Neighbor's Tree

 I've always liked my neighbor's tree. I like its compact size and shape. 

This morning I noticed all the trees around here look frosted with icy spike crystals. 

We've had a lot of foggy frosty days, but today looked beautiful.

Smiling Peanut Butter Jar

My second oldest daughter noticed the peanut butter jar smiley face this morning. 

I guess when you keep your eyes open for happiness you can find it almost anywhere.

Tree Change

On January 6th, I posted a snowy picture that includes a large pine tree on the left. Even as I write, I can hear the chain saws ripping it apart. 

Every time the wind blew, my neighbor was afraid the tree would fall on her house. With all the snow we've had, the tree has become more dangerous and scary. 

I didn't know that was how she felt so I said, "It's kind of exciting." Sometimes I like change and I was happy when our big scary pine trees in New York that were too close to our house were cut down. 

But she's lived here for over forty years. "It's actually sad," she said. Her husband, who passed away years ago, planted and cared for that tree. 

Sometimes we have to do things we don't prefer for peace of mind. 

Winter Birds

The tree in our front yard had many bird visitors a few minutes ago. 

I was surprised by the variety.  

I poured bird seed on the sidewalk for them. So far I don't see many takers, but they might be confused by the fertilizer all over that looks like birdseed but I'm sure doesn't taste like it. My husband used it to melt snow and it worked. 

I know this is a woodpecker because it was pecking the tree. 

This one had the prettiest red breast and face. 

Icy

 "What are you doing?" her brother asked.
"Art, I guess," she said.

Her arrangement of icicles reminded me a little of my trip to the ice castles. 

Was that really a couple of years ago?!

Extra Credit Hand Puppet

She designed the puppet, cut everything out, and glued on the eyes and teeth. I helped with the concept, bought the materials (felt, eyes, and $ boa), sewed what needed sewing, and helped with the hot gluing. It was a super easy and quick project. The mirror helps to sort of see the back. She insisted its hair be piled on to make it rounded and poofy. This was for her 8th grade drama class unit on puppeteering. I'd like to try to make a puppet with a moveable mouth sometime.

Be

My word for 2013 is "be." When I think of "be" I think of hopeful enduring which includes progressing in gentle ways. I took this picture the same day as enduring-snow-person pictures last November. The contrast of the snow, the blue sky, and the warmth of light remind me to feel hopeful.

Firm Bubbles

 The package got thrown away, so I don't know what these are called, but I bought bubbles for my youngest two children for Christmas that are supposed to be firm enough to not pop as easily as regular bubbles. I thought they'd become like little plastic balls. Unfortunately, they aren't as durable as they suggest. I also thought they'd blow bigger than they do. They are small and become like a very flimsy, super thin plastic. But it is possible to pick them up after they land as long as you let them sit for a few seconds. I picked up one and managed to pick up a second one with it.

Sewn Stuff for Christmas

I had fun sewing a few things for Christmas presents this year. I made outfits out of felt for some little IKEA mice ($1 each). The boy mouse has a secret pocket that can hold a quarter. It's sewn inside the back of his vest. Christmas candy corns barely fit inside the little blue dress pockets. And of course there's a quarter in the green pocket of the red dress. Can you tell I like pockets?!

I also made some felt ornaments with pockets on the front (the hearts and green thing are pockets) for a few of my nieces and tucked little wrapped-up necklaces and earrings for each of them inside. I don't enjoy sewing much, but I really enjoyed making these gifts.

Live Nativity

Last night was the second year we went to our stake's live nativity. It was extremely cold outside. I was glad they had a heater in the stable for the real baby that portrayed Jesus. There were also donkeys (who snuggled to keep warm), goats, chickens, sheep, and a camel. For us humans, they had a couple of barrels fire, hot chocolate, and cookies. This activity definitely brings the story of the birth of Jesus Christ to life and was a joyful way to spend time with family and friends.