Knitters Without Borders

In this season of giving, I wanted to highlight my sister-in-law Andrea. My talented sister-in-law crochets and knits the most beautiful and useful items. Not only is she talented, she's also very generous. She's to be commended for donating her time, materials and handmade items to a cause called Knitters Without Borders started by the Yarn Harlot. Knitters Without Borders raises money for the praiseworthy organization Doctors Without Borders. She's been donating 100% of her profits for a little over a year and has donated $4500 so far. Truly amazing! The most recent statistics concerning fundraising taken from the Yarn Harlot's website, " Since its inception Knitters Without Borders has raised a staggering $1,062,217." Please go to the links above to learn more about Knitters Without Borders.

Since I'm highlighting Andrea, let me tell you a little more about her. She and I are from the same hometown, but we didn't know each other until we became sister-in-laws. (She's about eight years older than me.) Andrea is married to Craig, Mark's older brother. Andrea and Craig have two kiddos who we adore, and she's a first grade teacher in the small town where we all live and work. Andrea learned to crochet when she was twelve years old. She would "eldersit" for her neighbor's husband who had Alzheimer's. The neighbor couldn't sleep at night because of her husband. To get some rest the neighbor would have Andrea come over after school and sit with her husband. This allowed the neighbor just a little time to take a nap and rest. After her neighbor woke up, Andrea would hang out at their house, and it's during that time that the neighbor would teach her how to crochet. Isn't it neat to know how these things began? I never knew how Andrea learned to crochet until I asked her so I could write this. I'm glad I asked. Andrea learned how to knit about three years ago. She's self-taught and learned by watching YouTube videos. How great is that!?!

Currently she makes scarves, baby blankets, afghans, name doilies and dishcloths.

The first three photos were taken by Andrea. She wanted to make sure there was a disclaimer about the quality of the photos, ha! Let me quote her, "The crappy photos were taken on my ancient 4.1 megapixels point-and-shoot camera. Don't judge; it's about the yarn." She's a hoot!

 

The following items were also made by Andrea.

And, photographed by me ;)

 

 This beautiful afghan was a Christmas gift several years ago.

It's just the perfect size to cover up with when watching TV.

Very colorful and cozy!

 Will's baby blanket. I love that she used non-traditional colors for each of my boys' blankets.

  Ben's baby blanket. Made with organic cotton yarn.

 

 The scarves! Simply lovely!

There's a great story behind the fringe trim that you see on the scarves below. Several years ago (probably five years) they sold it in the $1 section at Target. Andrea had purchased several skeins (yes, I just had to look up how to spell that) but she showed some self-control and didn't overbuy. One evening Mark and I were shopping at a Target in the suburbs of Dallas and we saw that the fringe was on clearance for 25 cents. I immediately called Andrea and she told me to buy all that I could. It was quite a sight to see me in the checkout line with as many skeins as I could carry. Pretty hilarious! She then called on of her best friends and had her buy as much as she could at any Target she was at. Andrea bought all that she could get her hands on. She also sent her husband to any Target near his work in Dallas to clear out all that they had. She hoarded who knows how many skeins? I'll have to ask her and update this.

 

Dishcloths. Such a practical item. If they look a little faded, it's because they are. I use them so much and wash them over and over.

One more thought about Knitters Without Borders. Andrea uses it as a teaching tool at school. With every item purchased Andrea includes a card that explains the charity and how 100% of the purchase price is donated to Doctors Without Borders. The students in her class draw pictures and decorate the outside of the cards. They keep a running tally on the board of all of the money that has been raised. It also provides teaching moments when there's a major medical crisis, such as the earthquake in Haiti. She is able to, in an age-appropriate way, explain the situation and what's being done to help those in need. What a great way to help students make connections between their life and current events that are happening around the world. She says that the students take a lot of pride in helping with the charity by designing the cards. I just love any kind of teaching moment that helps students learn about the greater good.

If you are interested in purchasing an item made by Andrea, please contact me at micheleiww@hotmail.com.

If you are interested in making a donation directly to Doctors Without Borders, please click here.

That's What I'm Talking About

Ahhhh!  Christmas Break!

This is what being at home is all about.  I love laying (or is it lying?) on the couch with the boys snuggled up next to me.  They naturally gravitate to wherever I'm at and get right next to me.  It's the best. 

The best moment of the day was in the photograph above. Don't they look adorable in their pajamas?  I could stay on the couch with those little guys all day.  I would have loved to have stayed at home all day, but we didn't.  We actually had to get some Christmas shopping done so we could enjoy the upcoming week.  I also have a Cookie Exchange party tomorrow night with the ladies from my church so I needed to get last minute items for the party.  You know you can expect a blog post about the party next week.

Back to our Saturday--

Our little family had a very productive Saturday.  We left the house pretty early and beat the crowds at the stores.  After we finished shopping, we took the boys to McDonald's to eat lunch.  I know it's bad, but they love it and love playing there.  All of our Christmas shopping was completed once we made our Target trip.  Woo Hoo!  The only setback of the day was a forgetful mistake by me .  I ordered some photos through Shutterfly that I was supposed to pick up at Target, and I totally forgot.  Oops!  We were about 15 minutes from home when I realized the mistake.  Mark was so sweet and didn't even act annoyed.  I love him.  He turned around the car and went back to Target.  The boys were asleep so while I ran into the store Mark stayed with them in the car.  I got my photos, and I was able to sneak in a few more last minute stocking stuffers for them.  I'm glad that it all worked out for the best.

I'd better go and get the presents out of the car and stash them while the boys are asleep.

Ahhhh!  Christmas Break!

Christmas Card Outtakes 2010

I love sending (I mailed over 75) and receiving Christmas cards.  I eagerly await the moment each day when I come home from work and get to check the mail.  The month of December is my favorite month of the year to go to the mailbox.  Photo cards are my favorite Christmas cards, and since we've had kids I've always sent a photo card.  The trick to photo cards is actually getting your children to cooperate for a photo.  If anyone has any special tricks, please let me know :)  I thought it was hard to get a good photo of one child.  Now that I have two and they are both active, I can appreciate the ease of photographing one child.

Christmas Card Outtakes 2010

The first collage was taken in October at the Dallas Arboretum.  You can see more photos from that visit here. I was so happy to finally get at least one photo of the boys smiling and looking in the same direction {see the photo in the bottom right corner}.

The next set of collages was taken at the mall after the boys had their photo with Santa.

Ben

Will 

Will and Ben

Here's the finished product.

I was inspired to share my Christmas card outtakes when I saw my friend Carrie at Live, Learn, and Love Together share her adorable and funny outtakes.

I'm a teacher and today is the last day of school.  I'm so excited to have a couple of weeks at home with my little guys.  We plan to drink hot chocolate, make salt dough ornaments for the Christmas tree and spend a lot of time cuddling on the couch watching Christmas movies.  Enjoy your holidays, I know I will!

Merry Christmas!

I'll be sharing my photos at Hannah's blog. 

Best Holiday Music Ever

The Best Holiday Music Ever

{according to Mark and Michele}

My obsession with Christmas music began in December 2005.  Mark and I were going skiing in Winter Park, Colorado. I wanted to make sure we had plenty of music on the road trip to keep us in the holiday spirit as we made the 16 hour drive. 

I'm glad that Mark and I have the same taste in music.  I was going to try to describe our musical taste, but I can't seem to put it in words.  We both enjoy and appreciate an eclectic mix of artist and bands, and our holiday music list reflects that.  I like to think of us as being well-rounded instead of ADD.

The list has to begin with the classics.  I'm referring to the album names.  Later, I will list individual songs.  Oh yeah, this list is detailed.  I wasn't exaggerating when I told you I'm obsessed with Christmas music.

The Classics (by album)

Bing Crosby, White Christmas

Ella Fitzgerald, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas

Nat King Cole, The Christmas Song

Johnny Mathis, Merry Christmas

Various Artists, Hip Holidays {The entire album is amazing!}

Gene Autry, Christmas Classics

Vince Guaraldi Trio, A Charlie Brown Christmas

Elvis Presley, Christmas

Frank Sinatra, A Jolly Christmas

Dean Martin, A Winter Romance

New Classics (by album)

Sufjan Stevens, Songs For Christmas {Disc 1-5}

Mariah Carey, Merry Christmas

Harry Connick, Jr., When My Heart Finds Christmas

Diana Krall, Christmas Songs

Bare Naked Ladies, Barenaked For The Holidays

Sarah McLachlan, Wintersong

John Legend, Sounds Of The Season

Michael Buble, Let It Snow

Taylor Swift, Sounds Of The Season

Jars of Clay, Christmas Songs

Individual Songs

The Drifters, "White Christmas"

Judy Garland, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

Luther Vandross, "O' Come All Ye Faithful"

Boyz II Men, "Silent Night"

House of Heroes, "Silent Night"

Jason Mraz, "Winter Wonderland"

Colbie Caillat, "Mistletoe"

Otis Redding, "Merry Christmas Baby"

Rosemary Clooney, "Snow"

John Lennon, "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)"

Paul McCartney, "Wonderful Christmastime"

Ray Charles, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"

Eartha Kitt, "Santa Baby"

Brenda Lee, "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"

Burl Ives, "Holly Jolly Christmas"

Darlene Love "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"

Bobby Helms, "Jingle Bell Rock"

Just for fun one of my all-time favorite versions of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" goes to Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell in the movie Elf, but if I had to choose a "real" version then it would have to be Ella Fitzgerald and Louise Jordan.

Did I leave anything off?  Please share.

There's always room for more good music on our list.

Christmas Inspiration at Unexpected Elegance

Angela has been one of my best friends since we met at Texas A&M.  We were even roommates for a few months one summer.  She and I have remained close since graduating from college.  You've probably heard me mention her before, I wrote about her here and our most recent visit here.  We've always had similar interest, but this summer we realized we both had an uncanny obsession with blogs.  {I even confessed to her that I wrote a blog.  Most of my friends and family don't know that I write a blog. Imperfectly Wonderful World just started in May and I visited Angela in June.}  It's funny how our love of blogs has brought us even closer.  I was so excited when she started Unexpected Elegance to share her beautiful home and all of her creative ideas.  When I saw her post for the Christmas Tour of Homes I just had to share it with you.  You must head over to her blog and check it out.  Angela never ceases to amaze me with the extraordinary things she does with her home.  And, it's all budget friendly.  She's my kind of girl!

Here's just one peek at her lovely home.

The Larson Lingo's Cookie Exchange 2010

The Larson Lingo is one of my favorite blogs.  Mel is hosting a cookie exchange where we share recipes for our favorite holiday cookies.  As a person who loves cookies, it was kind of hard to choose just one recipe to share.  I usually make classic cookies like chocolate chip, oatmeal or snickerdoodles.  That seemed a little boring so I decided to share the recipe for Cream Cheese Cookies.  I made the cookies for this blog post, but other than that I've only made them once before for a young adult Christmas party at our church.  Are any of you like me and stress out when you take something to a get-together or party?  Do you ever prepare something for the very first time or try a new recipe when you are going somewhere?  I'm terrible about doing that very thing.  It drives my husband crazy because I'm running around the kitchen like a mad women making sure everything is just perfect.  I stress out about presentation and what it's going to taste like.  Why do I always put myself through this?  You'd think I'd learn, but I don't.  Okay, I'm way off subject.  Let me get back to the cookies.  The first time I ever ate these cookies was when a teacher made them for us at work.  We all loved them.  Just in case you didn't know, teachers love to eat.  It's the way to our heart.  She shared the simple recipe with only five ingredients, which I will share with you.  I made them last week and took them to school because our secretary made wassail (wassel) for our staff.  She's pretty great like that.

Cream Cheese Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter

8 oz. cream cheese

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Cream butter, cream cheese and sugar together.  Add flour, then pecans.

Drop teaspoon full on cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degress F for 12-15 minutes.  Cool on rack.  Store in an air-tight conatiner.



Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009

I don't think that you can argue that Christmas isn't special.  There's something about the spirit of the season.  Every Christmas is special, but Christmas since we've had children has been especially meaningful.  My memories of the season are more vivid.  Will was so little his very first Christmas.  He was only about eight weeks old.  Ben was about six months old at his first Christmas.
 

Last year was extra special because our little family was complete.  Having both boys made me want to start Christmas traditions that we could share each year.  We have two traditions that I think the boys will enjoy as they get older. I know they aren't really old enough to understand them right now, but I think one day they will appreciate the ritual. 

Our first tradition is for the boys to exchange ornaments.  Since the boys are really too little to choose one for each other, I selected last year and this year.  Each ornament is chosen with something that reminds me of Will and Ben at that particular age.  I write the year on the box that each ornament is stored in so we can remember when it was given. 

Our second tradition is for the boys to exchange books.  Each book has the year and who it is to and from written inside.  Last year the boys exchanged Dr. Seuss books.  This year we've chosen other classics for the boys to trade, Harry and Horsie and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. 

I hope when they are older this will be a meaningful holiday tradition. I think they will value the ornaments and books given over the years, but it's not really so much about the ornaments or the books.  It's about the memories we'll make together as a family.

All of the photos were taken last year in November.  I couldn't resist the matching pajamas and nightcap.  I'm even kind of fond of the photography backdrop with the faux window, snow and Santa and his sleigh.  It reminds of portrait studio photos from my childhood.

Christmas Photos 2009

I'll be linking up to Cha Cha at Sit Relax and Read.  She reminded me to pause and reflect on the people who mean the most to me during this holiday season.