Advent

There's a Danish tradition at Christmas that my family always keeps. We hang Advent Calendars for everyone in the family. Usually my husband and I don't have much hanging on the hooks. Instead we put a few candy canes on each others calendars and maybe a present or two but not the 24 presents of Christmas.

The kids' calendars are usually loaded with goodies. After all, these are great times for "kids" even if they are adults now.

Anyway, my husband and I went away for one long weekend and when we came home, the kids are loaded our calendars with tons of presents. In fact some of the presents were so heavy they had to hang them off to the side and keep the weight off the poor little hanging hooks. It was a fun surprise.

Maybe my husband and I should go away more often. I'm thinking "absence makes the heart grow fonder" or perhaps it "helps the kids appreciate us more". I don't know but I'm not complaining.

Wrapped in the Warmth of the Season

I love to make things - especially gifts for people. It makes it feel more like something special... at least to me.

My recipients might prefer a "store bought" present. But, I always think that's the easy way out. And, I almost never give gift cards. Those don't even feel like presents to me. I think I might as well stash a little cash inside a card and give it away. Now, my kids probably wouldn't complain if I did but, if I do give gift cards, I always add some little something that I've made to the package.

Here's one gift I whipped up in an evening. It's a blanket for a baby shower gift.

Sandwich Baggie Wrapper Wreath

This wreath was made from baggies. My daughter and her gfriend made it for me. Isn't it pretty? If you want to read how to make it, check out ECOwomen.net

Explosions with WoMANS Best Friend

I wanted to share some photos (or explosions of color) my husband took one weekend when we went for a run.

Victorian Winery

I thought this one was so pretty, I just had to stop and take a photo.

I have a soft spot for Victorian Homes.

How 'bout you?

The Petrified Forest

We stopped to see the largest Petrified Forest in the World.

Here are a few photos:




One spot even looked like a tunnel of trees

Little Old Faithful

It was fun watching it spouting and spraying and a lot of the scenery was very beautiful.

But, more interesting were the animals. They looked a bit like mutants. There were goats with four horns, three horns and even a Unigoat.

I don't know why. I just know it was weird.