Stephen assures us that The Hobbit is worth seeing.  He was there for the opening on Thursday night and back for another viewing last night.

He has the goofy 3D glasses to prove it.  Although, I think Clare shows them with more flair.

They even match her sweater!

I would just like to know...

who topped our Jesse Tree with the slinky?

Brown Sugar Baby

We discovered that the brown sugar bag from Sam's Club weighs 7lbs.  

When I mentioned newborn babies weigh around that, 

some of the kids decided to "baby" the brown sugar.

Just practicing, you know.

Serious Cross Stitching Faze

Since I am madly trying to finish Marianna's stocking before Christmas, everyone else has decided to be crafty as well. Therese and Andrew received stitching projects from St. Nick this year.  Now they seem to think crafts are a great replacement for school work.  Um, no. (You still have to do math everyday around here. Although, I do let things slide a little during Advent.)

Andrew already finished the project he was working on here.

Therese has kind of stalled out on hers, though.

Matthew's project was from odds and ends I had in my stash.

Coming to the end of the stocking...and my patience too!

I am Free!

Clare has been working on a genetics project for biology.  She's been wandering the house checking out everyone's ear lobes.  Are your's attached or unattached?
We were just discussing the fact that Gabriel has unusual ear lobes when Therese piped up, "Well, I'm free!  My ears are not enslaved!"
Whew!  What a relief!

Early Christmas Present

Dan and I agreed not to spend money on each other for Christmas this year.  Then I asked for a sewing desk....Dumpster Diving Dan to the rescue.  He reused a shelf that was already in the basement and when I came home from cookie baking last weekend.  Here's what I found...

Even after a whole week, it's still a mess.  I am slowly reorganizing my craft/sewing/junk accumulation, but at least now I have some place to put it!!!  I especially love the light.  It came from the shed and for all you city folk, it was originally used for our chickens and ducks.  I swear creativity just oozes from that man!

Sorry Grandma,  haven't been able to get a picture of the hat on Dan.  Found a few other takers, though...

When Gabriel put the hat on, I said, "Howdy Stranger!"  

He replied, "I'm not a stranger, I'm Mr. Cowboy."

Belated Thanksgiving Treat

Yummy! 

 Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake....

 and eggnog for breakfast.

(Just getting warmed up for the Christmas season, right?)