Here's a little update on this past week: First, I haven't been getting around much, lol. Now, that doesn't really sound like me does it? Well, I am getting around a little better on my crutches. You might remember my little incident last Tuesday.

Well, Jacob's class has had many field trips this fall; and they have all been on Thursdays. And, Thursdays have been my three class in a row days, 8-5 straight in class. So, I haven't been able to make any. I promised him I would go to the Meux Home Museum with him in December. So, I hobbled along, chaperoning 3 very well mannered little boys. I even went UP THE STAIRS! So there. I. AM. SUPER. MOM. Overall, it was a fun trip. I was so looking forward to it...before the crutches, lol.

Jacob (top right) and his classmates.

(Photos were not allowed inside the museum.)

So it is, Christmas of the beads 2009. This scarf was made for Jacob's teacher. It is fuzzy and white, and trimmed with crystals and clear tear drops. I love the sparkly trim. It makes it festive, without being over done.

This one was for Nate's teacher. Actually, I made the scarf last year, and it didn't find a home. This year, I trimmed it with beads and it is so pretty. These beads are little more random, but pretty.

And because, these special gifts have been received, I can share them now. When I saw these lovely green beads, they screamed AIMEE! I even had enough to make earrings, lol. So much fun. I love making things with someone in mind. Just wish I could have been there when she got them!

Then there were these fun funky beads. My friend JODI is a fun funky introverted type. They were perfect for her. She is also a teacher. And teachers can pull off fun and funky. I didn't have enough beads for the earrings, but I had some in the right color. The little cubes have swirls of red and blue, so they work, although you can't the that, lol.

I made myself one too, with the same "Friends" charm. We are kind of three musketeer-ish. I so much wish we lived closer. We have had great chats...wish we could chat over coffee. Someday.

Keeping up with the Woolwines... If you want to see a lovely decorated home, don't come to my house. Go here. My friend Aimee's post yesterday inspired me to hang the lights outside. I got this far...
Then I went to the emergency room, and cam home with two new friends. It's not broken, but I messed up my knee pretty good.

So much for riding the cook rides with Nate at magic mountain on Sunday. I was so looking forward to a great time with Nate. It will be fun anyway. The ER nurse suggested getting a wheelchair at the park and then we can get to the front of the lines. There's my silver lining.

Greetings everyone. Here is your first peek at some of our holiday crafts. Last year was the year of the scarves. Money is tight this year, so I'm trying to create Christmas gifts with crafting supplies I have on hand. I'm sure Brian is happy to see my supplies dwindle. I'm thinking this is going to be the year of the beads. Here are a few of the pretty things we've made in the past couple of weeks (the ones I'm pretty sure the recipients will not see here).

Shawn made this necklace for his, um, oh yeah,

his sister. I was surprised to see him get into beading.

Then he wanted to make for (not Shawn's girlfriend) Alex.
Brandi made this when she was over last week.

I love that she really matched their personalities.

This one is for Nate's pre-K teacher, who shares

his birthday, December 20th.

I will be sharing more Christmas crafts as they are completed and/or received. What are you up to as far as holiday crafts? I'm always looking for crafts to do with the kids. And crafts to gift.

Time to address some Christmas cards. I finally finished the Christmas letter. I will share that at some point for those who don't receive one. If you want a card, let me know in the comments, or email me if I do not have your address.

A local holiday tradition. Christmas Tree Lane has become a family tradition for many generations of local families. I remember my parents driving us through Christmas Tree Lane every year to look at all the beautiful lights. I still love to look at lighted homes and yard displays. This is how Christmas Tree Lane began 89 years ago. Today, Christmas Tree Lane is two MILES of lights and holiday cheer.
Twice per year, the lane is shut down to motor traffic and only walkers are allowed. We have made a family tradition of walking the lane. The kids favorite displays change each year (last year's post) This was Joshua and Brandi's first year to walk together (maybe this is the beginning of another generation...)

Nate was the only one who wanted his picture with Santa.

My pride and JOYs!

I took this photo for my friends, the Gaertners.

I hope it says something like Happy Holidays!

Jacob walked to Christmas Tree Lane from our house, about 1.5 miles.

Nate rode in the wagon. So, it was Jacob's turn to ride.

Each year the art students at the local high schools paint signs.

This is one of two by out high school.

This is the other. Brandi is a senior this year.

Shawn is a junior. Go PATES!

Nate and I got separated from the group.

Brian was pulling the wagon and i made sure to keep hold of Nate's hand.

Nate's fascination this year is with Rudolph.

This was my favorite this year, a huge Christmas card.

And the only picture of me, lol.

Nate loved these characters from the cartoon.

We had just watched it a few days before.

Nate and I found hot chocolate, and Bumble Bee.

Santa's worshop always gets Nate's attention.

This was Nate's favorite house. He want a house like this,

"because, it has another story."

I'd love to have a house like this someday, too.

Last year, the grand finale was the house with the "snow." That was all Nate talked about as we walked the lane. "I wonder if there will be snow." You know when you live where it never snows, even fake snow brings holiday magic; and Nate was not disappointed.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Traditionally, the evening ends with Starbucks.

Its a good thing too. Baby, its cold outside...

Nate walked nearly the whole two miles,

so he got to ride in the wagon one the way home.

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with love and happiness. May this season be filled with traditions that will become lifelong happy memories.

Tonight, I was determined to get the kids picture for Christmas cards. Tomorrow morning Joshua is having his wisdom teeth pulled, all four, under general anesthesia. When I had mine done a "few" years ago, I was bruised for weeks. So, I was determined to get a picture tonight. Some of you might remember the wonderful photos my friend Melissa took last year. But even she landed some pictures of my real family. LOL. I love those pictures, all of them.

So, this is my attempt to get a Christmas card photo of my boys. This is what I got. Matching shirts. Fresh hair cuts. A decorated tree. Four silly boys. One who likes to make faces. One who always closes his eyes. One who just wanted to be done. One who is a model and just loves to have his photo taken. Can you guess which is which?

Not the best pose...

Not quite what I was hoping for...

OPEN YOUR EYES!

Joshua (with his eyes open) Shawn (Mr. Photogenic)

Jacob (take the picture already)

Nate (all I want for Christmas...)

This just might be the best we get this year!

We had a fun evening with the kids last night. Joshua was home and Brandi was over. We started out phase 10. They were eating marshmallows left over from Thanksgiving dinner. Which led us to do "rubber baby buggy bumpers." Joshua got a marshmallows. Shawn got five. Did I mention that these were jumbo marshmallows? It was hilarious. Oh, Brandi and I passed on this truly masculine activity.
Then Brandi and I decided do do some beading, while playing Farkle with the boys at the other end of the table. We are girls; we can multi-task like that! I cannot share any finished projects yet...

One of these years, I am going to organize my bead stuff...probably, after I organize my scrapbook stuff and my yarn. Someday, I am going to have a craft room, with pink curtains! This is what we worked with last night. Lots of pretties and sparkly things.

After Brandi went home, the boys decided to bead something for the young ladies in their lives. Joshua already had a plan, but it worked that everything was already out last night. Shawn decided to make a necklace for his sister, which I thought was sweet. I've raised them well.

Joshua, such diligence. His focus was much better than my camera's. The battery was just about dead. Charged over night and ready to take more pictures.

I put Joshua on a train back to Fremont this morning. All those people who traveled before Thanksgiving are on their way home now. We barely got him on a train this morning. All of the trains for the rest of the day are sold out. It is sure nice to have him home every weekend.