my nieces Christmas 07

Alexis, age 6


Ava, age 20 months


Josilin, age 4

Yay - I finally have pics of my nieces. I only have to give Randy a camera for Christmas and then "borrow" it to take these photos!

us at Aransas

Randy and I took a day trip to Aransas NWR on the coast of Texas 12/26 to see whooping cranes. Unfortunately, we were not able to find them. We enjoyed the 75 degrees, but not the 30 mph winds, which kept the little birds down. This is us in front of one of the "big trees" - a giant live oak.

jasmine candle in pottery

Here is my first jasmine essential oil candle in a pot made by my mom.
I also made 3 votives with the jasmine.

about ice storm

Below are some pics I took yesterday of the ice storm that we had a couple days ago. I finally went out birding today and was amazed at the devastation to the trees - the majority were sagging badly under the weight of the ice and there were many broken branches and split trunks. Since today we finally got a bit of sun and temps above freezing, ice was breaking free and falling from the trees and power lines. The birds and squirrels were out in force this morning - I'm sure they're enjoying this slightly warmer day!

ice storm

first-time again!

Well this is my first attempt at blogging. As such, I don't have much to say. Christmas is quickly approaching and here it K.C. it is definitely looking like a winter iceland. I have been busy making soy candles the past couple weeks. I am hoping to make eco-friendly candles - re-use glass jars with soy wax, hemp twine and paper for packaging. Maybe no dye - I haven't decided yet. I am in the early stages of experimentation. I have ordered lots of Christmas inspired fragrances. Eventually I want to use pure essential oils but I'm not there yet.

Randy has been enjoying his new hobby- home-brewing. We have made 5 batches so far, each one different. He just made his first batch from scratch - the others were kits. I am hoping to make a honey wheat soon - my favorite! No more Bud for us!

Well that's it for now - Jenn