A most blessed Christmas to you...

Grandchildren Austin and Trena

We have really been enjoying having the kids here these past few days!
Trena is everywhere, all at once, and it has been a joy to sit down and play blocks, ponies, dollies, and read books!
And more books.
And even more books.
She is just like her mama who is just like HER mama!

My dear friend and "daughter" Anna stopped by clear from Texas this week!
We got to sit and visit for nearly 2 hours.
Tho we talk on the phone on occasion, and we FB back and forth, I haven't actually seen her face-to-face in a few years.
It was wonderful.
Love you, Anna!

As for me, from here on in, I will be taking a much needed blogging break.
There is a lot going on here that I am not able to share at this time.
Blogging is just one of the things that has to fall by the wayside for a season.
Bear with me...
I hope to be back.
For those of you to whom I am more personal,
(you know who you are...)
I will be in touch....

xoxo,
Cindy

Mittens!

Trena's Mittens

Created from a wool sweater from the Goodwill and felted right here at the farmette.

The likelihood of these cutie patooties even fitting her are pretty slim, as all we could go by was a tape measure and a wiggly toddler!
But if not this year, then surely next.
Regardless...it was a fun project.
Instead of sewing them right sides together, I chose to do a blanket stitch all around
That way there is no bulky seam on the inside....which may or may not bother a 2 year old, but I know it would bother me!

A sweet snowman star....

Once again this year I have kept decorations to a minimum, with the mantle, the tree, and the nativity taking center stage. A very few other little bits and bobs are lying about, but nothing overwhelming. The left knee has really been acting up and with no more insurance, this is one I will have to just live with. So I chose, once again, to keep things simple.
I will be ever so grateful when it comes time to put everything away!

This will likely be it for blogging for at least a few days.
Our daughter and her family fly in this Monday and will be staying here with us till Sunday.
There will be lots of photos taken, but more importantly, lots of precious memories being made.
We are counting the days....

xoxo,
Cindy

The Nativity Cat & Other Christmas Treasures

Sophia, the Nativity Cat

Our nativity is set up on our dining room buffet.
The buffet where Sophia usually perches from.
There really is NO room at the inn, Sophia!
Get down!

Fleur de Sel Caramels

Oh. My. Word.
Smooth. Creamy. Sweet. Salty.
Perfect.

Grandson Austin

We had Austin one evening last week and after supper I popped Charlie Brown's Christmas in the DVD player.
Side by side, we watched as Linus explained what Christmas is really all about.
Precious memories made.
I love that boy.....

3 French Hens.

Just because.
I am French, you know.

Camel with Tree Hat

Last year I crocheted some funny little trees to go 'round the nativity.
My friend Jen thought the camel needed one on his head.
I think we will keep it there.

Baby Skates

One of my favorite Christmas ornaments.
Brings back memories of when we were kids and the local town would flood the back of the baseball field for the neighbor kids to skate on.
Valley Field.
My little sis and I would walk there, make no small effort to keep on our feet with wobbly skates on, and flirt with the boys.
We wore those long stocking caps back then, and it was surely a sign that someone "liked" you if they came whizzing by and stole your hat.
The innocence of youth.
Remember?

And....
Can you tell my photos have improved????
I got an early Christmas present this year when my kids all pitched in and bought me a Canon Rebel XS that my dear friend Jen was selling.
They graciously allowed me to get it last week so I could play around and get used to it before Christmas.
It came with Photoshop Elements 7, which is why there are some textures and text added here and there.
It has been ever so much fun!

Can you tell?
Really?

xoxo,
Cindy

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

Please make sure you turn off the music located at the bottom of this post so you can hear this amazing song.

xoxo,
Cindy

A little bit of Christmas at the farm...

The real reason for the season...Jesus

I have been busy, busy here at the farmette. Sewing, knitting, baking, soapmaking....
And not a whole lot of time for blogging!

Beau and Avery, out at the Christmas tree farm

We were out yesterday at the farm we have gotten our trees from the last 8 years.
This year we got the Griswold's tree.
SO huge...
We got it home....barely....
Set it in the stand...
And Farmboy had to cut about 10 branches off the bottom.
We truly could not get around the tree without running into furniture!
Even trimmed, it is too big!
But it is a beauty!

Hark! The herald angels sing!

Farmboy and I have been watching some Christmas movies here at the farmette!
Christmas in Connecticut, Christmas Vacation, The House Without a Christmas Tree, Charlie Brown's Christmas....
It's been so nice to just sit and relax and watch the classics!
What's some of your favorites?

Ribbon, rafia and scrap paper....
all ready for the soap wrapping

Tags from Cityfarmer last year adorn my itty bitty pine tree

Tomorrow I head out from the farm to a good friends home to make candy!
I am not really a sweet lover, but I do love to make special goodies around the holidays.
We will be making fleur de sel caramels, chocolate covered cherries, seafoam, and fruit and nut studded white chocolate bark!
YUM....

Hopefully some pics will follow soon...

Until then...
Keep the Christ in CHRISTmas!

xoxo,
Cindy

PLAN B...

The tale of two aprons

After cutting out the blue striped apron and putting the whole thing together
(VERY easy-peasy)
I wasn't sure if I liked how it hung just straight down with nothing around the hips.
This morning I changed the pattern a little ,
(all right already, Pete changed it)
and came up with one that will cover more of her sides and back.
I LOVE IT!
Now I want to make a larger version for adults.
Maybe even matchy-matchy!

No Knead Sourdough rye/wheat/white

Michelle told me about "Breadtopia", a web site dedicated to all things bready.
She had been making some of their sourdoughs and was lovin' how they were turning out.
After checking it out for myself, I have been going sourdough crazy!
Once you have your starter going, the rest is....
you guessed it....
easy-peasy!
I got the swirly design by using a Brotform bread bowl for it's 2nd rise.
Isn't it pretty?
And delish, too!

Meatloaf

It was such a cold, snowy day I thought a meatloaf would be a cozy, comfort kind of supper.
With sides of baked potatoes, crusty sourdough, sauerkraut, and pickled beets, it hit the spot.

What's going on at your place?
Any Christmas goodies being crafted/baked?
Busy decorating?
I'd love to hear from ya!

xoxo,
Cindy