Gingerbread Lane

Come take a walk with us down Gingerbread Lane, won't you?

I fell in love with these gorgeous Christmas trees!

A lovely gingerbread Eiffel Tower!

I'd love to take a stroll up this walk. Wouldn't you?

A snowy wedding.

A peek at a Christmas tree in the window. I love the red, green & white candy corn roof. This house took my vote for 1st Place.

A lovely pretzel fence.

A gingerbread country house.  This one took Soph's vote.

Penguins having fun.  No doubt my favorite photo from the day.

Some folks are really talented.

Popcorn snow!

A "Welcome" Mat and some hot cocoa.

I LOVED this roof.

WOW.  Such a gorgeous house!

I especially liked the Christmas lights made of chocolate-coated sunflower seeds!

Gingerbread snow angels!

Elf graffiti.

Trees made of candy!

We had such a lovely time on Gingerbread Lane. I hope you did too!  Thanks for joining us!

Iggy Pop

Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights but this year the candles don't seem to burn as brightly.  

Bianca sent this picture earlier in the week and I knew immediately that it had to be this week's post.  I'm so happy Bianca agreed.  I don't have any other photo of Ygal at Hanukkah.  And this photo is BEAUTIFUL, sweet, proud, peaceful.  Just look at little Yaron!  What an angel.

In our house we've been lighting the candles nightly right next to two framed pictures of Ygal. It's almost like he's here with us.  It at least feels good to have his photos so close by.  It's definitely the first Hanukkah where we don't get to speak to Ygal and tell him about our celebrations.  We don't receive a lovely package like we normally do.  It's hard.

But I did dream of Ygal twice this week.  It was comforting.  I'm thankful for that!

I love you, Bianca & Yaron.

Looking for Peace this Holiday Season?

Seriously, this time of year can be so stressful.  I often feel a little bit blue when I see everyone rushing around, being mean to each other in parking lots, and buying up a bunch of junk that they don't need and won't use.  We've all lost a bit of what this entire season is supposed to be about.  When I discovered this song recently, I thought it was the perfect way to relax and reflect.  So, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.  Sit down with a cuppa. Close your eyes for a few moments.  If you're like me, you might fall totally asleep.  But that's okay too..

(there's no video, just this image so don't worry about watching!)

A Good Hanukkah Craft Is Hard To Find

It's true.  So we made our own.  Ribbon dreidels. Inspired by this pin, I went on a ribbon shopping spree.  Blue, silver & glittery are what I was seeking.  We also used some old ribbon scraps we had on hand.  I knew they'd come in handy at some point!!!  Of course, I had to make a "sample".  I did it one night after the girls were in bed and it was so, so, so therapeutic!  Here's my "sample":

I was going for a vintage, fabric-scrap quilt look.

Note to self: Make sure that dreidel outline is not showing once finished. Ahem.

Halfway through, the girls decided that glittery ribbons weren't enough.  They went off and found some glitter in Sophie's craft drawer.  Green and pink glitter. Ahem. Still, here are their almost-finished dreidels:

{Charlotte's dreidel}

{Sophie's dreidel}

In typical Sophie "more is more" fashion, she started to decorate the rest of the paper.

Even though the girls said they enjoyed the project, I am thinking it might be best for children a little older (these girls are 6).

Will keep searching and trying to create that elusive perfect Hanukkah craft.  To be continued....

If You're Of The Hanukkah Persuasion *

For all who celebrate The Festival of Lights, Happy Hanukkah to you! 

   

In celebration, I'm sharing links to some of my favorite Hanukkah videos....

~ What could be better than Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert discussing Hanukkah?

~ A real classic.....The Maccabeats

~ Eight Crazy Nights, Part I, Part II, Part III

~ Swingin' Dreidel

* I credit this title to Alain.  When someone asks him about his Christmas plans, he replies, "Well, actually, I'm of the Hanukkah persuasion."  Not sure why but this always makes me laugh.

Iggy Pop

Because today is my dear Alain's birthday, I am posting this picture. It was taken in 2009.  A few months ago, when Tia Jenny and I were talking, I asked if she might have a picture of Ygal & Alain that we haven't seen before. She sent this one. I've been sitting with it since then knowing that I would like to surprise Alain with it for his birthday.  I could spend millions on other presents (if I had it ~ which I don't!) and I know it wouldn't mean an inkling as much as getting this photo for him.  Tia Jenny, thank you.  

Alain, wishing you a Happy Birthday seems, I don't know, silly.  This has been the hardest year of your life. So the girls and I will simply wish you a better year to come and we want to let you know that we've got you.  We will hold you up for as long as you need.  Our love and adoration for you knows no bounds.  Happy 41, my love.  Mi corazon.  I know that every day I have you with me is a gift and I am forever thankful.  I love you!

The Little Ragamuffin

Clara may not like me one day for posting this picture but I really JUST HAD TO!   If you know her, you understand that this one photo perfectly captures her zany little personality.  

And yes, she really likes to eat. Especially Daddy's yummy pasta.

Clara, you crazy little puffin ~ thanks for always making us laugh and for keeping smiles on our faces!