M.........aking progress!

Despite several weather delays (a very rainy October) and a recent blizzard), progress is being made on our addition. We estimate that it will be mostly done by Christmas, but I'm not holding my breath!
These are shots of the exterior work; interior shots will follow in the near future. The masons are shown laying the block in the first picture which also shows a very clever yellow contraption that made sure everything was level. The next picture is of the addition of sand and earth around the masonry.
The next pictures show our contractor removing bricks from the back and roughing out the walls. The final shot is of the addition from the back, ready to have the windows put in and the siding applied.

Needless to say, we continue to be very excited about this project, despite the mess we're living in. Of course that gives me an excuse not to cook or clean!

C.........hristmas in Mexico

One of the topics for the Etsy Blogger's Team monthly carnival, is Christmas in other parts of the world. I've had the privilege to spend much time in Mexico, including over the Christmas holiday, and have so enjoyed the spirit of Christmas there as well.

Christmas itself is a very holy day beginning with midnight mass followed by a large family meal. Although more and more Mexicans are exchanging gifts on Christmas, many families give their children gifts on January 6th, the day of the Three Kings, instead. To me that makes much more sense as they are commemorating the traditional day that the Magi presented the first "Christmas Presents" to the Christ Child.

Their are many other festivities around Christmas such as the Posadas that celebrate the nine days it took Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem. So, it seems that Christmas runs for almost a month!

Perhaps your family would like to celebrate the holidays with a pinata, such as the very clever lollipop that I found here on Etsy by Birchangel. Search "pinatas" here on Etsy to enjoy many others...it was hard to choose one!

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo!

T.........reasury Queen

This weekend, 11 of my fellow Etsy Bloggers Team and I were lucky enough to be featured by the true Etsy Treasury Queen, Vicki Diane, in one of her famous "Exposed Treasuries". To the right you will see our pictures, most of us with an item we have for sale in our Etsy Shops. If you need any information about Etsy, the premier site for handmade goods, please ask!

The true credit goes to Vicki Diane herself and if you have not visited her shop, you're in for a treat. Her striking jewelry is equaled only by her more striking personality and her delightful sense of humor. Please take a moment to enjoy http://vickidianedesigns.etsy.com

O.........riginal Holiday Art

How about spreading Christmas cheer this year with a card or cards with original artwork! Our Etsy Blogger of the Month, Becky aka "The Fab Miss B", presents her Christmas Cookie card for 2009. A reproduction of her original drawing, primitive style cookies that we all remember so fondly, dance across this card whose message reads, "Eat, Drink and Be Merry!" She'll even personalize them if you order certain quantities. Why not take a moment to visit her shop http://thefabmissb.etsy.com to see this card and other cards and unique ornaments, and, if you're into vintage, her other shop at http://beckykazana.etsy.com Nice work, Becky!

T.........ime for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving for me has always been about family. As in many homes, my mom was always the center of that family. This year, we are particularly grateful, as our 95 year old mother is making a recovery from some serious falls and a relatively long hospital stay. She's pictured here a couple of years ago with her first great, great grandchild. She continues to bless us with her spirit and caring so this Thanksgiving will be extra special!

P.........ractice safe eating. Use condiments!

Two of our friends are known for their creativity and sense of humor. At no time of the year is that so apparent as Halloween when they create their new costumes. This year they've outdone themselves and decided that this would also be the picture on their Christmas card, (I think they may have a different sentiment on that card than their present "theme") and we were invited to take the pictures. You'll see them in full regalia to the right. With the help of the manager at our local JoAnn's store, they whipped these up much more quickly than you would imagine.

Then they insisted that I try on the mustard costume, so I'm in the second picture. DH insisted that he couldn't put on the ketchup outfit because he had to hold the camera....right....sure!

We're tempted to send these photos on to the Mustard Museum right here in Wisconsin. The "curator" there has a great sense of humor as well.

The photo shoot was done with much quipping and laughter, especially when the wind adjusted the mustard costume and their was some reference to Mustard Gas.

We feel blessed and certainly happy to have these dear friends!

S.........eeing Pink Elephants!

Amigurumi, small crocheted animals and other objects is one of the fortes of Melissa from http://madebymelissa.etsy.com She's the Etsy Blogger of the Month and it certainly is a great month to visit her shop! Besides darling amigurumi animals, such as this pretty pink elephant, and other beautifully crocheted items, she features hand made jewelry, including Halloween items. Besides, she's having a terrific sale on the "spooky" items, just in time for your celebration. Please take a minute to enjoy her shop; it's great fun!