Countdown

I saw this really cute Christmas Countdown idea

on another blog (Wenderful) and really wanted to try it.

She did it for all 24 days leading up to Christmas.

I knew there was NO WAY I would be able to do that -

I was quite certain that 12 days would be the best I could do.

As December 13 (starting date) quickly approached,

I was beginning to feel like doing 4 days might be pushing it.

Then just when I was about to give up on the idea until next year,

I remembered that I have

TWO

fine,

talented,

and

charming

young sons

who could help

And so they did

First day activity:

Help Mom make the countdown calendar

Cute, crafty boys

Not bad, huh?

Now if I can just think of 12 things to put IN the bags!

And So It Begins

I feel like I have a love - hate relationship

with Winter.

I LOVE that a fresh snow makes everything look so

clean and

bright and

white

(and snow is a MUST for Christmas!)

but I HATE that it's so cold.

Logan and Teddy, on the other hand,

just plain LOVE IT!

Any amount in any temperature.

(crazy kids)

The Project

A few months ago my friend A. asked me if I wanted to

help her decorate a Christmas tree to be displayed

in the Concord Museum during the month of December.

The trees are all decorated using themes

from children's literature.

We chose

Anne of Green Gables,

the 100th Anniversary Edition.

I cautiously agreed to help out and then,

because I am the procrastinator to beat ALL procrastinators,

didn't do anything about it until a couple of weeks ago.

I started slowly,

(because that's how procrastinators do things)

with some body parts

that soon turned into actual bodies.

(naked ones)

After a week or so,

(and as our Thanksgiving trip to Utah was rapidly approaching)

I picked out some fabric and lace

that over the course of a couple of busy days,

(and VERY LATE nights)

turned into these clothes

that these poor naked dolls had dreams of wearing.

With the deadline fast approaching (today)

I could procrastinate no longer,

and managed to finish up

late last night...

Anne,

Anne in her dress with puffy sleeves,

Anne's hair dye gone wrong,

Anne's bosom friend, Diana,

Gilbert,

Marilla,

and Matthew.

Hey, the gang's all here!

(and not a moment too soon)

Today they took a trip to Concord

to spend some time on this tree.

If you happen to be in town,

(wish you were!)

you really should stop by and check it out.

And now I think I'll...

clean up my sewing room,

take down my Thanksgiving decorations,

start on some Christmas gifts,

and get some sleep.

How much time do I have?

Fall has fallen

I know I've already shared my feelings about

this particular season

(many times)

but just in case you missed it...

All the beautiful trees started shedding their color

a few weeks ago.

It began slowly

until we had enough to rake into a pile

that was big enough to run through.

Before long, the colors weren't so interesting anymore

and all we are left with is

miles and miles of

crunchy

brown

leaves.

Fall has most definitely fallen.

Too bad.

And Finally

I know October (and Halloween) was over AGES ago,

but I was looking through some pictures

and came across this particular memory from

10 years ago

I just couldn't resist.

That was then...

and this is now...

How did THAT happen so fast?!

I sure LOVE these boys.

They are spectacular human beings,

but I can't believe how fast they're growing up.

It kinda breaks my heart.

Lucky Me

Happy Birthday to my favorite guy!

Here are some possible reasons why he's smiling in this picture:

1. He's building something

2. His BIG, green tractor is parked nearby

(And I'm not talking about that lawn mower)

3. Several of his horses are in a field behind him

(You can't see them, but HE knows they're there)

4. I said something hilarious

(Doubtful)

5. I mentioned Cafe Rio for dinner

6. He's "HOME"

There is no one in this world who works harder

or treats me better.

No kidding.

I am very blessed to have him in my life.

I absolutely LOVE him!

Pumpkin Carving 101

Find a good work space.

Dig right in.

Hang in there.

Don't forget to use your Apps.

(WHAT?!)

Keep your focus.

Check your progress.

Become one with your pumpkin.

Take pride in your work.

Nice job boys!

Going Nuts

I hear there's a bumper crop of acorns this year...

ya think?!

Here is a small sampling of what the side of our driveway looks like -

those squirrels really need to get to work!

Maybe they're just too busy enjoying the view!

I sure can't get enough of it!

(I know, I know, enough already... but in case I forget to mention it, I really do LOVE Fall :)

Thank You, Mr. Columbus

We really enjoyed our day off!

It started out with a walk in the woods,

where we did a little of our own exploring.

Then off to a friend's house to try our hand at the

apple press and some yummy apple cider.

(It was especially great to visit with so many good friends!)

There was even a zip line for the boys to take a ride on...

QUICKLY!

It was the perfect way to spend the day,

and we hated to see it end!