It's beginning to look a alot like Christmas

I've finally done the decorating in our house and I must say it turned out very cozy.  The boys decorated the tree and did a great job as I knew they would, save for a couple of creative spots... as you'll see below.  In the first photo... Ben and I are all dressed up ready to go to my work Christmas party.  It was a lot of fun.

Below is the little village made of paper that I made a few years ago.  It's on a kitchen window sill this year.  

This is a cute little "smoking" man figurine that my sister in law Monika brought back for me last year.  They are called "raucherman".   (I hope I spelled that right).

A fine example of what happens when you let your children decorate!  Are they racing?  Too funny!  We love our tree.  It's very unique and filled with at least 60% handmade ornaments and such.  It's not particularly glitzy but rather more Scandinavian style.  Lots of wooden, paper and straw ornaments.  As I do love glitter, there is of course some flashy ornaments to add bling.  And a couple of fun ones - photos which I'll post later.  I hope you are all enjoying the season so far!

The end result.  All ready for the festivities surrounding Christmas.  All that's missing are the presents around the tree.  Oh wait, I don't have any yet!!!  HELP!   

It's Coming on Christmas..

Tonight's the night the tree decorations go on!  The boys are excited.  The fire will be lit,  Christmas music will be on and I'll be sipping on a hot tottie watching the kids have fun.  This is what I love about Christmas!   Tomorrow I'll be helping decorate the hall at T.R.U. for the work Christmas party in the evening.  Did anyone say Helium?  Silent Night sung like Minnie Mouse - I can hear it now... Good times to be had.  

This was the "slow" start to my decorating.  This is our chandelier above the dining table... I was quite pleased with the sparkly result...

Justin loves to help me in the kitchen.... here we were baking "nussecken" a traditional type of triangle cookie and a long time family favorite.   The recipe is from my mom who is a great baker on the rare occasion that she decides to use eggs, butter and sugar!  

Justin -  junior baker in training!  He's so helpful... but... he also knows what the results are and really looks forward to them!

I made some long dangly decorations, large round balls to small... this photo is during the glitter application stage... a messy job, but someone's gotta do it.  The final result was beautiful!

School Desk

Another Thrift store find... I've always loved the old fashioned type of school desks.  I thought if I refurbished this one and added some creativity, it would make a lovely shower gift for a friend at work.  I hope she likes it!  It was a fun project.  

Dinner is Served

"Gooey Grilled Goodness"

Our waiter... 
THE MENU

The other evening our son Peter gathered us into the great room for a dinner he had prepared!  I won't mention that we'd already had a dinner a couple of hours earlier... but as growing boys are - constantly hungry... he decided another meal was in order.  How wonderful was this.  He made chocolate Mouse (aka Moose) and other things.  The service I have to admit was outstanding.  I mean who gets chocolate milk served up in wine glasses!  5 star all the way!

Thrill of the hunt...

My mom has me hooked.  I love checking out the thrift stores now for neglected furniture that needs refinishing or a facelift.  I LOVE doing this.  One of my latest finds is a beautiful dining table... I researched the table and found out from the manufacturer that it is from their "Fontaine" collection which was made between 1964 to 1969.  It is solid Mahogany.  I've sanded the top down and hope to restore it to it's former glory.  I'm so excited!  The pictures show the table before the sanding.  It also has two leaves that can be added to allow seating for up to 12 people!  Dare I say how much I paid... a steal!

China Cabinet

This is a beautiful China Cabinet I picked up at a lovely shop called Cranberry Junction in Kelowna, B.C.  If you're ever in that neighborhood go and visit this cute little shop.  It's filled with lots of beautiful furniture and finds...

Start of the Chook House

We've started on the chicken coop...  It will be lovely when we get it done!

"Fall Pumpkins"

        Watercolour on Illustration Board

 4"x 6"

     Just a little reminder of the season!

Fall Is In the Air

The woodpile grows as we are slowly getting ready for winter.  The hummingbirds are long gone, and the Whooping Cranes now fly overhead on their way to warmer waters.  Soon to follow will be the Canada Geese and the Trumpeter Swans.

"The Look"

"The Look"

 8"x10" Acrylic on Canvas

A practice portrait... clearly I was still in the mood to paint people...

"Isabella's Rose"

             "Isabella's Rose" 

11"x 14" Acrylic on Canvas

A red carpet premier perhaps?  This woman exudes the glamour and charm of a bygone era.  I don't paint people often, but this painting was quite enjoyable... perhaps I'll paint a few more pieces similar to this... 

Pelican

"Pelican"   Acrylic on Canvas 12"x12"

    

I love the Australian Pelicans... my favorite birds!  Because of their striking black and white feathers, I thought a study in black and white might workout O.K.

Lilli Lalla

The greatest little dog ever!  This little 10 lb. bundle of endless joy, energy, humor and loyalty is my most constant and dedicated companion... She waits for me while I'm at work, and displays the most outrageous welcome home ritual when I return - no matter what time of day or night.  She's a brave little dog, always game for a new adventure.  

"Petite Fleur"

Acrylic on Canvas 12x12

I painted this yesterday... instead of going to the river for a swim, I opted for a relaxing day on the porch to paint.  Well - I started off on the porch but after battling gusts of wind for some time, I moved inside... The whole process was so distracting and agreeable, that I decided I really must paint more often... It's been years since I've picked up a paintbrush of the "artistic" kind.... This painting is of some lovely flowers that a friend gave me.