annikka's dress revisited

{GIVEAWAY here}

I decided to give Dawn's dress pattern another try - this time, with corduroy. The hand-pleating at the skirt is a bit trickier just because it's thicker fabric, but all in all I'm happy with the results!!

The overskirt, bodice lining and sleeves are a Heidi Grace print.
The bodice and underskirt are black corduroy. Perfect for a holiday picture by the tree or special occasion!


The other one is corduroy sleeves, bodice, and overskirt. The bodice lining and underskirt are a white cotton with silver sparkles.It's the same beautiful blue corduroy that I used in the ice princess dress. Even though that one didn't fit quite right for Abby this winter, I think this one will be perfect!

Abby enjoyed watching out the window for the first big snow of the winter... still none here yet!

christmas books...day 4

{GIVEAWAY here}

Merry Christmas Mouse - Laura Numeroff
This simple counting books go up to 10 as the mouse hangs ornaments on the tree. I'm pretty sure after a couple more readings Conner will be ready to read it to me!

You Can Do it Sam - Amy Hest
It's a sweet story of a little bear named Sam and his mom baking and taking treats to their neighbors. I'm hoping it will inspire him this year!!! I'm ready to start the cookies & dipped pretzels & candies!!!

christmas books...day 3

{GIVEAWAY here}

What can I say. I'm a TOTAL Little House fan. I even dressed up as her once for Halloween and made my husband be Almonzo. (What a great guy!) So these are of course part of my collection!

I just love that it's a way to show my son about pioneer life in a way that's different but still interesting to him. The dad loves tickle games (just like his daddy) and the kids celebrate Christmas with their cousins. We are determined to make candy like they did with molasses on snow!!!

Christmas in the Big Woods - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Winter Days in the Big Woods - Laura Ingalls Wilder

christmas books...day 2

{GIVEAWAY here}

B is for Bethlehem - Isabel Wilner
An alphabet book of the highest caliber - very strong vocabulary, complex folk art drawings - a beautiful book. We have it in board book, but my kids probably won't understand and enjoy it until they're older than board book age.

Christmas in the Manger - Nola Buck
It tells the sacred story in simple rhyme. Even after reading it 10 times in one day, you won't be going crazy. My favorite page "I am Mary, the mother mild, how I love my tiny child." Bonus - my son loves the sparkly star in this book.

GIVEAWAY DAY!

Thanks for visiting me for Giveaway Day!

Winter here in the Midwest means snow. Not as much as other places, of course, but we still see a good share of it! Some of my most memorable snowy experiences include... breaking my nose after falling off a toboggan... taking half an hour bundling up my kids & then enjoying hot chocolate inside 15 minutes later... cutting out paper snowflakes... the BIGGEST snowman ever (it was laying on its side) and watching my son & brother climb it... days off of school (as a student & a teacher!)... the list could go on and on!

Today you have two snowflake clothing choices for your little babe.
If you're interested, let me know which one you would like (sleeper or dress) and tell me a favorite snow-filled memory.

1st choice:
This white knit sleeper is adorned in starry snowflakes - even on the toes! Each snowflake has been specially appliqued with a unique design. The right side is open for your special instructions - a monogram or name, "Let it Snow", or larger snowflake design.
It is size 6m.

2nd choice:
This white long-sleeved onesie dress has a starry snowflake skirt & red and white striped ruffle. The top is waiting for your special instructions - a monogram, candy cane, snowflake, or other design will be included!
It is size 3-6m.

Sorry, no international shipping.
Open until midnight CST, December 6th.
Make sure you include your e-mail if one isn't listed in your profile.
The item will be shipped on December 12th.

Check out all the other giveaways over at Sew, Mama, Sew!!!!

tree pucks

This is my mantle. Simple. No huge candlesticks. No big collection of greenery. Although I believe there are some truly beautiful mantles out there, I choose to go simple. I also think it's pretty important to keep the special stuff where we can easily see it & breakables out of the reach of little kids.

In between the stockings and water globes, I put our collection of pucks. Not hockey pucks - tree pucks. We cut the bottom off and I decorate it to celebrate the year. (By we, I mean HE!)
2001 - the year we got married - thus, the hearts everywhere.

2002 - just another year in the life. Then 2003 we moved into our new home - 5 days before Christmas!!
2004 - We were splitting at the seams - literally! I was a month away from my due date and felt ready to burst!!!

2005 - Yay! He's here! Conner loves it that he finally sees his name on this one.

2006 - not my favorite creative attempt, but there it is.

2007 - once again, bursting at the seams and pregnant with #2. Isn't it funny that both times I was pregnant the tree slice was cracked??! We didn't even plan it that way, honest!

2008 - and here she is! Our little angel is in the collection finally.

2009 - this year's tree puck. Obviously my drawing talents are limited... star - tree - holly. What would you put on yours?

The only problem is I think I'm going to need a bigger mantle soon... or I'm going to have to figure out another way to display them. It's getting a little crowded up there!

christmas books...day 1

Welcome to Christmas Books... Day ONE!
I feel like there is really only one place to start in our stack.
Her illustrations are a story in themselves. Her attention to detail is astounding. Her stories are adorable.
Let's read Jan Brett...

The Mitten
Suspend reality and pretend all these animals would actually all want to be together. Once you've done that, you're ready for a sweet story with a funny ending!
The Hat
I suppose some would say this has a lot to do with peer pressure. We just enjoy watching the clothesline at the top of every page!

The Three Snow Bears
This version of Goldilocks takes place in an Inuit village. I pretty much love any "fractured" fairy tale, and this is no exception. I love the side story too of the dogs being rescued by the bears.

A couple other goodies that I love, but just don't own...

If you've made it this far, you probably love Jan Brett and know about her website. If you haven't been there, PLEASE do yourself a favor and go check it out. She knows how to show off her stuff! There are games, activities, videos, etc etc etc. I get lost there!!!
And don't worry... I didn't forget about the gingerbread. Those are coming later!