Maui No Ka Oi

We've been playing on the beach all day,

and watching lots of these at night.

Life is good!

We Had So Much Fun...

we had to go back!

We're all counting the days til we're laying on the beautiful beaches of Maui again.

Grandma and Grandpa leave tomorrow, and we'll follow shortly.

12 1/2 days of fun in the sun, is sounding pretty good about now.

Winner!

Good evening everyone!

I had my hubby do the honors of drawing, and

the winner is... Elaine - tinkerverve.

Congrats Elaine!!!

New Year Giveaway - Creamy Roses

Happy New Year everyone!

I think it's time for a giveaway, don't you think?
If you want to win this darling scarf, then all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.

Want to be entered twice? Then link back to this post from your blog, let me know in another comment, and you'll be entered twice.

I'll draw the winner the evening of Tuesday, January 5th.

**FYI, the scarflette measures 35" long. I created it from an upcycled ultra soft lambs wool sweater.

Thanks for stopping by. Welcome 2010!!!

2009 Year In Review

Today, Cindy is hosting her annual "Year in Review" party.

Be sure to check out the participant links from her blog - lots of eye candy, for sure!

My year end mosaic represents just a few of my favorite projects and photos from 2009. It was difficult keeping it to only 15 photos. Good thing I managed, or you'd need a magnifying glass...

2009 was a wonderful year in our home, for which we are truly thankful.

I want to take a moment and thank YOU, my faithful blog readers. Your comments this past year, both here and in person, have meant so much to me! I appreciate your kindness more than you'll ever know - so THANK YOU!!!

As we all look forward to the coming year, let us remember what truly is, most important.

Another Year Is Dawning - Frances R. Havergal

Another year is dawning, Dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting, Another year with Thee;

Another year of progress, Another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days;

Another year of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness In the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning Upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest,-

Another year of service, Of witness for Thy love;

Another year of training For holier work above.

Another year is dawning, Dear Father, let it be,

On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for Thee.

A-MEN

Wishing you much happiness in 2010 - Happy New Year!!!

Last Minute Gift Making

Christmas vacation is so wonderful! Since we're not running here and there, the house is clean, and most of the Christmas cooking and baking is complete, I found time to create a couple last minute gifts - and one of 'em is a gift to me!

Using pieces from felted wool sweaters, I made these scarves.
A completely practical accessory turned ultra chic!
I so enjoy playing with felted wool. The possibilities of what to make are endless.

Goody Goody Gumdrops

Do you remember these?

This "candy blossom" tree stands about 5" tall. A dime store good from days gone by, still makes such a cheerful sight!

With lots of yummy gumdrops around, I decided to make gumdrop cookies. I was so excited to have my hubby try 'em, 'cause they turned out good. Well, he took one look at them and said, "you know I don't eat anything with candied fruit!" I'm thinking my Christmas baking would last longer if I told him everything had candied fruit in it. Ha!
Gumdrop Cookies

1 C lard (I used 1/2 C butter & 1/2 C shortening)
1 C sugar
1C brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 C coconut
2 C oatmeal
1 C gumdrops (cut into smaller pieces)
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp soda
2 C flour

Mix sugar, vanilla, and lard, add flour, soda, and baking powder alternately with beaten eggs. Add coconut, gumdrops, and oatmeal. Drop on greased cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes.