Friendly Reminder: Ways to Follow Us

OK. You like to read our blog. Maybe not everyday (especially since we don't post everyday)... but often. We love our readers and we want to get to know you and it feels great knowing you are out there. Well, Jackie and I want to remind you of ways to can stay in touch with our Two Blue Houses and not miss a post.

• First, "Like" us on Facebook. We share pictures and comments on Facebook that we don't share here. Facebook not your thing? I completely understand. There are other ways to keep up.
• Second, join us on Networked Blogs. Networked Blogs is what publishes our posts to the TBH Facebook page and in the last couple weeks some posts haven't published correctly to Facebook. In order to not miss ap post. Follow us on Networked Blogs. 
• Third, follow us on Pinterest. 
• Fourth, not into the whole social/online networking thing but like to read our blog. Sign up for emails. Daily or weekly. You will get the latest and greatest sent directly to your email inbox. All you have to do is scroll to the bottom of the blog and submit your email address. It is that simple and trust me we aren't using your email address for anything.
• Fifth, at the top of the blog is the "blogger bar". You can search our blog from that bar, as well as, follow & share. 
• Sixth, leave us a comment. If you have suggestions for ways you would like to stay in touch with us,  types of posts you just love and would like to see more of,  just want to wish us a happy day, or tell us about something you are working on... we would LOVE to hear from you. Really and truly. 

It is that simple to stay in touch and let us know you are out there.

P.S. We are thinking about doing giveaways this year. How would you like that?!?

A Little Craft Space of My Own

Welcome to the New Year!

I welcomed in the new year with the completion (using the terms loosely) of my own craft space. It took the entire week between Christmas and New Years to complete the project because the room was trashed. So trashed in fact that a before and after picture would have been humiliating, but believe me when I say trashed it was the kind of mess that you could barely walk into the room and walk around. In a small house, 950 square feet and almost five people space has to pull double duty and my craft room is no exception because it is also my bedroom. The room has to be functional, organized but relaxing at the same time.

If you are wondering why the room was such a mess and a week long project I would have to go back to three years ago when we bought this house. The little blue house needed a large amount of work and the house closing took longer than expected. About a month longer, so Gary had about five days to move out of his apartment and into the blue house or else renew his lease. I had an apartment (we wouldn't be married until later in the summer) and the thought of my rent, his rent, and the mortgage was just too much. A hasty move was made and it just set the tone for the next three years. I cringe because I know there is still a box or two in my tiny one car garage attic that needs to be unpacked.

At times it seemed like the project list would never be done and we would never be moved it but the completion of this craft/bedroom is very significant. It marks the beginning of being truly moved in and the last major "to do" item to cross of my list before baby boy number two comes into this world. We are in a much, much better place than when Wade was born. Don't get me wrong. There are lots of projects left for this house and some of them are major but none of them involve the unpacking and organizing that this one did that lingered for three years over my head.

I finally have my supplies at my finger tips! Let the crafting begin. 

The Giant Eagle bag holds a wreath that is waiting for completion from the holidays. I will finish it soon... now that I have the space! My computer, painting, block carving, wood burning, screen printing, sewing, drawing, markers, collage supplies, etc. are all easy to grab and find and put away. 

More supplies, pictures, stationary, and books. I really don't like the maroon baskets but I will have to live with them for now. 

Markers, highlighters (I have no idea why we have so many), and glue! Now that I have my craft space, I can begin to focus on the hundreds of ideas I have for crafts and creating beautiful spaces around the house.

What is it about the new year that just makes you want to clean, purge, and organize? What projects do you have planned for the new year? 

In a Moment of Weakness

OK... I did it. I caved. I requested an invitation to:  

I have received this lovely email:

Hi!

Thanks for joining the Pinterest waiting list. We'll be sure to send you an invite soon. In the meantime, you can follow us on Twitter. You can also explore a few pins.

We're excited to get you pinning soon!
-Ben and the Pinterest Team

Honestly, it was a quick visit with my lovely cousin over Christmas that sold me. She teaches art and photography and finds Pinterest to be extremely useful in organizing. I thought... I want to be more organized. Sold! No longer will I have a folder on my hard drive labeled "Inspiration". Instead, soon... one of these days, I will have a Pinterest invite!

Do you have a Pinterest account?

Preparations...

Christmas Eve preparations, my favorite day of getting ready.  Today at our blue house we are busy...

rolling 100's of tiny meatballs (from one of our cows)...

packaging foods to give as hostess gifts...

(I think they are going to love them!)

enjoying an Americano, cream, no sugar, ...

making cookies for "Santa"... at his father's request...

helping, or as I call it NOT helping... but she is so darn cute...

and paper wreaths all stacked in a row...

Whew!

Today's and tomorrow's advent cards all have to do with visiting family.  Last night we camped out under the tree.  And when I say "we" I mean the kids.  I slept in my bed just around the corner.   The kids have been counting down the days and now the final hours until Christmas morning.  I know they are excited for the gifts, they are children.  But I hope that in time the emphasis on the presents will fade and the special gift of Jesus born on the silent night so long ago will bring them even greater joy.  

... and if I don't see you tomorrow... 

Merry Christmas, dear friends!

My Chocolate Covered Peppermint Marshmallows

Remember these from last year...it technically may have been this year but you know what I mean.  I said something like "you can bet I'll be making these babies next Christmas."  But December came and I forgot!  One night I was snooping around my own blog (such a nerd but sometimes it's fun to see where we were a year ago) and I found that post.  My mouth began to remember and water.  For inspiration I searched images for the recipe (what can I say?  I'm very visual) and found this beautiful tutorial.  Aren't your taste buds simply aching to make this!

I splurged and bought three bags of mallows and two semi-sweet chocolate chips (the candy canes were already at home - I needed 14 of them). This made just over 100 confections.  Not quite candy, more than a cookie...  When you indulge just try and remember it is puffed sugar dipped in chocolate sugar covered in peppermint sugar.  Whoa!

 

Plenty for gifts, parties and some snacking for those late-night wrapping sessions.

...............................................................................

We still have gifts to make but the shopping is done!  The gift wrapping sessions begin tonight but the homemade gifts are still being cranked out.  I still would like to make some paper wreaths, lemon curd and homemade version of Bailey's Irish Cream.  Hey, I still have three days!

Tonight our advent activity is to dine by Christmas and candlelight.   The kids have gathered candles and plugged in all the lights.   We are waiting for daddy to come home so we can eat supper.  (We are having this tonight!  Yum!)

How is the Christmas season looking at your place?