Today

Bud was photographing his own stop-action Lego SW movie

We did some sewing--this started as an owl and became a bear.  Sis and Bud made cloaks and wrist warmers for their stuffies.

Mostly for Pop and Gommie, who will notice that the fence surrounding the mailbox is no longer visible!

Too icy even to make snow angels.

While the kids painted, I did a pen and crayon thing, inspired by Heather Bruggeman's meditative art in her current workshop, Hibernate.

From left to right:  Bud's abstraction, Sis's night forest scene (the moon is covered by Bud's paper), and Sis's "picture of happiness."

GOOEY CAKE!!!!

Gooey Cake

Often served at church, this is Paula Deen's recipe

Cake:
1 18 1/4-ounce package yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 16-ounce box powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer.  Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.  Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter and beat together. 

Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well.  Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.  Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.

Time in Stitches

I finally took up needle and thread to explore stitchery, having bought supplies and books months ago.  But with birthdays and tooth fairies and holidays coming up, and the need for some creative, positive distraction, I finally started today.  I got the button and embroidery idea from a "button-embellished greeting card" in Martha Stewart's new book, Holiday Crafts.  And I'm really pleased with the results.  Both tangibly and intangibly . . . .

New Hobby?

I think I might take up a new hobby: sewing.

Sure, I can cross-stitch and hand quilt, under duress, and make pillows and the like on my little sewing machine, using skills form my intro to sewing in 8th grade Home Ec (Probably one of the last groups to actually take that class. And I was "Homemaker of the Year" in my grade! But like typing, it was some of the most useful stuff I took in high school.). But I can't make clothing. And I'm realizing that I'd very much like to be able to. I am so impressed by people who can sew, from my Aunt T's intricately pieced quilts and M.Q.'s three-fabric holiday pillowcases to the apron (and other pieces shown on her blog) made by Ms. Sew-and-Sow.

I want to be able to make Sis and Bud's Halloween costumes next year, regardless of what they choose. I mean, this year, I should've been able to make the Jedi and knight costumes. Just like my mom did, from my pink fairy princess dress to my pink pioneer/prairie dress, from my maroon and white pep squad outfit to my black and white clown costume. And my sister's authentic Gizmo from Gremlins costume.

And, I want to be able to make period garb, for the Renaissance festivals we go to, and particularly if I become a docent at an early American house and need a colonial costume (more on this if it happens, but it's in the works for spring).

But, those are very advanced. I better start with something easier. Any suggestions or advice? Maybe I can practice on Christmas presents for everyone . . . .