Christmas Presents

This Christmas I couldn't think of anything Bella really needed toy-wise. Since we are moving soon, and she has tons of blocks, a couple dolls and lots of other odds and ends, I decided to buy some wool felt and MAKE her Christmas presents. We bought her the books "Where the Wild Things are" and "Fancy Nancy Spendiferous Christmas", and Alex and I made her everything else (of course I had to buy the wool felt which is quite expensive).

Here's what I came up with:

Felt Fruit. I had to buy a pattern for the oranges and banana. It was a lot more complicated than it looked! Anyway, I thought Bella would get a kick out of these.
A warm winter hat. 100% merino wool, oh so soft! I'm also making an itty bitty one for Gouda.
Felted wool balls and a pom pom chick, made with love, by Alex.

And, lastly, my very favorite...
Mr. Potato Head!!!, made of 100% wool felt, and stuffed with wool.And we have the female version.

And here it is bare naked. All of the pieces can be attached with Velcro, and when they aren't being used, they can be stored in this handy dandy little pouch in back:
Sadly, I can't take credit for this idea. I found it on this amazing website.
Now, this girl has some talent. I start drooling when I look at all of her ingenious projects.

So there you have it. I hope you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I wish I could be there to partake in the festivities, but I'll be there in spirit. I can't wait to hear about all your fun Christmas adventures. Sending you all lots of love and big big hugs!
Love, Sarah

Interactive Christmas Scene

Sorry for the posting delay. Bella was sick for over a week with a high temperature, lots of snot, an ear infection. It was not fun. Between that and making most of my Christmas presents this year, I haven't had time to mess around with my blog, but fear not! As I'm sure you've all been at the edge of your seats waiting for me to post pictures of my latest craft project, I have taken a few minutes away from Bella's Christmas presents to post. (she's been completely spoiled by all her grandparents and ya-yos, so don't worry. She won't go without! )

Now, my loyal readers, take a deep breath, for the time has come...

This was my very first sewing project. I wanted to make an interactive Christmas decoration for Bella (and Gouda) that we could take out every year. I also find it appealing to act as a reminder of how much my sewing will have progressed. I'll be able to look at it and say, "wow, I've really improved as a seamstress", because really, there is no other way I can go! ;-)
Anyway, I came up with a typical Christmas scene but with removable parts that could be re-attached with velcro.

We have the Christmas tree with the ornaments and the Christmas presents underneath. (Sewing tiny little circles was tough work!)
The fireplace with the fire, the stockings, the wreath, and in front - the rug with the rocking chair and kitty cat (and Santa's arm). Alex used Ari as his kitty cat model.And this is what it looks like when it's all together.

Anyway, I wish I had a picture of Bella playing with it. She loves it. She also loves to take the pieces and hide them in places like the air purifier and her mouth.

Next I'll post some pictures of Bella's Christmas presents... if I can find a minute or two tomorrow!!

Fatten up that Turkey

Ok, yes I know I'm a bit late. Thanksgiving was a week ago, but we didn't celebrate it until Sunday here, so it's cool. Plus, I've been super busy with my toddler who doesn't stop getting into things unless she's sleeping (Thank god for long naps and bedtime!). My English classes have also been keeping me busy now that I'm working on Saturdays atCHEERS!

Cambride House English School and also doing an intensive course with this fun young couple who are going to Miami for a few months. Then after I put Bella down and eat my dinner, I try to squeeze in a couple hours for my arts and crafts. I made Bella a little Christmas toy/decoration that is beyond cute, but I still have to add the finishing touches and viola! I'll post it here. It was my first attempt at using my sewing machine, and it shows, but I still love it.Thanksgiving was fantastic. Hailey shared the recipe that she was using with me and I made either the best or the second best Turkey I've ever made (I can't remember the first one I made perfectly, so it's a toss up between the two). I also made pumpkin pie from scratch which was a first for me. I've never made any pie before that I can recall, so I was pretty proud about how it came out. MMMMM! I have to confess that I've also done an absurd amount of baking lately, and I'm finally going to admit that those 7 pounds I gained last month, can safely be attributed to all that heavenly, chocolately goodness. Take a look at these amazing brownie-cookies. YUM! A brownie by any other name… | King Arthur Flour - Bakers’ Banter"Whoa! Where did you come from?!"

Other than that, Baby Gouda has been dancing and doing flips constantly. I don't remember Bella being so active. GOD HELP ME. At first I was hoping for an Aquarius, but they seem kind of hyper. Now I think I'd absolutely love a Pisces. They're more laid back and dreamy, apparently! Anyway, Baby Gouda seems to move a lot when Bella sings. Did I mention that Bella sings? She does - she makes up her own lyrics to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and keeps close to in key. I love this kid.So there you have it - a lot of excuses for not posting more regularly, a few belly pics and a brief summary of our Thanksgiving. Oh yeah, I forgot about my burn... That's sort of healing. I'm afraid I'm going to have a huge scar. I should take a picture of it. I'm sure you'd all love to see it! ;-)