Ho! Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas!

That is what Nephew Bear and Big Sister Bear reply when asked, "What does Santa say?"

The Music Box Jumpers were a huge hit this weekend. And so was Santa! I was exstatic that all three cubs went right to him, happily.



I am very pleased with Oliver and S patterns. I am still in shock at how easy Liesl makes it to create such adorable garments. I can't wait to get going on the cubs spring wardrobe after the holidays. I promise better shots of the dresses since they will be wearing them Friday and Saturday. For now back to my Christmas crafting.

A Bear Den Family Christmas

Christmas preparations are in full swing at our home. We've trimmed our tree. Our stockings and the mistletoe (which Big Sister Bear keeps calling a spider) are hung. Festive lights and various Santas bring holiday cheer to our living room. The cubs are totally on board with the whole Christmas concept. The more Christmas-y things we do, the more excited they get.

We made gingerbread cookies and they were so yummy. My secret??? Betty Crocker bag cookie mix and very simple confectioners sugar and milk frosting. That's it!

I've been staying positive and laughing at the silly things my Dad would do around the holidays. Like the way he would imitate the "No Dogs Allowed" from Snoopy, Come Home! during A Charlie Brown Christmas. Or the way he would laugh at Frosty when he came to life because he exclaims, "Happy Birthday!", instead of Merry Christmas.

We are also keeping with the tradition of making French doughnuts on Christmas morning like he would and I'll make some "munchkin" sized balls for the cubs just like Daddy would make me.

This weekend we went to a family holiday party of the season and the girls debuted their Music Box Jumpers. The next five days will most  likely bring frantic gift making since I have procrastinated and haven't made a thing except some felt donuts for Big Sister Bear.

Staying Positive

That is what I've been trying to do all day.

Today is the two year anniversary of my Dad's passing. As he would want (and as I usually do) I am trying to remember him and be happy for the time we had. This is hard today since I end up dwelling on what is being missed. Not so much by him but by me as I feel he is always with me. I can't help but think of things like that I never got to see him hold my girls or see my cub's faces light up when I say, "Pepere's coming over!" On this day I can't help but think like this.

I know that he wanted me to live my life and be happy. Which I do. I remember him for the great man he was and the full life (though short) that he had. I'm grateful for how much richer his life became in his last year of life. For all those little moments I had with him because I was back at home and out of work. Seeing how goofy happy he would get watching Big Sister Bear party in my tummy or the peace that would pass over him as he put his ear to my belly to "listen" to his growing granddaughter inside my womb. Priceless.

So on this day I will try to fulfill his wishes and stay positive.

Last night was the first night of four that Papa Bear is on a trip. Since he was not here to bother while he was sleeping I worked until the wee hours of the morning on the girl's Music Box Jumpers. So far I am breezing along on this O + S pattern. It is very clearly written and the directions are easy to follow. I am intimidated by making buttonholes but I plan on doing a few practice runs at it before attacking the actual garment. Both bodices are finished and tomorrow I'll be starting the skirts and Papa Bear's top secret Christmas present (which I'm hoping to complete before he gets home). I'll also be wrapping gifts in between to give myself a break from the machine.

More holiday happiness from the bear den to come...stay tuned.

Buh Bye Halloween...Hello Holidays

It is the first of November and I am proud to say that we made it until today without turning on our heat. This is a big deal in New England considering some places have already seen snow.

We took the cubs out trick or treating last night. Big Sister Bear and Nephew Bear were very into the whole free candy thing, not a bit shy.

The scarecrow and skunk costumes were made by Auntie Bear about ten years ago. There's something so special about having a handmade costume that many cubs in the clan have worn. They were wicked cute and well made. Thank you Auntie Bear!

The older cubs finished off the night watching It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown while enjoying a treat (or two) in costume.

After we got home Little Sister Bear got herself into some hot water. Cheesy, yes, but I couldn't help myself.

Today I also started my holiday craft preparations. I cut out a dozen felt eggs and they are waiting to be sewn. The eggs are just the start of a massive felt food project for the cubs.

Papa Bear's got a few upcoming trips for work so I'm hoping that if the cubs don't make me too tired I'll be able to get some late night sewing done while he's away.

I'm working on getting everything organized for all the projects I need to complete before festivities commence.

I'm looking forward to the arrival of a cousin for the cubs, lots of sewing and turkey in the weeks to come.

Sunday Stash on a Tuesday

As you might have guessed I missed posting my Sunday Stash on Sunday this week. I was very busy this weekend and come Sunday night I was just too tired.

Saturday night we had some good friends over for dinner. I made a delicious feast of mussels (steamed in Sam Adams Summer Ale), avocado chicken burgers, couscous and salad. After dinner I had my first martini and it was amazing. Our guests brought some very tasty brownies that went well with our cocktails. I love cooking for people and having dinner parties. I find it very gratifying.

Sunday we went to a baby shower for a friend of mine who I've known since high school. The blanket and booties that I made were well received. I hope the baby who is expected sometime next month likes them as much as I do.

the coloring is off a little due to the position of the sun

reversible booties

Finally, here is the original reason for this post, this weeks Sunday Stash. This week I've posted my Christmas stash. Now I know it's not even September but, I'm starting a few projects for the holidays early for two reasons: 1. I don't want to leave them to the last minute and be stressed out about it...and... 2. I'm going to need to spread out my projects in order to work on the wedding quilt and other projects simultaneously.

Last but not least...a few totally unrelated but super cute pictures of Little Sister Bear.