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We promised the girls snow this winter, which resulted in a three day getaway to New Hampshire:

These Florida girls really lived it up in all of that snow! They made snow angles, threw snowballs, dug snow tunnels, went sledding down the hill, ate icicles, and had an absolute blast the whole time. New Hampshire was truly beautiful and I’m so glad we went there for their first snow experience. I couldn’t have asked for a more wintery wonderland!

Hi everyone!  I know I’ve been gone for a while, but there’s something about the year coming to and end that has me wanting to come back to this space and acknowledge what has come to pass over the last twelve months. I started this blog during the first day’s of 2010 with many hopes and ideas for what I wanted to accomplish here. While I can’t exactly say that I accomplished them all, I can’t be at all disappointed with my progress in developing my knitting and sewing skills, and in my overall productivity over the year.

I included most of my included projects in this mosaic, and I have several more in the works, including a knitted sweater for myself!

2011, I have no idea what you will bring, but I welcome you with great anticipation. This year, I hope to come back to this blog more regularly and develop it into more of my original vision. I also hope to continue to develop my handicraft skills. Some of you know that I would love to make some sort of career out of all of this crafting stuff. Who knows how much of a reality that is, but it would be my pleasure if you would join me on my journey. :) 

Happy New Year!

We’re getting read for another birthday party around here! Charlotte (the littlest one) is turning 3 and she is quite the little cowgirl. The girl was pulling herself up onto her rocking horse before she could walk, and by the time she was steady on her feet she had switched to riding her stick horse all around the house. Last year she picked out the cowgirl outfit for her Halloween costume, and now here we are at her 3rd birthday and she has decided she wants a cowboy birthday party. It’s so cute, and at a time when she spends most of her energy trying to follow the footsteps of her big sister, I’m glad that she is also pursuing her own interests.

Personally, I’ll be glad to get some time to try to pull together some of the details of this party. There will not be a live pony, although I thought about it. Before we had kids, the husband and I were so certain we would never be “that” family that went all out for birthdays and had over-the-top celebrations…like have a pony at a birthday party. Yet, here we are and it no longer seems that unreasonable. Funny how things change, isn’t it? But we still aren’t going to have one.

I was hoping to have a completed bag to show by now, but alas, my sewing time has been cut short lately. In the meantime, I’ve been knitting along with Susan Anderson and the Spud and Chloe crew.  It’s my first sweater and it’s for myself and I can’t wait to finish it! It’s coming along very nicely so far…pics to come, for sure!

in the most wonderful mini-vacation I shared with my husband over the weekend.

Just the two of us, for three days, at the beach…it was heaven. We enjoyed sunsets together, ate more good food than I than thought possible, explored the beautiful Florida coast on kayaks, and just relaxed.

Last Thursday I was feeling a little run-down and was adamant that we were going to get away for a few days. I really lucked out with my last-minute plans. We had no idea where we wanted to go…just something beachy. Finally, after scouring resorts, B&Bs, and cottages from beaches all over the state I called and reserved a room at a cozy little beach-side inn on Anna Maria Island.

Have you been? I hadn’t, and it turns out I had no idea what I was missing out on. It was a beautiful beach, with soft sand, gentle waves, and an abundance of local food establishments to check out. One of our favorites was the Sign of the Mermaid. We went solely for a taste of their award-winning Key Lime Pie, but quickly succumbed to the waft of aromas that filled the air. We ended up ordering two appetizers before dessert including their Shrimp and Grits dish (we had actually already eaten dinner at another restaurant). If it sounds unappetizing to you, you’re not alone. I turned my nose up at it and ordered something else. The funny thing is now I can’t even remember what I ordered. I ended up devouring most of the shrimp and grits, which Cory ordered. It was sooo good!

Upon returning home Monday, we were still in a bit of a euphoric state from all that salty air and were planning on going back this weekend with the kids. Unfortunately, we realized later that the plan would have been far more romantic than practical, so it looks like we’ll be staying home for a while. But really, can you blame us for not wanted to leave…

It seems I’ve been losing steam these days. The ideas and good intentions are plentiful, but the time and energy are lacking. Making lately has been limited to baked goods with the kiddos and a knitted pair of slippers for a friend that were supposed to be a Christmas gift…last Christmas!

I find myself coveting the productivity of others and, after a short bout of self-pity, my husband recommended David Allen’s Getting Things Done, along with this link to get me started. What can I say, we’re a technology couple…we share links. :)

The book looks promising. The hard part will be deciding between using my extra time to sew something, which I desperately want to do, or read  the book with the hopes of, eventually, making better use of all of my time.  I’m guessing the sewing will win. :)

P.S. If you’re in need of a good sugar cookie recipe, look no further.