We started our day at the local branch of the Public Library for Trinity’s class – Fun for Ones. This time, thankfully, the mom and wild little boy were NOT there. This time Trinity even touched the parachute and giggled as it went up and down! I am determined to put her into another session in the spring or summer.

With half our day spent out we left the afternoon to the boys to spend as they will. Zander was quite industrious… he finished his Mitten animals and even got Emanuel’s Christmas present (a Perler bead turtle) done. He is determined to make Gavin a shark (on the dolphin shape) as Gavin had started on and then given it up for some reason or other. The other two chose to spend their time arguing off and on in the basement – not exactly a stellar day for the Reinsch-Johnson boys.

I sat down with each of the boys and wrote their letter to Santa out. The plan is to later this week bundle everyone off and go to the postbox to send them off. I love the way Canada has it set up – you write to Santa and a letter comes back!

Santa Claus

North Pole

H0H 0H0

CANADA

I have started work on the second version of Chibi Dragon… and Ken has put the Cupcake pattern up for purchase! So be sure to take a peek.

Since today is the 1st of December I also put up our Advent calendar – made from Perler beads (of course!). So now we work on our numbers PAST 12/13! The boys are quite impressed – after all they get to stick shapes up each day.

I also got a lovely package in the mail today – my advent exchange package AND opened the first one – two strands of speciality thread – Six Strand Sweet. Rhubarb and Rock Candy. I am so looking forward to tomorrow and opening the next present. I am just hoping my trade person got hers in time!! Ken sent it as fast as possible. I plan on posting my pictures of each gift here for the rest of the month! Thanks Meari!

My goal for tonight is to get started on my gift for my stepfather. Oh and do a bit of baking. I found a recipe for banana cookies that uses brown sugar that I want to try out. And tarts FINALLY:

Strawberry Devonshire Tarts

Tart shells

Filling:

2 (3oz.) pkgs. cream cheese (soft)

1/3 cup sour cream or yogurt

2 tbsp. sugar

1 qt. fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and dried

Glaze:

1 (10oz.) pkg. frozen raspberries and syrup.thawed

water

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp. corn starch

Bake the tart shells until light brown. Cool and set aside. Beat filling ingredients until fluffy. Spread over bottom of cooled shell. Arrange strawberries, tip up, over cheese. Purée raspberries, remove seeds. Combine purée with water to make 1 cup liquid. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in purée. Cook until thick and clear. Cool slighly; pour over strawberries. Chill at least an hour. 6-8 servings.

TARTS!

So trying out new things and attempting to finish old. I do feel like we are overly busy but at least we are not sitting around moping about our troubles with that pesky branch of government (the MP is having issues too!! But going strong FOR us!) and the rest of the minor woes. I am determined NOT to do that! It seems there has been an excess of not so good news. My sister in law is having issues with her eyes (and as she is an artist this is beyond BAD news)… (he) Chris has had a set back in both job and surgery plans… I am just hoping that with the ending of 2009 so end much of the strife in everyone’s lives!

Budding Reader!