Innocent Puppy...I think NOT!

Macy loves yarn in any shape or size.  The orange yarn was an actual skien until she decided she needed to undo it.

If I look away she might not think I did it!

Oh busted, mom just called me "bad dog"!

Happiness is a warm puppy. ~Charles M. Schulz



Saturday Attire

This was Tarin's choice of clothing for last Saturday 1/8/11.  I believe she even slept in it but I made her actually get dressed on Sunday.  Yes this usual weekend attire, she loves to dress up or just wear dresses around the house. 

Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her. ~Wilhela Cushman

Christmas Eve

As Christmas Day approached faster and faster I found myself not quite in the "Christmas Spirit" I wanted to be.  I think with all the hustle and bustle of getting things together and interacting with shoppers who don't have pleasant smiles or a simple Merry Christmas, I just wanted to throw in the towel, stay home and say BAH HUMBUG to the whole day.  Once all my last minute shopping, wrapping and household preparations were complete and I was able to take a moment to enjoy my Christmas tree glowing brightly and watch a movie I was back in the "spirit"...I also had to remind myself what Christmas is really about. 

Christmas Eve day/evening really helped make this a great one.  We went to my mom's house for a very relaxing day, mom made our favorite family meal....Cincinnati spaghetti, we opened gifts, everyone helped Tarin set up her Zhu Zhu pets, played euchre and then went to Whispering Christmas.  My best friends Kim and Laura (who was in from NC) was able to join us.  Having my family and friends with us made it that much more memorable.  It was nice that the park wasn't packed either.  Tarin was able to go right up, with a little hesitation to talk to Santa again.  It was just what I needed to get the Christmas Spirit back.

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Baking

Tarin and I baked chocolate chip cookies, mint chocolate chip cookies and made hard rock candy.  Tarin loves being in the kitchen with me, even though there is barely enough room for the two of us.  She always has her apron and chef hat accessible.  I enjoyed the time to get to teach her little tricks of cooking I've learned or have been taught by my mother. 

A daughter is a day brightener and a heart warmer. ~Author Unknown

Christmas Tree Picture

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

Christmas Ornaments

         

This year Tarin and I made Christmas ornaments for gifts.  I just so happen to have gingerbread family cookie cutters, so over 20 gingerbreadmen, women, little boys and little girls.  We spent endless nights painting and painting.  Tarin loves painting so this was the perfect craft for us to do together.  I meant to get a picture of my gingerbread clan but time ran out and I needed to get them wrapped.  I can't wait to do this again and see what designs we come up with next.

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. ~Pablo Picasso