Gift Tags

I found this box full of tags this past summer.  I decided I would use them for my gift tags for Christmas gifts....and I did...but what a joke...I hardly made a dent in the supply.

I am sure I will be using them for just about everything this coming year....good thing I have a nice assortment of rubber stamps.  :)

I will be sharing some of them soon!

Traditions

We celebrate Christ's birth and all that He has done for us.

I started the tradition of making krumkakke when the kids were little....and now my youngest has taken over the task....

...they turned out wonderful!

There are always soft peppermints.....this year in an inherited bowl.

This year I added a couple mischievious looking knomes into my dining room centerpiece....

because they looked so nice with the sweet table linen I picked up this past summer at the Goodwill....for $1.99.

 I was so blessed to have all of my children under the same roof for 48 hours....we didn't get much sleep....lots of late night games of Monopoly and Clue.  I am thankful for the leftover kettle of soup for our evening meal tonight...because I have absolutely no ambition to do much of anything today.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebration.

Yarn Along

I wasn't able to post my Yarn Along activity last week because I was worried the gift I was making would be discovered.  The sweet little girl who got this sweater vest and cap for her 1st birthday looks especially nice in bright colors.  I got the vest pattern here.

I found this book, A Christmas Treasury, at the Goodwill....and I am looking forward to reading it by the fireplace this week.

The hat pattern was a freebie at our local yarn store....I altered it a little...I had to make two of them to get the size right.

This is my first finished knit garment....it was so much fun...I am looking forward to doing more!

Time To Get Cranking!!

First off, I want thank those who took the time to leave a comment and enter the Tea Pocket give-a-way.  Friendie was half sleeping when I asked him to draw a name.....but he pulled out Colleen.  Forget about him letting me capure the moment with a photo.

I have had a request for home made ice cream on Christmas Eve.  I am happy to get the old hand-cranked ice cream pail out and get it ready.....because I have the easy job....I do the cleaning....everyone else does the cranking!

Here is my recipe for a 1 Gallon Container

2 Quarts whole milk

1 Pint cream

3 cups sugar

6 beaten eggs

Vanilla to taste

Dash of salt

I can almost feel the "brain freeze" already!!!!!

Tea Pocket Give-A-Way

Still need a gift for your tea drinking friend?

I am offering a quick weekend give-a-way that may be just the gift you want to make!

This tea cozy pattern is called Tea Pocket.  It is another great pattern from New Leaf Stitches.  You could easily get this pattern next week and pull out some fabric from your stash and make up some of these for those tea drinking people in your life...all before Christmas morning!

If you don't feel like making the tea cozy yourself, this is a brand new pattern and would make a nice gift for someone anyway!

Just leave a comment telling me if you are a tea drinker...or if you prefer coffee. 

 If you are one of my international friends, I doubt the pattern would get to you in time to create gifts for Christmas, but you are welcome to put your name in the drawing basket.

Because I want to get it in Tuesday's mail, I will accept comments until Monday when Friendie takes his nap (just a little after lunch time).

He likes to draw the winning name you know.  :)

Vintage 1968 !!??!!

I found this Santa at the Goodwill...the same Santa we had at my home while growing up...

It was put out every year along with this snowman (which is from my home).  My sister and I would just lay on the floor in the dark while our mom made supper and play make believe with them.

They were made in 1968....which makes them vintage...

So what does that make me!!??!!

December 1968

(I am the shorter twin on the right).

Coffee Surprise

Last Saturday my sister and I made plans to go to a craft show in a small town not too far away....(ok....I made the plans and drug her along...).  Although it had snowed heavily the night before, we put the vehicle in 4 wheel drive and took off creeping out of town.  We weren't in that great of a hurry, so we waited until the snowplows did their work.

I didn't have my morning coffee rations (3 cups) so I was really thrilled when one of the vendors was offering generous coffee samples when we got there.  The Almond Joy coffee was sooo good!

Now I have to tell you....I am a local shopper when at all possible.  (I also try to be a loyal state and country shopper as much as I can help it).  So now back to the coffee....

I buy my coffee locally.

But this coffee was really, really yummy (hey...they let me sample 3 different flavors....and they were all good!)

The coffee is called Minnesota Morning.

I live in Minnesota.

I could justify this purchase.

As I was trying to decide which of their many flavors to take home with me, I got a really fun surprise...

Minnesota Morning is roasted right in my local community!!

It is a small family buisness that uses Fair Trade green coffee and roasts the beans right in their home.

It gets better....

they told me to just buy one bag from them now and when I am ready for more to let them know and they will roast it up fresh and deliver it to my home!!!

Could a cup of coffee get much better than this?????

I had my shopping baskets full when we left.....my sister....well....she was a little over stimulated maybe.  :)  Personally I think her problem is she does not drink coffee....I have tried to convert her for years....some people are just beyond help.  :)

We were just blocks away from Farmhouse Woolens, so we stopped in to see what was new in Karen's sweet little shop.

I came home with a bag of fun....my sister....well....maybe if she would have had some coffee something there would have inspired her!

It was a fun morning....and I am thankful my sister joined me...when it was obviously all about me!!!!

Beginning

Emily wants to learn to play the violin.

She had one lesson.

She came home with a folder full of songs...

and can play them all!

We will enjoy the sweet sounds.

Book Boy and Eagles

Friendie was excited when we got out the stack of Christmas season books!

He likes to "read" to Grammie....

and is quite the "speed reader"...

Good thing we have a big stack! 

He was also pretty excited about the eagles outside the other day. 

Yes...there ended up being two eagles....

The one eagle sat in the tree for hours just waiting....

then right around lunch time, it swept down into our yard and grabbed one of the two dead ducks (that our naughty dog took from our neighbor's hunting bounty) and another eagle joined it out on the frozen lake....there was nothing left of that duck when they flew away.

They must have had their fill, they didn't come back for the other duck.  :)

Yarn Along - With Much Thanksgiving

These last two weeks have been hard....really hard.

I have been doing a lot of reading and knitting....reading my Bible and knitting for the calm it brings.

I already shared about my cousin's son and his tragic death.  The night before the funeral we were very close to losing another person we love....and are sooo thankful he is out of the hospital after those six fearful days.

Then Grandma fell...and needed surgery.

We know our lives will have "trials",  but must they come in multiples????

I have been working on some gifts.

I have some finished projects, but wouldn't want to spoil any surprises by showing them here!

I have been taking advantage of free patterns on blogs and internet sites.

I am finding my obsessive collection of needles are coming in very handy during my late night inspirations!

Last week I made this wool hat (made with many prayers) for our friend who spent those six days in the hospital.  I just didn't have any words for blogging then.

I wanted to join Ginny with her Yarn Along this week....I appreciated meeting so many sweet bloggers last time.

I will still be having that give-a-way...I just need a few more days to get caught up.

Have a good day...and don't forget to "Love On" your family!

From My Kitchen Window

Waiting......

When Accidents Affect Us

The news is full of tragic accidents daily.  I usually offer up a quick prayer for the family when I hear of one....and then go about my day.  But on Tuesday, when the accident involved family, it was almost impossible to just go about my day....my week.  There is such a feeling of helplessness when you are not able to be there in person.  I will go next week for the Memorial service....sooner if I am needed.
The previous music video was meant for my family blog, but ended up here by accident....but I chose to leave it....it is comforting.
I have included a link to one of the many news stories about the accident for any of you who may be wondering about the situation.  And I thank those of you who have said a prayer for the family.


http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/108529909.html?video=pop&t=a&bctid=CLIP_ID_395625

Give-A-Way Delay

It is that time of year when there is more attention given to being "thankful".

I try to focus on the blessings around me each day.....and there are many.

But somedays it is just hard.....somedays it is almost impossible....

somedays the tragedy of life overshadows everything else.

This morning a relative died.

He was only 9 years old.

His mom and 4 year old brother were with him.

A drunk driver took him from us.

Jesus holds him now.

Please pray for Carter's family.

My next give-a-way will be after the funeral.

Friendie's Winner Announcement

Friendie got "caught" being a rascal....and what does this Grammie do?  Take a picture!!!.....hmmm....I might need to work on my disciplining skills.  :)

(He can play the piano whenever he wants....as long as he uses his fingers and not his toys.)

Gotta love that "guilty" look.

Friendie would have liked to pick a handful of winners for the Bits and Pieces give-a-way, but since I only have one book to share, he picked Melissa's name.

I want to thank each of you for stopping by and for leaving such nice comments.  I have enjoyed meeting new blog friends and reading some fun blogs!

I will be posting another give-a-way in the middle of the week....maybe it will be something that interests you.

I thought I would post a picture of these adorable candle holders that I found at the Goodwill last month.  They are old, but must not have had much use over the years. 

How could I pass them up....for .99 cents each?

Have a wonderful week!

Swedish

I am part Swedish....my husband is part Norwegian....I have a "thing" for Scandinavian decorations.

It started in my kitchen, but has spread....but don't worry...I have it "under control"!

I thought maybe I would randomly post some of those decorations....umm...for lack of any finished projects to blog about.

Tonight I will show you a corner in my kitchen....that sometimes becomes the umm....well....the "junk counter".

I am happy to report it is junk free and shedding warmth in that corner tonight.

I have admired this Christmas light for a long time in our Scandinavian Galleri.  I was totally ecstatic when I found this one....new in the box...you know where.....the Goodwill!!!!

I don't mean to boast....but I got it for $4.99...OK...so I am boasting....but in a good way...really!

I know it is suppose to be a Christmas light, but I think it is so sweet....and the Christmas season is so short.

Besides, my little Dala horse looks so cute sitting under the arch!

Are there any other Scandinavian readers out there?

There is still time to get in on the Bit's and Pieces give-a-way!

Bread Pudding with Warm Butter Sauce

Friendie and I made up a triple batch of Bread Pudding the other day.  He is a lover of the bread....before it is baked....afterwards...not so much.

Bread Pudding can be made from any bread, but I have discovered THE BEST  I have ever made comes from my Honey Oatmeal bread.

(I was SO SURE that I had posted my recipe for Heavenly Honey Oatmeal Bread....but I have just searched my blog....nope...I didn't...so I will post it at the end of this blog entry.)

Bread Pudding

2 large eggs, beaten

2 1/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

Beat above ingredients together.  Pour over 2-3 cups diced bread cubes in greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

Stir in 1/2 cup raisins (my family prefers I omit raisins)

Set casserole in pan with 1" boiling water.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until knife inserted 1/3 way to center comes out clean.

Butter Sauce

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup cream

1 tsp vanilla

Stir together -- boil -- reduce heat and stir for 3 minutes.

Heavenly Honey Oatmeal Bread

1 cup quick cooking oats

2 cups boiling water

1 pkg dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1/3 cup honey

1 Tbsp oil

2 tsp salt

1 egg, beaten

5 1/2 cups flour

Place oats in large bowl and pour boiling water over....let stand 15 min.

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water...add honey, oil, salt, yeast and egg to oat mixture.  Stir in flour - knead dough 2 minutes (I use my mixer).

Cover and let rise 10 min. then knead 12-15 strokes.

Place in a greased bowl - cover and let rise until doubled.

Punch down.

Divide dough.

Shape loaves.

Put in greased pans.

Cover.

Let rise until doubled.

Brush with milk and sprinkle with oats.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min.

Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.

This bread has become a favorite for me because my Kitchenaid mixer does all of the work.....a real time saver....and really great results!

There is still time to get in on my quilting book give-a-way....just scroll down to the give-a-way post and sign up!

Thanks for stopping by!

Firkin Find!!

I had 5 extra minutes....I made one quick walk around the store...and look what I found!!!!  It is a wooden bucket with a lid....Basketville   Putney Vermont is stamped on the bottom. 

I have a smaller Firkin on my fireplace mantel and I am not sure where I will put this bigger bucket, but I am sure I will be inspired soon.  :)

How could I leave it behind????

You know I found it at the Goodwill....but did you know it was only $4.99?  I am still excited....and that was last week!

If you are interested in the great book, Bit's and Pieces, check out my give-a-way in the previous post.

A Primitive Sampler, Some Purple Yarn.....and A "Bits and Pieces" Give-A-Way!!

I had a GREAT time at my retreat!  I didn't take a camera, but I did take a couple pictures of two of the projects I actually finished.

I bought the greatest book at the end of the summer, Autumn Gatherings by Lisa Bongean.  I want to make every single project in the book!  Of course I needed to be realistic so I chose a sweet embroidery and wool sampler:
'THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT IS KNOWING HOW TO ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE.'

I admit, I had a little problem just tracing the writing the way it showed on the pattern....I just wanted to make it nice and uniform....but I am glad I gave in and gave it that primitive look after all.

 I also took along some great purple cotton yarn that I had purchased a while ago.  I made my first ever crocheted baby sweater.  The pattern came from the book, 24 Hour Crochet Projects.  I am very pleased with how simple the pattern was (although it did take me much longer than 24 hours!)  Now I just need to find a baby to try it on for size!

And now for my give-a-way book.

Bits and Pieces by Karen Costello Soltys is a wonderful book with projects for 18 small quilts from fat quarters and scraps.

Click on the photos to enlarge them and get a better look at the sweet little projects that are offered inside.

I have only made one project so far, but I still have many more in the planning stages (I am not giving up my own personal copy of the book).

If you like small quilts and want an evening project....this book is for you!

The "rules" for this give-a-way are:

1 entry for your comment

2 entries if you are a Follower and leave a comment

3 entries if you are a Follower and leave a comment and mention it on your Blog

I really enjoy linking back to each one of you through your comments and seeing what is going on in your world.  I appreciate you taking the time to stop by.....so I am planning to have a give-a-way each week for the rest of the month....not all "quilting" related....so please stop by again!

I will post a randomly drawn winner on Monday morning.  International friends welcome.

Yarn Along

I am joining along with Ginny from the blog Small Things to share the book I am currently reading and what is on my needles.

I just started reading A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

I have a gift on my needles.....so not too much information will be shared about this project.  :)

I am getting my projects together and will be packing my car in the morning to head off for a much anticipated Quilt Retreat!!!!

I have a fun give-a-way planned for when I return....so check back next week for the details!

Thank you for stopping by....I appreciate each one of you....and if you leave a comment...I will be sure to stop by and visit with you also!

MoNkEy Buisness

The cutest little monkey came to our door yesterday.

We love him to pieces!

Another cute little critter spent the day.

Our love for him....not so much.

It Warms My Soul

I grew up listening to record albums.  I didn't own many, but I could sing along with The Carpenters, Helen Ready, Simon and Garfunkel....and later Sheena Easton and Journey.

I bought a record player about a year ago.

I no longer have my old albums, but I have picked up some great records second hand.  I no longer look for albums that I can sing along with, instead I look for classics....with some fun holiday albums thrown in.

There is just something about placing the needle carefully onto the record...and listening to the slight static as sounds from days gone by fill the room.  It takes me back to a slower time.....something from my past....and it warms my soul.

Apple Wishes

This is the time of year when apples are economical.  If you do not have a tree (like me), you may have a friend who does!  If not...bags of apples are quite inexpensive in the grocery store during apple harvest in MN.

I was given apples.  We had apple crisp and apple pie.  I dried apples and made apple chips (twice)...they are devoured much too quickly. 

I decided to make something new....something I really like, but have never made....

and although the recipe I found said to bake the apples whole, I wanted to make sure there were no worms living inside my apples....and I cut off any blemishes....

then I baked the pot of apples for about an hour and a half....I didn't really pay attention to the time....

then I pressed the apples and added  brown sugar and spices....no juice...it made plenty of that on its own...

then back into the oven.....for pretty much my whole day...

 

and the Apple Butter turned out great!

Next time I will know to make at least twice as much at a time.

Sure wish I had a few apple trees of my own....