Happy new year!

May all your dreams and wishes come true on this new year.  XOXO

One more holiday. :)

It's not over yet!!! Tonight in many parts of the world children are preparing for one more exciting holiday. I am referring to Three kings day, or Epiphany, or Little Christmas. Which is celebrated on the sixth of January.
It is the day when supposedly the wise men found baby Jesus and offered  him gifts.
Traditionally children leave fresh grass in a shoe box under their beds for the wise men's camels to eat after their long journey. The wise men in return leave gifts for the children.
There are many different traditions surrounding this holiday. Most I am not familiar with, but I do know that there is party and merry making the entire day.
As a very small child I can remember leaving grass under my bed. And waking up to find a beautiful rag doll.(the only time I actually remember)  I wish that I would have continued this tradition with my own children. Although I don't remember to much about it. It seems like a nice holiday, or Little Christmas.
Tomorrow I will call my mom and ask her about the specifics.
For now, have a great weekend, and to those who are familiar with this day, Feliz dia de Reyes!!!

!!! Happy New Year!!!

I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year.
Happy 2012!!!!!

~ Marshmallow Menorah ~

Good afternoon my dear ladies.
As we near Chritsmas day (only 7 days left), this week many begin another countdown. I am referring to Chanukah. This Tuesday is the first day of lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidle, giving and receiving gifts, eating latkes and jelly donuts, singing traditional songs, and so much more.
A fun and festive time for so many folks.
All week I've been racking my brain, trying to cone up with a unique Chanukah craft for my Shabbat school students. I teach first through third grade children, and as many of you know, this age group is very active and sometimes easily distracted. Somy project had to be quick, easy and fun. After searching the internet high and low I found instructions on how to make a "marshmallow menorah".
Well, I came home with all my materials, thinking this should be easy peasy. Well, as you can see by my prototype, not so easy peasy.
Working with sticky frosting, colored sugar, and marshmallows can be quite messy. None the less, by last night it was too late for a change of plan.
So, I braved it. After teaching my kiddies the story of Chanukah, I pulled out all my materials, I wish you could've seen the look on their faces!!
They they were in sugar heaven!!!
Making a few adjustments to the original design, we quickly got to work.
I was amazed at how well they work with sticky, I guess they would be experts at it, what did I expect.
I wish I had taken photos of their creations, all so beautiful and unique. I even heard some oohs and aahs from some of the parents.
It was a true success, and believe it or not clean up was minimal.
A good day with my little ones, and a sad day as well, I am taking a break from teaching for a while, and I will miss them immensely. I've enjoyed every minute of teaching them and pray that in some small way I have made a difference in their lives.
Have a great rest of your day.
And a great week. Shavua tov

~Three little trees~

Good evening all!!!
It is about 9:13 pm in my neck of the woods, and I'm snuggly warm in my pj's. I'm calling it a day kind of early today.
This post is via my iPhone so the picture is not so great.
I leave you with my three little Xmas trees, I made these from leftover yarn from last years winter sweater.
Some thing I came up with on a whim, and so far the only seasonal decorations I've put up.
Take care, and have a great weekend.

~Happy Thanksgiving~

"Give thanks to the L~rd, for he is good; his love endures forever".
Psalms 107:1

A very happy and blessed Thanksgiving to all!!!!

~ Santa's Secret Workshop ~

Lately I feel like one of Santa's little elves. :)

Working on Xmas gifts for the grandchildren has kept me very busy indeed. I started these projects kinda late in the season, so now I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. But, I wouldn't have it any other way!!! I work really well under pressure, (yes, I confess to having an adrenaline addiction, hahaha!!!!).
Now what is that stripey thing that looks like a bag, you ask? Well, let's just say it's NOT a bag. It will become a cuddly something or other for a little someone. It is actually the second of a pair. Some of my little people like to have the same toys. (girls).
As you can see in the background those grannies are still a big part of the picture, I have only five more to make before I put them all together.
Well my dears, back to my Elfin activities. I will keep y'all posted, and yes, I will post pics as soon ad I'm done.
Bye for now, and have a great weekend!!!!!