celebrations – Page 24 – Karla's Cottage

We believe!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2010

Was Santa good to you too?

We had the best Christmas morning ever, even though it was a couple of days after Christmas….

Sugarwings and her mommy stayed all night after the big family dinner on Sunday, and Santa came to see us that night. Apparently, he came by my house on Christmas Eve, but Sugarwings was not here, so he came back another day.

Kids are happy with any story that you tell them, as long as it ends in them getting presents.

He brought her a new art table, and lots of supplies. Plus, the little girl who sang "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" a few hundred times a day, got the game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.

I had it when I was a kid, and it is every bit as much fun now as it was then. We sat on the floor and played it for quite a while before even opening the other gifts. She was so sweet and cute with her presents. Just one would have been plenty for her. She was happy to sit and play with the first thing she opened and seemed surprised that there was more.

I think she was more fascinated by Santa's empty cookie plate than by the gifts themselves.

She also got a fairydoll that lights up with a pretty rainbow glow. It will be just perfect to play with on the airplane when we go to DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, that gift is for me. I get to take my Sugarwings to Disney. She is the perfect age to go, she is in her princess prime. She believes.

Her parents are very anti-commercialism, but love me and indulged my whim to take her there. They know that I love princesses and fairies as much as their little girl does.

We are staying at the park itself for two nights, and I can hardly wait. I've told Sugarwings that we are going, but she doesn't really get it. She does like the idea of taking an airplane trip with us. When I went to DC, she was heartbroken to be left behind. And being 4 years old, plus very dramatic, when she says her heart is broken, she MEANS it.

So, this time, we are cashing in the Southwest airline points and taking her along. One of the great things about SW Airlines is that you can fly into one city, rent a car, travel around and fly home from another city for no extra cost. So, we are hop scotching our way across the South.

We're going to Atlanta first to meet up with friends, then driving to Savanah for cupcakes on our way to stay at Hilton Head for a night. Then on to my baby brother and his husband's house in Jacksonville before our couple of nights in Orlando. Lots of driving time for a 4 year old, but she travels well with us.

Sugarwings is not a low key type kid, but when she gets one on one time, she is a joy to be around. Now, if I try to do something that doesn't involve her, things can get complicated.

We are meeting up with Jenn and her fairy Vivie. I'm hoping that our little Tasmanian Devil won't scare that sweet little Southern Belle away…. We are having lunch with them and with my pal Suzanne who lives in Atlanta too. And my husband has given up a round of golf to come along and help with Sugarwings so I can chat with my friends who I rarely see.

She is a wonderful, sweet, loving, caring child, but she can be a handful. There is just way too much personality to fit in that tiny little body of hers, so sometimes we have to do tag team child care with her. One person can't always manage alone in public. She has a way of going off into a land that only she can see and doesn't hear anything that is said to her.

Sugarwings and I are so close because I understand her and can find her when she goes off into her make believe world. But if I am distracted, she has trouble dealing with it. So, bringing my husband along will help.

A week is a long time to be away from my other babies, all the grand kids and the dorkies. I have a feeling I'll be homesick about half way through the trip. But then, we'll hit Disney World and that will get me over it!

Not only did I get a trip to Disney for Christmas, I also got this pretty pillow/wall hanging.

Beth made it for me. Look at the detail in the embroidery!

My oldest son gave me some candles, which is his standard gift. He keeps me supplied for every holiday and has it timed just right, so that I run out just as the next occasion arrives.

Mr. Zen, Sugarwing's Daddy, found me an old fashioned pop corn popper along with some organic coconut oil and local popcorn for it. I tried some of the corn he makes with his and have not had microwave popcorn once since then. YUM I was thrilled with his gift!

Yep, my family and friends know me well and spoiled me rotten. I know I say it a lot, but its true, I am very lucky!

My talented son, made wire wrapped charms for all the kids in the family, this one went to his brother RyGuy. There was a lot of hand made and heart felt gifting going on around here, the best kind of presents! I hope your Christmas was a jolly one too, with gifts from the heart and lots of family time.

Family time

celebrations, family, holiday decor, how to's

By Karla Nathan / December 28, 2010

Cute, huh? She is a serious one so far. She just watches and listens and takes all the commotion around her in with no fussing. On Christmas Day, she went with us to a movie (True Grit- REAL good!!) and dinner (sushi- really, really good!) and I don't think we heard a peep from her all day.

After so many parties this season, it was so pleasant to spend Christmas Day itself at the theater and out to eat while Sugarwings went with her Hippy Chick mommy to their family.Having a 'day off' to rest up got me ready to host the big dinner party on Sunday night. Both girls stayed all night with us after the party and had Santa visit lMonday morning, so we got to extend our celebrating even more.

Mayara's favorite Christmas present was a blanket that my grandma made for my son 31 years ago. It was a night of handmade goodness and thrift store finds. An excellent way to do gifts!

Christmas Eve was a quiet one around here. Just Sugarwings and her sister, Daddy, and his Beloved plus my husband and I. We had rainbow trout, fresh brussel sprouts, and garlic fingerling potatoes, and waited to open gifts when my oldest son, Ryan got off of work.

(by the way, the nickname for our littlest fairy didn't stick. No Star Brite for her. I found out that is Rainbow Brite's horse's name. Not that I am anti-pony, I love horses, but I'd rather not name my grand daughter after one)

Poor Ry Guy had to work till 9 or so on Christmas Eve, but we were happy to wait up for him for presents.

A couple of us had some last minute work to do to finish up gifts. I worked on things right up till dinner time, myself. I made so many last minute creations, that I didn't even have a chance to photograph any of them. I was whipping stuff up so fast, I was like all of Santa's elves bundled into one crazy, gluey, woman.

But I did manage to snap a picture of these headbands for the little girls. They are so easy to make! I simply took a plain, plastic headband, ran a bead of glue along each side, and wrapped cloth or ribbon around and around from one end to the other, pressing it into place.

Then, glued on a pretty. Each took a matter of moments. I'd say it took longer to pick out the pretty and ribbon than it did to actually finish the headbands.

I've got more Christmas photos to share in the next post. I hope Santa brought you all the joy and goodies you asked for from him!

Frazzled, but happy

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 26, 2010

Agnes Rosebud and I are almost worn to a frazzle by Christmas. But not quite yet, two parties left to go! We'll have to muster some cheer and hang on to that last frazzle of strength to get us through.

Looking at Sugarwings' happy little face is usually all it takes for me. Although a nap doesn't sound bad… I wouldn't mind curling up on the pillow with the pup.

Ever notice, that no matter how soft the surface is, whether it is a couch or a bed, or a chair- that a little dog will always climb up on a pillow or blanket that is lying there? Like the sofa itself isn't quite soft enough, they need a pillow too.

Tonight is our dinner for 21, which is a pitch in meal, so should be easy to make. I'm keeping it simple so I can relax and enjoy the company. I'm still making a few gifts in the studio, then need to re-fluff the space into a dining room. But I'll leave an area set aside for artwork, while dinner is cooking, we'll be making projects out there.

So far, its been the loveliest weekend, ever. Even if I am worn out by all of Sugarwing's excitment and energy. She has stayed all night with us a few nights this week, but tonight is the one when Santa is coming to our house. Her mommy is having a sleepover here too. We are making pancakes again in the morning, along with a salmon quiche after we see what Santa has brought.

Friday morning, we took our fairy grand baby to the restaurant that her Daddy cooks at part time while he is trying to build up his massage/energy work business. Since he had to work on Christmas Eve, we thought we'd come to see him and eat our breakfast there.

Sugarwings ordered a strawberry pancake and her father surprised her with a Santa face on it.

Its the happy little fun details that have made this Christmas so wonderful. Cuddling up to watch Rudolf, painting each other's noses red just like our favorite deer's nose, having a hot cocoa party every night before bed, drawing pictures with a pen shaped like Frosty. Nothing that costs much, but lots of happy Holiday things to do together.

The last few days, an elf has come in to our home and hidden her candy cane that she needs for stirring her hot chocolate. So, she has had to follow clues around the house to lead her to the treasure. After jumping up and down with glee a bit when finding the jackpot candy cane, we pull her table over in front of her pink lit Christmas tree, and have our party.

I hope your Christmas has been one to cherish too. Ours is full of good memories, and more to come. I'd better go color on my Rudolf nose and get busy before the guests arrive.

I've been reading my comments and emails on my magic phone, but haven't had a chance to answer any. Thanks for the Christmas wishes! And that I am wishing the Merriest of Christmas seasons right back at you!

Merry Christmas!

celebrations

By Karla Nathan / December 25, 2010

Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases, from all of the Nathan Family!

Fall into winter decor

celebrations, Food and Drink, hand painted signs, holiday decor, parties

By Karla Nathan / December 21, 2010

The dinner party on Saturday night was such fun. The trick was making all the food the day before, so I could just pop the pans in the oven and let them cook till it was time for the party. No fuss at all, I could relax and enjoy my friends.

In the afternoon before they arrived, I had time to make up some little trees to set out on the table, then give away at the end of the night.

This one has a B for Beth.

If all of this set up looks familiar, its because I've been using the same tablescape all season.

These are the same glittered pumpkins that I used for Halloween. I just removed the most overtly Halloween themed stuff, then added some Fall/Thanksgiving things and then when that holiday was over, I added some Christmas flair to the setting.

Like this green glitter fairy from Walmart for $1. They had them in all colors, but had sold out of everyone but green at my local store. But I think it kind of fits the look of my table and adds a punch of color.

Plus, I'll be able to use them again for spring time decor.

Since the basis for the table scape was all neutral, and lots of nature inspired pieces, it seemed to flow from season to season with just a few changes here and there.

Like tucking in some glittered stars-

A few of my bottle brush trees-

Some art work from Romantic White Christmas-

3 French hens (there is another one somewhere)-

Holiday messages of joy-

And more stars, this one is backed with fringed sheet music.

Way back before everything got cold and wintery, I picked these branches of lavender and hydrangea and put them in water. The water evaporated and the plants dried. I have a feeling that this will be on my table till Spring comes around and I can pick some replacements from the garden.

The treat cabinet got a mini makeover for the party, a few vintage ornaments tucked and hung here and there-

And some hand painted signs that I made a while back.

The two signs don't really fit the style of the rest of the room, but they are so colorful, fun, and holiday-ish that I had to add them. With grandbabies around, Santas and Frosties are a must whether they match or not!

This season, I've gotten a lot of use from my treat cart too.

The glittered letters spelling JOY are still on the bottom shelf, but now I've added a strand of lights to them.

The coffee service has been popular through all my parties this month too. For this one, I set out hot chocolate with candy canes, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, shaved chocolate, whipped cream, and the bottle of 150 year old Grand Marnier as well as decaf coffee.

Its such a simple thing to do. No cooking, no work beyond shaving the chocolate. (I used a vegetable peeler and a big bar of chocolate) but it packs a lot of style and gets a lot of attention from guests. With a store bought cheesecake and a some cookies that the kids decorated that night, it was a tasty dessert for very little effort on my part.

I like to do things the easy way, but make them look special.

I'm VERY lucky, of course, to have the studio dining tables that I can set up and leave as is for a whole season of entertaining and not have them be in the way. If I'd had to take all this down and set it up each time I had guests, I doubt if I'd have had so much company!

Two more parties to go…. Can't wait! One is the day after Christmas so I get to extend my holiday cheer past the 25th, lucky, lucky me!!

I'm linking with Faded Charm and White Wednesdays for this post.

Holly Jolly

celebrations, fairies, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 18, 2010

Sugarwing's school play was cute as can be.

The whole family came out to watch her and Mr. Fin, who sang his little heart out. He was enjoying his moment in the lime light and really got into performing.

Sugarwings, on the other hand, was just having a good time, and sometimes plain old forgot to sing.

This afternoon, I'm getting ready for another holiday party. Can you believe Christmas is almost here??? I don't like to think about it being so soon, because that means it will soon be past too. I want to waller in every moment of the season and soak up all the joy I can. The holidays make me happy as a pig in mud.

If possible, I want to squeeze in another craft day with my local art friends. Last week, some Kansas City buddies came by for a holiday art day and we created these dress forms. Normallly, craft day is individual projects, but this time, we did a group effort and I taught a class on how to build these maniquins based on a Barbie doll model.

Its interesting to see how different everything comes out, when we were all doing the exact same thing. Except for this dress form, she was made with a vintage doll as the model and kind of came out potato shaped. But we added a couple of ruffles and gave her some curves and I think that she turned out lovely. (I've picked up a few tips from years of watching What Not To Wear!)

Since tis the season, some of us decided to transform them into angels. Mine is going to be part of the table decor for my dinner party tonight.

I'd better get busy… We have 15 for dinner and I'm arranging chairs at the studio tables. I've had the Christmas music blaring all afternoon while I finish up a few little things I've been making. But now its time to get the party details in line. Lettuce to wash, appetisers to make, wine to chill.

I made up the food yesterday, veggie lasagna, stuffed mannicotti, and meatballs. Ready to pop in the oven. I also made 4 batches of Christmas cookies and have goodies out for kids to decorate them tonight. Don't you think a freshly decorated cookie tastes better than just about anything else? And kids love to do their own.

I'm off to work! Hope your weekend is a jolly one too.

Angels, fairies, and snow princesses

celebrations, fairies, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, parties, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 16, 2010

We had a Kid's Holiday Party yesterday and the little ones indulged me with a little dress up play and modelling.

I tried to make the photo part quick so they would think it was fun, then got them back to the main event- goodies, and art projects.

We had hot cocoa with all the fixins, eggnog, brownies, pumpkin bars, veggies, and rollups. It was an early out day for school, so the party was from 2-5, so these weren't meant for dinner, just after school snacks.

We had a couple different projects to do too. I picked up a dozen Santa hats from the dollar store, and a bagful of half price holiday floral pics from Hobby Lobby. There really is a lot of fun stuff on those wire picks, jingle bells, flowers, pretend candies, glittered leaves, etc. I just took some wire cutters and separated all the big sprigs into individual pieces, easy for gluing on to the hats and set out a few other fun tid bits for them to have at too. There is always plenty of extra goodies around the studio to share.

They got to make some chip board ornaments too, and all the mommies each made a couple of those for their trees too.

We ended up not getting photos of all the kids. The boys weren't as interested in posing, and my fairy grand girls were busy with playing and artwork. I can catch them later for pictures, though.

A few years back, I painted a Christmas tree mural on plywood and had cup hooks on the tree branches to sell ornaments off of at antique shows. Now, I bring the mural in from the shed and set it in my living room for the holidays. With a few other props in front of it, it made a good backdrop for the pictures.

This morning, I've been doing some editing to the pictures. I LOVE PICNK!!!!!!!!

Playing with hand tinted photos is almost as much fun as painting, but easier and quicker! And way, way too addictive.

I should be out doing some Christmas shopping instead of playing with pictures.

But can you see why I love doing it so much, when I have such gorgeous little models to work with?

I'll get some prints made and maybe these can be some of my Christmas gifts this year.

Its been a hectic, busy, Christmas packed couple of weeks. Before the trip, I had my book club bash, then while we were in Virginia, we were treated to a holiday office party dinner out with my husband's co-workers.

Since I've been back, I have had Sugarwing's school play, craft day, and his little kid party. Plus a couple of Sugarwing Sleepover nights, and those are a party in themselves….

Tomorrow is a party at a friend's and Saturday I'm having another dinner party.

And do I have presents purchased and wrapped? Heck no.

I thought about shopping while in Virginia, but my family is not easy to buy for. I can't just pop into JCPenny and buy a gift for any of them. They like specialty items, dance costumes, art supplies, hand made stuff, or recycled goodies. So, I've put it off.

Those hand made items are going to be biting me on the butt if I don't get moving on them…. I have hopes to do some small paintings for the kid's rooms.

Waiting till the last minute, then throwing one party after another might not have been the smartest holiday plan…

I'm afraid that by the time I get done with all my parties, and its time to do that last minute gift rush, I'll be feeling like Sugarwings was last night after the party!

(no editing can help this little model, I'm afraid- she partied hard)

Did I mention that there was face painting at the party too? I painted the kids' and they reciprocated by painting mine.

My hair is still a bit crisp from the paint.

One of the few gifts that I bought and have ready to give, has to be returned! I bought matching fairy gowns for Pixie Pie and Sugarwings at Tuesday Morning for $10 each, and Pixie Pie showed up wearing the same dress for the party!

She looks so beautiful in it, I just knew it was the perfect dress for her. But now, what do I give her?

While we are talking about gifts, I need to announce the winner of the 1,000,000th visitor giveaway.

Thanks so much for leaving all the kind comments about my milestone! I wish I had a gift for you all (but as you just heard me complaining about- I don't even have gifts for my family for Christmas yet!)

This gift goes to:

Pat Spone (no blog) Pat, please send me your address and I'll get your gift in the mail.

A new holiday tradition?

celebrations, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, parties, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 5, 2010

When my boys were little, we had a tradtion of hanging candy canes on the Christmas tree, one for every day until the big day came. In the evening, we'd take one down, share it and read a story together, sitting by the tree.

This year, Sugarwings thought of an improvement to our holiday rituals. She saw a cup of cocoa with a candy cane in it, on the pages of her Rudolf book, and wanted to give it a try.

Life with little girls gets a bit fancier than with boys. We weren't just going to sit by the tree, we had to create a pretty party!

She and I moved her little table next to her pink, glowing tree (that she decorates and undecorates herself, over and over) and had a hot chocolate party, in the dark while we sang Christmas carols together.

We had French vanilla marshmallows shaped like snowmen, and chocolate mint candy canes to add to our drinks, and pulled out the good tea party dishes to serve it on.

This cocoa party was so fun, we did it again the next night she stayed with me. I make the hot chocolate with organic milk, a little melted Belguim chocolate and some honey, so its a bit of a healthier snack than packaged cocoa. Yes, the marshmallows and candy are full of HFcorn syrup, but hey, its the holiday season and we need to splurge sometimes!

We also discovered that Dorkies love candy canes. And can climb up on the little table to steal them if the treats are left unatended.

A tradition that begun last year was the never ending gingerbread house. When she comes over to stay, she adds to it with more and more goodies and icing. I have to help with the can of icing, but Sugarwings does great with heaping on the candies.

She and I agree that there is no such thing as too much when it comes to decorating. And she also knows this house isn't for eating. I was impressed with how fast she learned not to snack on the house. We have plenty of other treats around, but this is a "pretty" and way too much fun to destroy by eating it. I've told her that if she eats the candy, we won't be able to keep adding on to it, and that solved any issues with sneaking treats off the rooftop.

We might have another new tradition. I've always been a fake tree person, I like pink, white and silver. But there is something quite wonderful about the smell of a fresh cut tree, for sure.

This year, my fairy grand baby kept talking about chopping down her pink tree and gluing it back together. At first I thought it was just a craft project she had in mind… then I realized that she wanted a traditional tree, and wanted to go pick it out and cut it down herself.

So, I found this tiny little seedling growing in my flower bed and gave her the clippers.

There wasn't much to it. She probably could have taken it down with nail clippers.

The little guy is so tiny that I had to support it with a wire. I added a metal star and jingle bell to the top of the wire, the tree wouldn't hold much in the way of decorations itself.

We stuck it down into a flower pot that was on the porch, added some moss and a hint of silver tinsel, then a bow.

Since decorating is an ongoing thing around here, we redid the pot with a teeny vintage glass ball on a strand of tinsel and took off the bow. We liked this better.

The star has a rhinestone jewelry remnant on it. Do you ever use The Ulitmate? I love that glue! After the wire was in the dirt supporting the tree, we thought the star needed something, so I glued this jewel on. It was too late to lay it flat to dry, but that glue is super tacky and held the piece in place as it was.

If you'd like to enter the giveaway for my ONE MILLIONETH vistor (yippee! thanks guys!!) please leave a comment HERE before the 12th, when I will draw a name for the lacey trimmed bag full of holiday cheer.

A Tulaya tutorial- or how do you say that name???

Books, celebrations, family, give away, holiday decor, Silver Bella

By Karla Nathan / November 18, 2010

Just breath taking, aren't they? I'm starting to feel the need for a baby fix, I haven't seen her yet today. Its been almost 20 hours since I got to hold her…

Look at all that dark hair! I just want to kiss the top of her little head.

Everyone has been asking me about her unique name. So, here is the story. Her momma's family has a Hungarian Gypsy background and a tradition of a 2nd middle name. Apparently, you never say all the names out loud at once. No matter how mischevious the child is being!!

A lot of thought and love went into her name.

Here is the pronunciation:

My- R- uh * Two- lay- uh

Mayara means "holy trinity"-

ma= divine mother Mary

ya= universe

ra= divine father

Tulaya is from some ancient city full of fairies. And Zen refers some how to the sign on the Mayan calender that she was born under.

A big name for such a teensy, 7lbs 4 oz, cuddle bundle, huh?

I still don't have a nickname for her… I'm leaning toward TuTu, but after sitting in on listening to the parents find a proper 3rd name, I'm kind of liking Sugar Star. Goes well with Sugar Wings, and she was almost named Star instead of Zen. (I was voting for Starla, kind of half star, half my name but both of them looked at me like it was a joke.) Heck, maybe that is my nick name for her!! Sugarwings and Starla? How does that sound? Oh well, just talking out loud at this point, I need to get to know her.

Any thoughts?

She has no idea that over two thousand people checked online to hear about her birth. What a lucky little girl to have so many people who cared about her. Thanks so much to all of you who came by to wish us well and congratulate us. We're extremely happy!! And after all the worries, its wonderful to hold such a healthy little baby in our arms. (well, except for the little tummy ache she has, that is)

Here are the random names I drew for the angora roses and nest brooches I made while waiting for the baby's birth:

Stephanie who has a brand new baby too!

Debby

Shawn (no blog)

Seven winners for 7 pounds of baby.

The felted flowers are from a class at Silver Bella. This was one I was whining about and was sorry I had signed up for, and almost dropped at the last moment. But, I was so glad I went!! It was outside of my comfort zone and color palette, but I got so much from the teacher, Betz White. She was an interesting woman and since it was a small class, she sat right down with us and told stories about Martha Stewart's show.

Here is what the class project was supposed to look like, but I changed mine up a bit, and found variation on the roses that looked more like my own style.

I can't tell you how to make the roses themselves- they aren't mine to share, but she has a book and I have to tell you that they are so simple, you'd LOVE making them! Buy the book!!! You'll be glad you did.

I can share my variation with you. I cut my sweater strip kind of curvy and scallopy, then pushed in on the center once it was made. After that, I added extra petals to the bottom, for a more full blown rose look.

EDIT: the rosettes are NOT in the book! Betz got them originally from Martha Stewart and from this blog.

Here is what my completed frame looked like. Betz was nice enough to tell me how she did nests too.

(the vintage Christmas card opens up, I'll put a baby photo in it)

I've got plans to make one for each person who signs up for my May Day celebration and classes here at the studio next spring. Won't these be ideal for pinning to the goody bags???

This week has been crazy/exciting. There are still lots of other Silver Bella photos to share, but I've been busy with baby stuff this week. I've been trying to help out with the big kids (oh man, now all of a sudden my little Sugarwings is a big kid????!!!!). I'm giving them rides back and forth to school, and last night had a sleepover with 3 of them. Sugarwings has stayed with me all week too.

Yesterday afternoon, I cooked and baked for the new parents. A good friend is going through chemo, so I fixed her some meals while I was at it. I made vegetarian white lasagna with fresh mozzarella, stuffed manicotti with tomatoes from the garden, black bean burritos with peppers from the garden, and a big fresh spinach salad. Then, some home made granola and muffins for snacking on too.

These last few photos are of new items in the Boutique and Etsy shops. This box is made from the papers available for downloading in the Romantic White Christmas class, using Beth's directions for making her Pretty Pixie. (I changed it up a bit)

Beth and I are doing some videos for the workshop tomorrow, and we are having some goodie bag giveaways on it too.

It was nice to have some "normal" time today to take photos and list things for sale. The last couple of weeks have been quite extraordinary! All wonderful, but still, I enjoyed a having a plain old, boring day today after all the excitement lately.

Mayara is here!

celebrations, fairies, family

By Karla Nathan / November 16, 2010

Mayara Tulaya is here! After a long, six weeks of her poor tired momma going through almost daily contractions and trying to be on bed rest, the parents had to give up on thier plans to deliver at home.

They checked into the hosptial this morning, and let me spend the day with them. It was such a magical day. Soft music playing, sweet Christee, the momma, being so tough and brave throughout the labor. She managed to nap through a lot of the day.

While she was busy creating the little cuddle bundle, my son and I kept busy, each of us had packed a supply bag were creating too.

He was wrapping crystals in silver wire (talented guy, huh?)

I was making roses from a felted angora sweater. Both were ideal projects to pass the time while we waited for Mayara to come.

It looked like it was going to be a long haul, so in the afternoon, I took a break to pick up the big kids at school, and bring a pizza to the hospital for dinner. When I got back and walked into the hall, I saw the doctor running by, so took off after her.

Both of us arrived after the baby came. So did the nurses! My son and his beloved delivered the baby by themselves, just like they had planned on doing for the home birth they didn't get to have.

We are all thrilled for them. It couldn't have worked out better. I'd say it all happened fast, but it was six weeks of worry and pain leading up to these last few minutes of birthing time, so I won't insult the mom by calling it a quick delivery.

I really don't understand how she did it, but the new mother managed to look completely beautiful and serene through it all. I, on the other hand, look awful. But I posted this photo anyway, because you can see just how happy I am, make up or not.

Thank you all for your concerns and caring during the pregnancy. To let you know just how much all your inquiries and comments and personal emails meant to me, I'll give away a few of these angora roses to celebrate the baby's birth.

Please leave a comment on this post if you'd like to win one. And thanks again so much for caring and being excited for this new baby in our lives!