Archive | November 2009

Let it Snow!

Monday went off slowly… though the boys did a nice variety of school work AND completed their Mitten stuff. Zander and Gavin have gotten a bit of a start on making a beaded item each for Emanuel for Christmas. They are having a blast keeping it secret from their little brother! I am hoping tomorrow to get Emanuel started on something for each of his brothers in return.

Zander Hard at Work on Winter/Christmas Projects

Zander Hard at Work on Winter/Christmas Projects

The snow came back and the boys DEMANDED that everything stop and they go out and play – so of course we had to agree! After all what is winter without outside play in the snow?

SNOW! (Gavin left)

SNOW! (Gavin left)

My afternoon was rather relaxed as I had finished my commission last night and only had my new ornament to get working on. Ken is working feverishly on my next Christmas present!

Santa's Robes

Santa's Robes

Baking wise I got right to work on banana chocolate chip muffins – Christmas presents of course. So into the freezer they went. Tonight I plan on making 3 loaves of banana bread (Chris and Chris have leant me 2 loaf pans) and finally get to my tarts. I have plans on making a TON of applesauce baked products… once Ken gets some more butter and brown sugar.

I am starting to get my Christmas plans in mind… and wow am I still in the thick of it! Tonight I spent a nice chunk out with (she) Chris for coffee and visiting so later tonight I plan on sorting out the kids’ ornaments. I have this laundry list of “to do’s” trying to balance with what is going on daily (and this week is FULL) and I am not sure there is enough of me to do it all… But our Christmas party is set for the 19th (if you are in the area feel free to stop by with your favourite Christmas food item!) and I am feeling good about Christmas Eve and Day’s plans. Being together with friends and family IS what is important after all!

Trinity Visiting the Boys in Time Out! (Gavin)

Trinity Visiting the Boys in Time Out! (Gavin)

Gingerbread Boys and Christmas Trees

Well the weekend was busy! We started our Saturday with a trip to the local thread store for their 25th anniversary celebration. I picked up another bead kit ornament – Woodland Santa and another bag of orange tri-cornered beads (25% off total purchase!). In buying something I got my name in a draw AND a special edition skein of speciality floss and a pen. The boys each got a snack and time to play in the playhouse so definitely worth going!

A New Santa Project!

A New Santa Project!

We stopped in at H&W and picked up a nice bunch of bananas at 49 cents a lb. So I am planning on making and freezing banana chocolate chip muffins to give for Christmas this week (oh so much baking yet to do!). Speaking of baking – we started some more Christmas treats with simple chocolate Truffles! Rolled in icing sugar and refrigerated… they look and taste DELICIOUS!

Chocolate Cream Truffles

14 oz semi sweet or dark chocolate

3/4 cup whipping cream

2 tbsp unsalted butter, optional

sifted cocoa powder

icing sugar

Method:

1. Chop chocolate. Combine cream and butter in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove cream from heat; add chocolate, stirring until chocolate is melted and smooth.

2. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until firm enough to handle.

3. Using your fingers, a small melon ball scoop or spoon, shape into small balls. Roll the balls in the cocoa or icing sugar then place on parchment lined baking sheet or tray; cover and refrigerate until firm. Makes 36.

Truffles can be refrigerated for a couple of weeks or frozen for a couple of months.

Karyn and the Truffles!

Karyn and the Truffles!

Of course Saturday evening we had our Gingerbread Men making event!! And then this morning on the way to the freezer we ended up with gingerbread men parts — oh dear! So next time they will need to be baked longer! BUT fun was had and some perverted men made (look at who was there – are you surprised?). The boys ate their weight in gingerbread and got to try the piping bag as well as a knife to create.

Chris making the men

Chris making the men

Everyone Hard at Work (Gavin yellow)

Everyone Hard at Work (Gavin yellow)

Ken and His Cookie

Ken and His Cookie

The boys and Ken headed off to Church this morning to sing in the Advent service. Trinity had kept me up most of the night in an attempt to avoid sleep so she and I were too worn out to be useful and Emanuel stayed behind with Sean to keep us company. So a bit of a lazy morning though Ken didn’t manage to get a picture of the boys singing they were VERY proud about their opportunity to be a part of the service.

I could not resist sharing these two pictures of my babies – Ken managed to get Trinity’s hair into a ponytail Saturday night! AND Emanuel in his “biker style” gear ready to go out and play in the backyard!

Pony!

Pony!

Emanuel!

Emanuel!

Oh Saturday was also the day we put up the Christmas Tree… I am still working out the organization of the living-room to accommodate the tree but the kids are over the moon – we still need 4 C batteries for the train they got from Grandma and Mike for Christmas last year – of course I have 4 D’s but not C’s… figures. I love decorating the tree, each ornament has a story… I have ornaments from when I was born, ones that were gifts, things I have made, even ones my Grandpa made me (gingerbread men I drew made into wooden ornaments). I have to make a few for the kids this year – if I can find the time that is! But at least my beaded Santa is already up there in a place of honour!

Babies Under the Tree

Babies Under the Tree

Gavin, Trinity, Emanuel and Zander

Gavin, Trinity, Emanuel and Zander

Karyn stopped by after her card making day to spend a nice and restful evening – though of course that included a slurpee run and a trip to The Mall to check the window displays since most places were closed.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day full of stitching and wrapping and organizing of ornaments… no rest for this family! I have great hopes for this week, completing some Christmas projects, my commission will be done tonight… cards and mailing prepared… get myself feeling a little more in control of my Christmas plans and preparations.

Keeping Busy! (Zander red)

Keeping Busy! (Zander red)




Attacked…

The site is getting attacked so tonight just a HELLO and an ARGH!!!! Hoping to have the solution soon!