you strength and his angels to surround you all so that you can rest if only for a moment in the feathery down of their wings.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">XOXO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keke</span><br /><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error">P.S. Yes the cutie hanging upside down on the rings is Mitzi's Em. I could just bite her she is so adorable! </span></p>Kekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158364152862185708noreply@blogger.com5