Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year...what do you eat????

Happy New Year....a little early I know. I was thinking (scary!!)...what do you eat for your
"Good Luck" food for the New Year? I know it is different in some areas of the country. For the Harrison Homestead it is black-eyed peas and this year I will add fresh kale and potatoes.
At the cousin's house in W.VA. it is sauerkraut with noodles and pork, I just heard about
Hoppin' John (made with black-eyed peas). So, what is your 2011 Good Luck meal?

Do you take your trees down or leave them up and retire them after the New Year? This year I am doing differently...I still have my big tree up and will leave it up until after the stroke of midnight...we will see if the luck changes. Plus I really love the glow she gives off and Eli likes having the ladder in the room.


So....will you watch the ball drop in Time Square tonight? Will you actually be there or watching it from the comfort of home? Ours will be spent spending a little time with Lori and Peter
and then we will be home...hopefully we can manage to keep the old eyes open until midnight, but even if we don't, I know we will be in a new year upon awaking.



As you can see Eli is my forever companion...he helps me do pretty much EVERYTHING!!! I am trying really hard to get my "groove" back....by the way thank you for all of the wonderful comments and e-mails about getting back into the swing of things.
I am working on this sampler at night while watching t.v. and I have also managed a couple of extreme prim bunnies.


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I wish you much happiness and success in the new year.


Blessings,

Robin


Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Where The Heck Is Stella...

....and where did she hide my groove???? I have lost it
and I have looked high and low for it, called it back, begged it to come back.
I have sent out an S.O.S. for it and NOTHING!!!!
I just can not bring myself to do anything related to a craft, sewing , needle punch
or cross stitch.
I am outa my groove and I so want it back. I was sooo happy to say
I was on vacation...taking a break, enjoying the season....WELL, it's over and here I sit.
Went to Jo-Ann's today, yep...that will get me back in the swing...new material and of course
some of that 70 percent off wrapping paper!!! Come home, and NOTHING!!! Nap time with my babies...Eli is so sweet.
What the heck am I gonna do????
I have a booth, shop, and show that need new merchandise not to mention
the update for Early Work....YIKES!!!!!!
How do you get your groove back after taking some time off?
I need help and need it FAST!!!!
Have a Blessed Day...and I sure hope that you never
loose your groove.
Robin

Monday, December 27, 2010

The Day After Hang-Over

Good Monday morning to you and yours. I guess most are off this week and taking down trees and hanging up balloons and such...getting ready for another celebration. Can you believe
another year has come and gone....so quickly I might add. Christmas did THIS to Eli....what will New Year's do to my little furry man????? His first Christmas
was a blast and he knew what to do with his bags and toys...but he liked the bows
the best of all. In fact I have one under my pillow....at 3 a.m. this morning he wanted to play Bow on the bed, gotta love him.
What will you be doing this week....I am moving my home shop upstairs to the den. Actually just a table and extra sewing machine. And I will be learning how to use my stencil cutter.
Taking down the trees is next on my list. I want my house back to normal...whatever that is!
Noooo....not hanging any balloons or streamers for New Years, usually it is just Lee and I trying to make it till the ball drops.
Have a blessed day...I am off to take down the bedroom tree.
Robin

Friday, December 24, 2010

Outa Tape and Time

Merry Christmas!!!!! I am outa tape...and that's a good thing cause I
truly do not think that this tree can hold much more.These are the packages that stay here...for us. What travels with us tomorrow has already been removed.
My sweet babies are patiently awaiting Santa...notice Tinsley's "Pre Christmas Gift".
Yep, even Eli managed to be a sweetheart today....I think he knows who is coming......

How cute is he here? He was my wrapping "helper" over the last few days.
He did keep me company. Yep, now I am outa time....our celebrating has already started.
Tonight was the first time Justin had been to his Grandparents on Christmas Eve in almost 20...count them...20 years. It was wonderful. Our new tradition has begun...a nice dinner out, to Grandma's, out looking at lights and listening to the sounds of the season....such a good time. Although before all the "good times" started we were side swiped by a car....and he didn't even stop. No real damage done, just pissed and nerves, but all is well.

So with that said...I am off to play Santa for my fur babies...they love toys in bags and I am sure that they will teach Eli.


MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY WITH YOUR
FAMILY AND FRIENDS




Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A Simple Blessing

As the day draws near I wanted to extend my wish for you...
May you enjoy all of life's simple pleasures...
The warmth of family and friends...
Finding the perfect snowflake...
A cozy fire...
The glow of a candle...
The scent of mulling spices....
...And Peace in your heart.
Merry Christmas my Friends and many many Blessings to you
and your family.
Robin

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Stockings Were Hung.....

by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. They do not hang at the chimney any longer, but these were my Christmas Stockings.
There is also a natural color...2 red and one natural...they are very old burlap with
embroidery letters. I would sit in the middle of my parents while my dad would
read me this story...off to bed and wait for Santa. I remember getting a Winnie The Pooh bigger than I was...I also remember the year with the Barbie Condo...I awoke...what WAS ALL that noise...more like bad language....oh no, my Dad....Santa won't come until EVERYONE is asleep...or so I thought...I heard him tell my Mom that he just could not get the *##* thing together....I went back to bed....awoke in the morning and was told Santa was RUSHED and needed help from my Dad. My Mom also said that Santa would not ask my Dad for help again...LOL.
So for the last 50 Christmas' these stockings have been a part of my tradition. It just would not be Christmas without them and the little wooden angels.

Have a Blessed Day, I am headed out into the crowds...wooohooo!!!!

Robin

Monday, December 20, 2010

Traditions....

My little angels have been a part of my Christmas since I can remember.
Every year my Grandmother would set these little wooden angels out under a little tree in their
living room. I have had these for almost 30 years and I am not sure how long she had them before me! I know they are old and some are missing a wing or two or maybe their instrument is gone...but they have been a part of my heart ever since I can remember. When these come out of their box I feel I am surrounded by my Grandparents love and then a flood of past holidays come back....like when I stole baby Jesus from the manger and slept with him!!!! How many people can say they slept with baby Jesus?!! I was little, and their was just something about
the baby in the manger that I liked so I took him from the manger, put him in my pocket, went home and slept with him under my pillow. I broke his head off, but my grandmother glued it back on...good as new she said.
What are your traditions, ya know the ones you have had since like forever? This year we
will start a new tradition with Justin. We feel so very blessed to have him in our life, and yes the step mom has gone a BIT overboard, but hey it's Christmas.
We will spend Christmas Eve with Lee's parents, Christmas morning with my family
and have our first Christmas with Justin Christmas evening. I am so looking forward to cooking a nice dinner for us and opening gifts....and starting a new tradition.
Have a blessed day...and tomorrow...the stockings were hung......
Robin

Friday, December 17, 2010

ENJOY....











Merry Christmas from Our Home
to Yours.
Blessings for a Beautiful Season
Robin and Lee




Thursday, December 16, 2010

Out My Window Today....

Is SNOW!!!! It is so beautiful looking out the Gathering Room window, the clouds are so heavy

with snow you can't even see the mountains. I love these gray snowy days. They bring back so many memories....

cookie baking with Brett

sledding

snow angels

snowball fights

craft day with my Mom


And the list could continue....
What do snow days remind you of?
Have a blessed day,
Robin

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

He Says....

Stop and smell the roses..er poinsettias..every once in a while Mom
I am here to help you....always no matter what....
even when it's folding the clothes.

I guess Eli is right...I need to take a deep breath and enjoy the season...
if only long enough to catch some of his antics.
Lord how mercy it is cold here...today I shall stay home and not go
out...no how no way.....don't care what's on sale.
I have chicken cooking for some good hearty stock for some soup or
noodles. Something to fill the belly with a warm smile.
Have a blessed day,
Robin


Monday, December 13, 2010

Happy Monday

Happy Monday to you. Below is the centerpiece on the big table.
I just love that old child's sled!! Lee thinks I am nuts for putting that on the table,
He thinks it should go under the tree. It looks good either place but I prefer
it where it is.
Did you have a nice weekend? We had date night Friday night but there was not much
to be had. It was good to see everyone though. The rest of the weekend was spent trying to decorate and clean. Pretty ho-hum here....and today is COLD, frigid, windy....and I have to go out....YUK. Our Open House is this coming weekend....and on the menu will be...
marinated flank steak
steamed in the shell oysters...by the fire
shrimp with sauce
hot chicken salad
marinated meatballs
quiche
cheese tray
veggie tray
sausage balls
fudge
cookies
Well, with all that list I better get going...Sam's and the grocery await.....
And Lee's pic is ready...wooohooo. So I will go pick that up, hide it and hopefully remember where I hid it on Christmas Eve!!!
Have a Blessed day, and stay warm
Enjoy the snow if you have any...we just have cold
Robin

Saturday, December 11, 2010

My Helper

He is my constant companion, the heart beat at my feet...he is
Eli.Bless his heart, he has helped put every ornament...and sometimes take it off...on our trees.
He has been up and down that ladder as much as I have...well almost. I guess he is trying to
tell me.."Mom, it's time to start work again"! I sure wish I had his energy.
Well, let me go before my "elf" decides he is tired.
Yeah, it's a short post but I will have pictures and more later!!
Have a great day
Robin

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Big One DONE!!!!

Hey!!! I finally have the big tree finished....You see that water bottle on the table don't you?! now just have to push it back
up against the wall.
This is a close up of the top

In my foyer I made up this little gathering box and filled it with a light, an apple strand and
the JOY needle punch...do you like it like this.....


or plain like this?


I hope you all had a great day and were fortunate enough not to have to be out in this deep cold we are having!!
I am heading out tomorrow for a few errands, then I will be down tol my last tree
and the finishes on the other two!!
Have a blessed Friday....woohoo it's date night!!
Talk to you Saturday or Sunday.
Robin
P.S. I hope you feel better Lori!!!!!!!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Goofin' Around

Good evening. Thought I would show ya what I have been up to.This is the fireplace and mantel in the Gathering Room...aka Dining Room.
This is my kitchen window in the day.....

and this is it at night.


And this is our first snow.

I am trying to get decorated for Christmas FAST!!! Mr. Schmidt
from Country Sampler called last night and wants to see pictures of the home place
decorated for Christmas....YIKES!!! I have not started yet, but now I HAVE to.
He would like them by this weekend. So guess what I am doing??? Yeppers, I am literally
throwing ornaments on trees and I say trees cause I have 5. I WILL have the house decorated
and he will have his pictures!!!
I am not fussin' a bit, I am usually decorated at Thanksgiving or right after that, but it has just snuck up on me this year.
And...we have our Annual Open House in just a little over a week....and I haven't EVEN
planned the menu for this year yet. I must be having a ball 'cause time sure has flown by!!! I swear I really don't know where the past couple of months have gone. I guess when you
"live" in the home shop you are just not that aware of time...and how quickly it sneaks
up on you.
Will show you some pictures of trees soon!!! Almost have one complete!
Have a great evening and stay WARM!!!
Blessings,
Robin



Monday, December 6, 2010

New?? Cabinet

I put this together last night, and I think she turned out pretty good.The bottom is a dry sink that I had upstairs in one of the bedrooms and I got the
top at the show this weekend. Sooo, I "mated" them together....and I think they look like
they were made for each other. Whatcha think?
On the inside I have an old coverlet, doll, some fabrics and a dough bowl
Very Simple.

I am getting ready to go and run some errands....it's COLD and windy...I miss
my 90 degree heat. Yeh...I know I wanted the cold, but I forgot how cold cold is!!!LOL
I had a day of it...now lets move things along to spring!
I have come to the conclusion that whatever the weather is I will not be happy!!!!
Have a blessed day...and stay warm and cozy...think hot chocolate
and cookies!!!!!
Robin

Saturday, December 4, 2010

A Little Bit of Everything.

Ya know on Dancing w/ the Stars how they start of by saying...and in no particular order?...well
that goes for pictures too! Here is JOY all finished...made into a cupboard tuck or tree tuck. This is my pattern and is available for purchase for $30.00 plus shipping.Next I have Merrie Days...a pouch for cards, fresh greens or whatever you like
This too is my design and is fully lined. This is also available for purchase for $40.00
plus shipping.
Both will come signed and dated.



Now the show stuff!!! I don't think we had fully finished setting up yet.
The front of our spaces!!
Love that red buggy bench, it did not sell so I think I will use it on my front
porch this year to decorate with.
I want to thank everyone who came out and supported this show. It was the first time for something like this and I think that it will grow into a really nice show.
I am going to sign off here...I am pooped!!
Will talk to ya Monday.

See you again in Feb....Winter In The Valley is FEB 12, 2011 Mark your calendars NOW!!
Have a Blessed evening,
Robin




Thursday, December 2, 2010

Have You Ever Seen These??

I had to go to the Market yesterday and look what I found...
I think these things are great for decorating for the holidays....they look like little
Christmas Trees. However they are not....do you know what they are?
Let me know what you think....

Today is going to be spent packing up the shop for our show this weekend. Then it will be back
to the homeshop for just a few last minute make-overs. Had a couple of things that just do not "look" right...so I shall re-do them. I finally finished Merrie Days into a card holder...
and even lined it...woohoo...that was my first time doing that!
And JOY was finished into a cupboard tuck....I will try and remember to take pictures of
them and show you.

Have not started on my trees yet...soon!!!
Will definitely be taking some pictures of the "progress" for you.

Time to go and head to the shop,
have a Blessed day.

Robin


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Merry Pictures

Happy Wednesday!!! Glad you are here for a visit. Thought I might just show you
some "stuff" from around the homestead.
Below is the olde red cupboard that sits in my kitchen. It has been decorated with
a scrappy tree, chestnuts and an olde lookin' santa.
This is the un-decorated tree in our den. I keep telling Lee that they need to
"fall" before I can decorate them...lol This one is 7.5 feet tall


Next I have the one in the Sitting Room, actually this is the old dining room.
This one sits in an urn that I drape with an olde quilt and she sits about 6 feet tall and like her counterpart in the den...has no ornaments.

Now I have my big boy...10 foot. There are enough lights on this tree to read a book by!
Looks a little naked huh?? They will all get decorated hopefully by next weekend.
They will all have their trimmings on by next weekend, and I will show you the trees
that are upstairs and also the smaller trees that are up. I LOVE decorating for the Christmas Season!!!! Although that big tree takes roughly 3 days and a ladder to decorate. But then again I almost need a ladder to decorate the urn tree....vertically challenged ya know!
I promise you some pictures soon!!!
Today is spent tying up last minute finishes for this weekend and doing some errands.
Hopefully since it is the middle of the week, traffic will not be too bad.

Well my friends, I am off to start my day...please take the time to enjoy the sights and
sounds of the season....and remember the REASON.

Have a blessed day,
Robin