New Year... Change is a Coming

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2018!

Times they are a changing. I have 4 months left of my Senior year. I'ts a scary to think this time next year I will be living away from home.

Away from Dad's home cooking and my little brother. Yes, we are those people who send photos of whatever gourmet creation was made using just 3 ingredients found in our home. Yes... those people!

I've been sheltered living in small town USA and well I'm different. Different in the best possible way as far as I'm concerned. I'm just not sure how "different" will translate when I leave the nest. I'm quite certain I'm in the same boat as the other thousand females getting ready to embark on their first adventure away from home. Just scary...

Today, is a good day. I spent the day with Tony in the valley just hanging out. Enjoying his company before he heads back to college. And so,the countdown begins... just trying to make the best of everything! 

Morgan Faith...

Attending funerals are part of life or so I'm told. When I think about death my mind takes me back to my grandmother. A woman who lived 87 years. She lived during the Great Depression, the commission of Mount Rushmore, Hemingway's marriages/divorces, love, children, friendship, experiencing death of parents and loved ones. 

I was not born when my grandmother lost her youngest son, my uncle David. She spoke of him often. She spoke of her broken heart, saying good-bye, and burying her child. 

I can honestly say her pain was never felt more than today.

Today, I attended a funeral for a 3 year old named Morgan Faith. A beautiful little girl who was loved by many. She was murdered by her mother's boyfriend. 

Today, I witnessed the pain of parents, grandparents, and an entire community bury Morgan Faith.

Grandma, I understand. My heart is heavy and sad. Witnessing Morgan's grandfather's say good-bye was heartbreaking. 

My wish for the New Year is hope. Hope for our little community to heal, to remember the joy and innocence this little girl brought to so many.

Sweet Scents and Sounds of Christmas...

Another year has come and gone. My wish for you this Christmas is a holiday filled with friends, family, love, and always happiness.

So... a present for your nose and ears. Thanks to my Aunt Natalie for giving me the idea!

Christmas Potpourri...

2 slices of lemon

2 slices of orange

2 sprigs of rosemary

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. whole cloves

1 tsp. whole Jamaican Allspice

a handful of fresh cranberries

1 tsp. vanilla
 

Put it all together and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer. This special blend fills your home with the scent of Christmas. Let it cool and you can fill a mason jar and store in the refrigerator for another use.

OR...Package it up as a gift with instructions to add Vanilla and Water.
 

For your ears my favorite Christmas concert...

Faithful family and friends who are dear to me... although we are apart you remain in my heart... Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now!

XOXOXO to all and my angel Grandma Jane,
Penelope

Christmas Treats....

 

Sorry for the late post but Tony is back in town and my Saturday was filled with a Lord of the Rings Marathon.

 

Tony did help make the Sugar Cookie dough for my Christmas presents I'm giving to my friends.

 

 I also made Carmel Puff Corn.

I've placed Grandma Jane's Sugar Cookie Recipe on my Recipe Page.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Once the dough has chilled over night roll it out dusted flour surface

.

Using your favorite cookie cutters cut out dough.

Place dough on Crisco coated baking pan.

Bake for 6 to 6 1/2 minutes and allow cookies to cool.

Once cooled frost with your favorite icing and decorate.

I boxed 1/2 dozen cookies and bagged Carmel Puff Corn.

I had the best Sunday ever rocking out to Christmas tunes and decorating cookies with my family. Enjoy!!!


Lock In...

Penelope is away participating in the yearly Chess Banquet lock in. 

What’s that you ask? It’s a time for Chess nerds to come together and have fun all night...

I will return next week and have a new project for Christmas gifting. Enjoy your Saturday!

Adopt a Senior...

My family adopted 2  Seniors this year who have no family to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

There only request was gift cards from Fry's.

I had other ideas in mind... so, I created some magnets for their refrigerator.

AND... I created 2x2 canvas Santa ornament keeping with theme from last week and adding cord to hang it.

AND.... some Comfy Christmas Socks! I can't imagine the holidays without family and friends.These are some special people who deserve a day filled with happiness and love!

Christmas Project 2017...

This year mom tried to get one passed me. I suppose she forgot I’m her daughter and nothing gets passed her daughters! It is simple, creative, and so meaningful to involve family.

This year’s Christmas project is a family present just for me. A collage to adorn one of my Dorm room walls. It was Mom’s idea to ensure I had a little piece of home & family with me.

Project Supplies can be purchased any Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or Michael's:

•    5x5 Canvas Panels
•    Acrylic Gesso 
•    Acrylic All Purpose Craft Paint
•    Paint brushes
•    Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coat
•    Your Imagination

Step 1:

Prime the canvas with Gesso. I coated my board with 2 coats (allowing 1^st coat to dry before adding another). I painted in one direction and then 2^nd coat in the opposite direction. This really helps with paint absorbing into the canvas and saves on the amount of paint you use.

Step 2:

It's all about your imagination. For my project, each family member painted something that would remind me of them or something about me. There's no right or wrong here people!

Step 3:

Once the canvas is dry, spray a coat of the Krylon Crystal Clear. This provides a permanent, protective gloss coating that will not yellow with age.

I can’t wait to see this thoughtful present displayed on my dorm room wall. It's still a work in progress with more family members joining in. I'm feeling the love people!