This weekend

Made a ham, sewed on Emmy's quilt, made a coffee cake, started knitting a teddy and polar bear from Ysolde Teague's Otto pattern, played our new Wii, and chopped some kindling. Plus had so much fun with Emmy on her first Christmas!
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Our baby girl

Merry Christmas to all!

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Yeah!
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Emily talking?!?!

OK, so this video is just her babbling, but she actually said “Papa” today…twice to make sure we knew it was not an accident. What a wonderful little girl we have!

The Christmas tree went up last night. A friend from Joe’s work gave it to us from there farm for Emmy’s first Christmas. Joe did an amazing job decorating the house again. We have 5 beautiful wreaths and a lovely mantle display of fruits and pinecones and greenery. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with the snowy blanket outside. I have started writing our Christmas cards which I was wise enough (pats herself on the back) to get on clearance last year after the holidays. I love these cards…you’ll see.

I have picked up my crochet hook again and am working on my own fall colored afghan made of Lion Brand Homespun yarn. I really love the feel and variegation of this yarn.

Joe reminded me that I have more to publish on my blog than just pictures of Emmy so I will make an effort to include all facets (within reason, of course) of our life. Well, off to do some more cards. Happy Holidays!

Emily's First Spoon Feeding

We gave Emily her first cereal spoon feeding last night. She had been watching us eat dinner and smacking her lips so I thought it was about time. She did pretty well until she choked and threw it up. Better luck tonight! As you can see, she also has a new bouncy activity center that she has really taken to. Really, is there a cuter baby out there?

Gingerbread Apple Upside Down Cake

All of my siblings made the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, and while that is certainly a delicious treat, I decided to go out on a limb this year. I made the Gingerbread Apple Upside Down Cake from Smitten Kitchen's blog. Wow. It was perfect...not too cloyingly sweet, moist and easy. Awesomeness in a cake. Of course, I love anything with molasses in it. Really, anything at all.

Emily Pictures!

A Walk in the Woods

This afternoon, my family went for a walk in a trail through the woods near our house. Unfortunately our camera is broken so I have no real pictures to show, but believe me when I say it was pure joy. I had Emmy strapped on and she was enjoying herself the whole way. We are going to try to make a habit of it when weather allows.

In other news, 2 of the 8 puppies are spoken for now. They are so super adorable that anyone who sees them can’t resist.

I am looking forward to another attempt at roasting a turkey…not at 450 degrees this year!

Swimming Lessons

Here is a taste of Emmy being super cute and looking like she is sky diving.

Random Pics

Mom and Pumpkin

Florisa

Grandpa

Just Emmy

New Puppies

Shadow had puppies! Here is the baby holding her very first puppy!

Laughing Baby

We finally got our new computer allowing us to upload our videos of Emily Dear. Yay for technology!

dark but cute

It's that time

We had our first fire of the season tonight after a day of house painting while Grammy Val watched Emmy. Yesterday there was some house cleaning done. And some fun with a sleeping cap.Yep, quite an exciting life!

Happy Autumnal Equinox! Warm cocoa and cozy fires to all!

Fun In and Out of the Sun

On our recent trip to sunny CA, we spent a lot of time with family. Real Mexican food was eaten and enjoyed. We even made a stop at the Sacramento Zoo; Emmy's first time!

Calling all Austen fans

Just watched Lost in Austen. What a great flick for anyone who is secretely in love with Mr. Darcy like I am.

A bit of whimsy

I bought these two items from Etsy today. Doesn't the squirrel look like he'll knock your block off if you take his nut? I just love it! I have decided on a whimsical woodland theme for the kitchen with red walls, butter yellow cabinets with punched tin inlays, and accents of olive green, orange and turquoise. Sound like too many colors? Not if you love color like me! I will be making the tin inlays myself this winter if all goes as planned. I have 12 upper cabinet doors to put them on so am thinking about having each one represent a month in the year keeping with the woodland theme...gnomes, owls, squirrels, strawberries and such. I am super excited. I have never done anything like the tin inlays but can't wait to get started!

Loaf update

It is delicious! OK, it is a bit crispy on the outside, so I will drop the temp by 10 degrees next time to see how that goes, but wow is it light and moist and fluffy inside. A real keeper of a recipe. I can't wait to perfect it and try some variations! And here is you daily dose of Emmy!

Feed the soul

Here it is. My first ever 100% from scratch no machine (besides an oven) bread. We have yet to try it as it is still cooling off, but I will let you know! And look who found her thumb!

Random Pics