December Happenings

Finally I got the Christmas tree up.  I did not do as much decorating this year as I normally do, because we have been so busy.  The kids have had all sorts of activities.  Iris has had her orchestra concert and her vocal concert. 

I actually caught her smiling!

I have traveled alot this winter and am glad that we are staying put for Christmas.  We traveled last weekend to Southern Illinois for Nathan's graduation.  He was one of the (very) few non internationals receiving a masters degree in electrical and computer engineering.

It was hard to get a good picture of him, since he was so far away.  While we were there we celebrated Zadok's 7th birthday.

On the quilting front, I finished two items this month.  I finished the mystery quilt that we started in a workshop with the guild.  I quilted it on the machine.  I am getting better, I can just about do a straight line!

I also finished a baby quilt for a neighbor.  I forgot to take a picture of it when I completed it, but took some when I was trying to quilt it.  The cat is soooo helpful in all that I do!

He has an expression of "This is my quilt...so back away lady"
Another fun opportunity I had this month was to set a table for a ladies dinner at church.  I used my everyday dishes and silverware so I felt I had to pump up the centerpiece and the accessories.  I used mismatched china and put old broaches on the napkin rings I made. I made the topiary, music garland, and some signs.  My theme was "Let Heaven and Nature Sing".  I used old sheet music as the accents on the votives.

Well, I better go.  I have to prepare for another birthday party for Zadok, finish shopping for gifts, and figure out what I will be making for Christmas dinner!

Random Life

It has been hot here.  The cats have been feeling it and are hogging the cool air.  This is a position I find Mr. Nibbles in quite often.

I went and got a henna tattoo with some friends on Friday.  A gal around here does it for a free will donation to Voice of the Martyrs.

I have been forcing my children to play Settlers of Catan.  I like playing games, but I have a bit of an addiction issue to video games, so I tend to leave them alone.  I suspect that I will have to start paying them to play Settlers with me in the future.  Here is a board that Iris won.  We know that it was not following the rules precisely, but she liked the way that she dominated the board.  She is the white pieces.

My garden is producing alot of tomatoes and green beans.  I know what we will be having for supper.  This is today's and yesterday's yield.  I have been playing the part of the "tomato fairy" frequently for my friends.

I am glad that I planted a cutting garden this year.  It is nice to have some fresh flowers around the house.  I often but some basil in the arrangements and that makes them smell very nice.

I have a better idea of what to do with the garden next year.  Number one on the list is plant less tomatoes.  I am also going to try to have a better variety of vegetables.   I suppose I need to write these things down before next spring comes and I go buying 10+ tomato plants again!

Our cat is wierd.

It likes the tub,

Does not seem to mind water,

And wants to live life in a basket.