FNSI Results - December

It may not look like I accomplished much but when focusing on hand work it sometimes just seems to take longer to accomplish a task.

Finished my Little House Needleworks "All Dolled Up!" - Winter Sheep.  Isn't he the cutest?  Now to put a back on and turn him into a cute little ornament.  Let's just say I love him.  When I started on Friday all I had done was Mr. Sheep - finished all the rest off watching TV yesterday afternoon and evening.

Then moved on to my Wee Wonderfuls' Story Book Dolls.  I really love the Wee Wonderfuls book.  These were the first dolls I tried.  Last night I finished off the hand work on the red capes, sewed them together and have them ready to finish off.  I also completed the aprons last night and sewed the arms and legs on the second doll.

They're such cute friends!

Lots more to get done!

Our First Christmas Program

Tonight was the first (of many) Christmas Program for one of our children.  Clark's Preschool had their Christmas Program at the church.  The 3 year old class and 4 year old class did a program together.  Is it odd that our son was tall enough to be in the back row not just with the 3 year old group but with the all the kids together.  Height must come from the great-grandpa's.

We have video of the little ones singing Happy Birthday to Jesus - just too cute (had problems uploading it though so will try again tomorrow!

Our photos weren't the greatest - but the little ones were still cute.

Once home mommy had to take some photos of the boys in their Christmas outfits.  They are next to their tree (that we put the final touches on today).

Grant just thinks this is a magical tree - and it's in his room!  He'll stand in his crib and look at it for a long time.  He can say bus and points out the bus on the tree.  Some days I wish they could stay 18 months forever.

Clark needed a photo next to his little tree in his room.  Little stinker - now he checks out the tree in Grant's room and if there is an ornament he thinks would be pretty on his tree it somehow ends up on his tree.  Luckily this little tree only holds so many ornaments.

As we were finishing up the boys' trees today we came to the ball ornaments.  I have about 6 boxes of them (8 ornaments each).  We decided the big tree should have 5 boxes and I gave Clark the final box for his tree.  I asked Clark if he could take the box to his room and I would help him after I finished in Grant's room.  So, listening to Christmas music and talking to Grant I finished hanging the last of the ornaments, read Grant a story and put him to bed for a nap.  Going to Clark's room I realized he had been pretty quiet.  Yep - he had hung all of the ball ornaments on his tree himself.  He was so proud.    No ornament hooks - he just stuck the balls on using their loops where an ornament hook would go.  No small task for him to get them all on there by himself so carefully so they wouldn't fall.  No pretty random placement - although if you look at the picture above he almost has them looped like garland.  What can I say - it's his tree he can decorate it how he likes (actually - I think it's pretty cute too).

Simple Nativity

This week Char at Crap I've Made (my husband loves this blog simply for the title) is hosting a Nativity Parade.  I thought it sounded fun.  I have lots of nativities around the house.  My absolute favorite growing up was mom and dad's blue (and very fragile) nativity.  Not sure what it was made of but it holds lots of meaning for me.  I'll have to see if I can find a picture of it sometime.

My favorite nativity is this one:

It sits under the kids' tree.  This was made by my sister Emily - I don't remember how old she was (she is 8 years younger than I am) but it meant so much and it's simplicity is it's beauty.

Check out the rest of the Nativities linked up at:

Decorating the Kids' Tree

Tonight we decorated the kids' tree.  Let me back up.  Ever since we have had a little one in the house we have (OK that would be pretty much just be me) put a little tree in the room.  When Grant was born he received a tree in his room too.  These were traditionally small real trees.  Let's say mommy has gotten tired of cleaning needles and watering trees in their rooms.  So earlier this year at an estate sale I picked up a small tree for Clark's room. He LOVES it - it's fiberoptic!  Today while killing some time before picking up Clark from preschool, Grant and I headed to the Salvation Army.  All the Christmas decor was 75% off - including trees.  We picked up a really nice tree (for an artificial tree) for under $12.00.

Put the tree up in Grant's room and since it is so much bigger than Clark's most of the kids' ornaments will hang on this tree.

I love that all of the ornaments are grouped in a ring about 2 - 3 feet off the ground.  Love it!

Grant very much enjoyed helping handing out the ornaments.

We have lots of Hallmark ornaments but our tradition is to buy a Fisher Price Hallmark ornament for the boys each year.

This year Clark received the school house - appropriate since he started preschool this year.

Grant received the airplane.  A. - the child loves all things transportation and B. he took his first plane trip this year.  Amazing how well those ornaments worked out this year.

Finally, Clark and daddy attaching the star to the top.  At the rate I'm getting things done I'm contemplating bringing a very old German tradition into our home.  Waiting to decorate the main tree in the living room until Christmas Eve to leave as a surprise for Christmas morning.  Not sure I can wait that long to have my tree lit though.

Happy decorating!

A Quilty Kind of Story

Early this morning I decided to work on my Layer Cake Quilt Along Blocks.  I'm a little behind (on lots of things).  This is the basket block (3rd block).  I'm trying to decide whether I prefer this:

or this:

I'm leaning toward the solid neutral - what do you think?  Also, after looking at many of the blocks submitted on the Flikr group I think I'll "round" off the handle (use the background fabric as the other HST) at the top.

The next block was block two.  I finished sewing the rows this morning.

As I was working on the blocks I thought back to a conversation I had with a wonderful neighbor last weekend.  Bev (and her husband Chris) have been family friends for as long as I can remember.  Last weekend some of Bev's family came to the Christmas Tree shop and they brought Bev along.  Bev's kids took her grandkids out to the plot to look for their family tree.  Bev immediately spotted a little Fraser inside our shop that she wanted for her own.  Deciding she had her perfect tree she decided to stay in the warmth of the shop and sip some of mom's wonderful hot apple cider.

My brother and I were busy inside working on wreaths and other holiday decorations.  Bev came over to keep us company.  After working up my nerve I decided to ask Bev if she still quilted.  As a little girl I remember going to Bev's house and seeing her large quilt frame - often decked with a beautiful quilt.  Bev told me she still quilts but she can't do the hand quilting on her frame anymore.  She sends her pieced works off to be machine quilted now.  I told her that I fondly remembered her quilt frame and how recently I had decided to try my hand at quilting.  This is when Bev told me a story I decided I must write down because it was such a wonderful insight into our families.

Bev began; one day your mother stopped over.  I had just finished my first quilt and showed it to her.  Your mom quickly exclaimed that I must show it at the county fair.  I told her no, it was my first.  Later your mom stopped by again and asked for the quilt to take to the fair.  She said she would do all the work of entering it under my name and getting it ready for the show.  So, I gave it to her.  Would you believe my first quilt won a beautiful blue ribbon at the county fair.  Plus, the women running the show told me they didn't give out purple ribbons at this show but if they did mine would have earned a purple.

Bev was so proud and so fondly remembered that time.  I couldn't help but love her story and it gave it me such a beautiful insight into the type of woman my mother is.  Now, I have always known what a good person my mother is but this story really touched me.  My mom is going through a rough patch right now and I wish I could help her out more - at this point prayers for her as she cares for her mom (in hospice) are probably the best.

To Mom: - you taught me so much and I so want to emulate your goodness and thoughtfulness.  If I can encourage just one person to show their work at a county or state fair (or other competition) that would be great because the pride I saw glowing off Bev as she recounted her story is what I wish for others who are so creative (and yet may not be confident to show off their talent).  I may take a lot of entries but I have a fairly small number of blue ribbons and know what each was for and cherish every one.  Although some do mean more than others - especially when a new skill was accomplished!

Should we be proud of our accomplishments?  I think a little pride in our work is a good thing and I hope when I'm 80+ years I'll have a lovely story to tell about a moment - not about winning a blue ribbon - but about encouraging someone else to do so.  Being there to encourage others is what I really would like this blog to be about (the state fair portion of it anyway).  Looks like my mom was doing that very thing years before I started!  Love ya, mom! xoxo

When Old Becomes New

First, I must apologize for such sporadic posting since Thanksgiving week.  When you help out on a tree farm and wreath business during the season life this time of year is a little crazy.  But yesterday reminded me how often even the simplest things can be amazing in the eyes of a child.

Yesterday was pretty cold up in northern Iowa and Clark just couldn't stay outside.  He wanted so badly to come out with mommy and help but I had to say no.  As his whining became more high pitched while I was pulling on my overalls (yes, the burned ones) I spied from the corner of my eye our old Lite Brite.  I told Clark I had a special surprise for him if he came upstairs and settled down.  The tears stopped and the questions began.

Figuring there was no way after 20 some years the light bulb would still work I plugged it in anyway.  It still worked!  We even had "vintage" papers to put in.  Score 1 for mom!

Clark and his older cousin Gabe played literally all afternoon on the old Lite Brite.  Quietly concentrating the whole time and working together without argument.  The only minor discussion I overheard (which would only be heard between a 3 and a 5 year old boy) was: Clark - "that's the cows' wee wee"; Gabe - "no it's not a wee wee, Clark!"; Clark - "yes it is!"; Gabe - "no it's not." 

Once one sheet was done they undid the pegs to find a new design.   When you think about it the toy is so simple but it provided hours of entertainment.  In fact, they are back at it again this morning.

The only minor incident was last night my brother and I ended up resorting a bunch of pegs that were mixed together.  In the kids' defense even we had a hard time telling the greens from yellows and the pinks from reds!

Test Kitchen Thursday - Pecan Pie

In an odd turn of events I somehow ended up making all the pies for Thanksgiving this year.  What can I say - I need the pie practice.  Ended up making 4 pies: Pumpkin, Peach, Blueberry and Pecan.  I have never made pecan pie before - shocking, I know.  I have made all kinds of pies, including some chiffon pies, lemon meringue, coconut cream, chocolate - you get the idea; but never pecan.

As I asked my mother where her recipe was she decided to look one up on the computer.  After she had sifted through some I opened up my computer and started a search.  Ended up going with The Pioneer Woman's Pecan Pie.  We all figured one could not go wrong with her recipe.  After reading through it thought it sounded like a good one.

Ka- CHING!  That was the best Pecan Pie I have ever had (OK - I actually don't like pecan pie - which says a lot that I ate this and wanted more)!  If you love (or if you don't but want to try a good version) Pecan Pie you should really try this recipe!  My family likes pecan pie but this year there were practically fights over it (not really - but it was the first pie gone).  Some fillings are so sweet you can't eat it all - this one is sweet but in all the right ways and the flavor of the pecans really shines!

One thing I did differently was I toasted the pecans first - I know you're going to bake them but toasting the nuts makes a world of difference.  Try it - I bet you'll like it!

December Friday Night Sew-In(s)

This month there will be TWO Friday Night Sew Ins (FNSI).  Whew - I need all the sewing time I can get right now.  It might be a little tough to fit them both in this month.  The first one for December is on the 10th which is Clark's Christmas Program for Preschool.  I still plan to join in even if I'm a little late getting started that night (I might have to start in the morning - is that cheating - hmmm).  The second one is the 17th which is the night before flying out to see my sister (and go wedding dress shopping)!  Not sure I'll have time to fit that one in the schedule.

If you want to join the fun too (and get a night - or two - of sewing in with lots of others) sign up for the December FNSI (you can find the button on the right hand side of my blog).

Can't wait to see what everyone accomplishes!

November Finished Entries

Here are my finished entries for November!

1. Pear Apple Butter

2. Pecan Pie

3. Applesauce

4. Autumn Arrangement

5. Thanksgiving Banner

6. Fall Wreath

New Advent Tradition

OK - nearly a week since the last blog post - sorry!  We have been very busy around here (isn't everyone).

Today led to the first part of decorating.  Last year when putting all the Christmas items away I did a very smart thing and organized the decorations a bit differently (and labeled all the boxes).  I put all of the advent, nativity and Christmas card items in one box and made sure it was at the front.  That worked well when we went to pull the advent items out today!  Like the cute Fisher Price Little People Nativity.

We have lots of advent calendars and wreaths so I didn't really think about making anything new for this year.  But when I saw this idea on one of the blogs I follow I decided it would be an awesome tradition for this family!  Christmas Books Advent Calendar - perfect - we LOVE books around here.

I knew I had at least 25 Christmas related books for the kids and was going to pull them out today anyway.  Turns out I had over 50 Christmas books so decided to do a separate batch for each boy.  If you're amazed at that amount of books you should know books are very important to this family.  Some of the books are Christmas books my husband and I had as kids and many are books bought on sale (long before we had children but knew we would some day).

All the books were randomly mixed throughout the month so we would have traditional Christmas stories, Christian messages and winter stories all mixed in.  Thinking back to last year there were a lot of books we just never got around to reading so this should help!  Hmmm - how did those candies get in the picture?

I used Living Locurto's Advent numbers (free printables on her sight) to mark all the packages.  I didn't have a 2" punch so I just left them square.  I'm trying to get over my perfectionist attitude and realize my little guys don't care how it looks - the time spent with them and the tradition we start together is what matters.

I also have the backs numbered in case the numbers fall off.  I used different color schemes of wrapping paper to know which group was for which boy.  Clark enjoyed helping me glue all of the numbers on the top.  Searching for the right day will be a good way for him to practice numbers throughout the month!

They were all put in my large wire basket and set next to the door.  I decided these should be where I can keep an eye on them so they aren't opened too soon!  Clark and I sorted them by size and put them in the basket.  Look at all the skills he's getting from this project!

Tonight Clark pulled out the number one's so we could read them as a family.

The boys enjoyed this part!

Of course, we all enjoyed the reading part too!

We hope this will become a fun family tradition.

Another First (and 200th Post)

Today we took Grant over to West Bend to have a friend give him his first haircut.  At first he wasn't too sure he liked it.

He gave Amy an odd look when she showed him the locket of hair that would be coming home with me for his baby book.

For the most part though he sat pretty still in daddy's lap and let her cut his wispy hair - until the hair clippers came out - there was to be none of that!  At the end he enjoyed his lollipop while watching his big brother get a hair cut.

Clark is an old pro at getting his hair cut now.

Thanks to Amy Classen at Classen's Clippers for giving the boys a great hair cut!  On our way out of the shop we had to stop and get a picture at the telephone booth outside.  Wow - an actual telephone booth!

On our way out of West Bend we also made a stop at Skoglund Meats and Locker.  We've had hogs processed there before when we lived in Palmer and it was so good!  Their beef sticks are amazing (which is why we had to stop).  If you're ever in the area give them a try - their meat is award winning.

Not sure this was the greatest 200th post but I am happy that I have actually accomplished documenting/journaling so many things since I started back in April.

Wishing all of you a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

This is what happens when . . .

. . . it's cold and you're making wreaths in a garage and your rear end gets too close to the propane tank heater.  Arghh - those were my wonderful red Carhart coveralls!  So mad at myself.  The worst part - I didn't even know I was on fire.  My husband starts yelling - Andrea - you're smoking - no, you are on fire!  Blast.

Meanwhile - 100+ wreaths on the trailer (made by me, my brother and my husband) ready to go north today.

. . . your 3 year old sees you with an odd contraption and fruit - he must also try it out.  OK - anytime I'm in the kitchen my kids think it's interesting so I love that!

. . . Grandpa Spencer delivers pears and you still have apples sitting around and SOMETHING has to be done with them before Thanksgiving!  I decided to make pear apple butter.  I love apple butter but the addition of pear adds a new layer of flavor that is quite good.  Plus, one more November addition to my 2011 entry list.

. . . you unexpectedly win a great giveaway from participating in the Friday Night Sew In (thanks Heidi and Bobbi - and their sponsor Me and My Sister Designs).  Clark is excited we're getting snowman fabric (and likes the flowers too).  And my husband wonders why I secluded myself in the sewing room last Friday.  Actually, not for the free giveaway (still can't believe random number generator picked my number - so excited) but to get things done and unwind from a busy week.

FNSI Results

Wasn't sure if I would be able to sit down and sew last night for the November Friday Night Sew In.  However, after making 20 evergreen swags and a few small wreaths I was pretty much toast for making more wreaths.  Sewing it was!  (I must add my husband went out to the garage and clipped lots more greens for me to keep going all day today!)

I was way behind on That Girl . . . That Quilt Along so I thought I would focus on that project.  I finally sewed on all the red border!

Then squared the blocks up - wonky style.  This was VERY outside my comfort zone.  I tend toward perfectionist, like to have things straight, etc.  But this ended up being really fun and I think the quilt will turn out nice.  I am very thankful I picked up this grid to help with squaring though or I think I would have really struggled.

My blocks - all wonked up, all wonky, wonkified?  Eh - you get the picture.

This is one of the larger grouping of blocks I've done plus my floor space is at a premium these days.  My solution - I taped up an old tablecloth fuzzy side up and started laying out blocks.  I liked this solution and may work on making a more permanent fixture in this location.

Bad thing is it's not in a great location for picture taking.  It's on the wall behind the basement stairs (next to the sewing/laundry room) - so not a lot of space but enough for me to get pieces hung and rearranged.

Can't wait to sew the rows together.  Although every time I go downstairs to look at it I change things around.  At some point I'm going to just have to go with it!

Last night when I decided I could sew no more (at least at the machine) I went upstairs and worked on some hand sewing.  Unfortunately since this item is a Christmas gift I don't get to show it off - bummer.

Our New Kids

 Today we went on a little trip over to Marshalltown (general vicinity).  

Our purpose:  to pick up 3 little goats!

Clark and Grant are both very excited to have baby goats.  Two doelings and one buckling.  

They are Nigerian Dwarf goats.

They are adorable!  Even my sister (Aunt Em home for Thanksgiving) thought so.  And for those of you who know my husband (who are thinking the world is ending if he said yes to his wife on the goat issue) - yes, even he thinks they are awfully cute! 

Meet our little buck - Caramel.  

The boys had their choice between two bucklings and they both picked this one!

And our two sweet little doelings - Annabel and Clarabel.

We decided Clark is getting to the age where he can begin taking on some livestock responsibility.  So we wanted to start with something small and tame.  These little goats fit the bill.  I loved the days when I was little helping grandma feed and care for the our dairy calves so can't wait to begin teaching my little guys to care for animals (other than cats and chickens).  Tonight when I told Clark I was going to go lock the chickens in for the night he was determined to go out with me and check on the goats - this makes me smile!

This is a new learning experience for me and my husband as well.  Throughout my life I have raised dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, hogs, a horse, turkeys, ducks, geese and chickens - but never goats.  

This should be a fun experience!

Test Kitchen Thursday - Pie Crust

OK - sorry this recipe is a little late this week - kind of a crazy week around here!  I'm going to focus on the pie crust rather than the whole pie.  This past weekend I was sifting through some of my mom's Cook's Illustrated Magazines and found their Fool Proof Pie Crust.  Knew it must be tried at some point.  What better time than just before Thanksgiving.  The other reason being my sister asked for my pumpkin pie recipe this week which reminded me I needed to bake a pie for Friday's church supper!  Of course, I signed up for cherry pie so I could just dump in the Cherry Pie Filling I preserved this spring - what a time saver!

Back to the pie crust - here's the recipe (or go HERE to find it on-line)

2 1/2 Cups unbleached all purpose flour (or pastry flour blend is good too)

1 t table salt

2 T sugar

12 T cold unsalted butter (cut into 1/4" slices)

1/2 C chilled solid vegetable shortening - cut into 4 pieces (like the butter flavor shortening for buttery taste)

1/4 C vodka - cold (taste will completely bake out)

1/4 C cold water

 

Process 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined, about two 1-second pulses.  Add butter and shortening; process until homogenous dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps, about 15 seconds (dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour).  Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute dough evenly around processor blade.  Add remaining 1 cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up (4 to 6 quick pulses).  Empty mixture into medium bowl.

 

Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture.  With spatula, use folding motion to mix, pressing down on dough until dough is slightly tacky and sticks down together.  Divide dough into 2 equal balls and flatten each into 4" disk.  Cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.

 

Remove 1 disk at a time from refrigerator and roll out on generously floured (up to 1/4 cup) work surface to 12 inch circle about 1/8 inch thick.  Roll dough loosely around rolling pin and unroll into pie plate, leaving at least 1 inch overhang.  Ease dough into plate by gently lifting edge of dough with 1 hand while pressing into plate bottom with other hand (do not stretch dough).  Refridgerate again until dough is firm about 45 minutes.  Flute edges.  Pour in filling and bake.

Seriously, for two people who don't drink we have a large supply of hard liquor.  I can now add vodka to the list.  Well, I could have used my husband's 20 year old vodka he brought back from the Soviet Union but decided that might not be a wise choice.  In case you're wondering our stash also includes rum (will be using that soon for stollen), cherry brandy (for the cherry pie filling), cherry liqueur (for the black forest cakes) and some Sam Adam's for when we want some yummy beer bread.  Good thing it lasts a long time since I use it in such small amounts!

Alright, back to pie crusts:

I put the vodka, water and shortening in the freezer to chill.  To chill the shortening I measured it out onto wax paper and divided it into the 4 pieces called for in the recipe.  I wrapped the wax paper up over each section and sat in freezer.  Good thing I cleaned out all my freezer's this week - I had plenty of room to set things flat today!

Of course, I had my little helpers!  Grant enjoyed watching the food processor spin!  This was the first time trying out the food processor for mixing pie crust - it worked quite well.

I should also add I did change the recipe somewhat and used whole wheat pastry flour rather than all purpose flour.  Still made a good looking crust.

After adding the liquids I ended up with two nice balls.  I forgot to weigh them to ensure they were equal but it ended up working out OK.

Here's the rolled crust.  Look at the little lumps of fat throughout!  I have to say this was the easiest crust I have ever rolled out.  Either I'm getting a lot better with my pastry (which trust me, I need all the help and practice I can get) or the recipe is really that good.  I covered it with plastic wrap and set it back in the fridge.

Here is my favorite part!  When I was a little girl I remember my mom rolling pie crusts.  It was exciting to see the rolling pin sock (is that what it's called?) and her canvas with the circle sizes marked come out of the drawer.  After she made the big pie she would re-roll the dough and fill a mini pie tin just for me.  Sometimes I was able to help roll and fill the tin.

And when the pies came out there was a perfect little pie for me.  Strange - now I'm the mom making little mini pies for my boys (ignore the singed crust).  And boy were they excited when they found out this little pie was just for them!