It’s That Time of the Year ~Looking for the Blog Worthy ~Where the Week Went

In January, the Holidays are just a Memory, 

and we all return to the ho-hum routine of our everyday life.

No one wants to see a blog post about me doing chores, 

but that is how I always start my day.

I wash up any dishes from the night before 

and wipe down the counters...

you know, to start the day with a clean slate.

Do you see that little sign hanging to the right of the sink?

It is this poem that starts

“Thank God for dirty dishes”

Karen, remember your mom taught us to recite that poem 

when I stayed with you at your house. 

We had to wash and dry all the dishes before 

we could go outside to play.

Years later, I taught the poem to our daughters,

and it makes me smile when they still recite it 

when they are home for the holidays!

Our week started with a FaceTime date with this sweet little boy.

We enjoyed visiting with his parents, too!

Another January problem, 

when you feel too fat and lazy to stand up to get a drink of water.

Here’s what I do miss about teaching...

the relationships with sweet, smart, talented young women, like these. 

This photo was in my Facebook Memories this week, and it made my day.

Now, these women have graduated college

and are working in career jobs, or are in graduate school. 

Hubby had to travel for work early in the week.

I prepared White Chicken Chili in the crockpot.

I had enough for four meals!

I mentioned before, since the New Year started,

 I have been working to reclaim my Sewing Studio.

To reward myself, I create something...

Currently making bunnies for Spring and Easter.

Stay tuned to see the finished project.

Last, but not least, 

this January problem.

Once again, our weather is 

the top story on our local newscast.

Take care,

~Natalie

Things in my House Thursday ~The Little Things that Make Me Smile ~My Santa Collection Soon Ready for Storage

The time has come. 

Time to pack my Santa Collection into a Storage Tub. 

This little guy was the new addition this year. 

He came all the way from our family in Okinawa. 

Since he is so special, 

he may stay out for a couple more weeks.

The Nisse also stays out all year. He was a gift 

from our Norwegian Foreign Exchange Daughter and her family. 

According to Scandinavian folklore, this character 

is responsible for the protection and prosperity of the home and family.

Not that I am superstitious, but I’m not sure 

I want to see what happens if I pack him away!?

The first Nisse watches our front door.

We received this one when Amy & her Hubby 

were stationed in the UK. He guards our kitchen.

Each Santa is unique with its own personality.

This gift is hand painted.

Some people have so much talent.

This Santa memory touches my heart.

I had surgery in November 2005. 

After some minor complications, I returned to the hospital. 

I was there for Thanksgiving and the following 10 days.

To surprise me, Hubby decorated our tree 

with new ornaments and this Santa was at the top.

We purchased this guy for that Christmas

when both our daughters and their husbands 

were coming home for the holiday.

It was something about Santa holding a little girl with a 

teddy bear that I just had to display in our family room.

Many of my Santas are handmade.

This Old World Santa was created year ago, 

with my crafting friend, Tammie.

We have been setting up a booth 

in local Arts & Craft Fairs for over 20 years now.

At first, I saved one of every Santa I made.

But you can imagine with two decades of my 

Santa creations, I just ran out of room here.

This year, this Santa sold out very quickly. 

He is created with Vintage Buttons 

from my Grandmother’s Button Box.

I do know that he has gone to a very good home.

Also new this year....this Santa. He is one of my favorites.

Did you all see this towel set in Target’s Dollar Section?

I purchased three, and sent them to our daughters.

It made me happy to know that since we all spent Christmas apart, 

we were all looking at the same Santa kitchen towel!

It looks like there is another fan of 

Santa in our family.

Take care,

~Natalie

What’cha Workin’ On Wednesday ~Jack and I Have our Sights Set on Valentines Day

After the holidays, I focus my attention 

on reclaiming my Sewing Studio.

Between Winterfest Preparations, 

Thanksgiving, 

Holiday Preparations, 

Gift Wrapping,

 Food Preparaion and Entertaining,

Christmas and New Years,

that room becomes a large walk-in Storage Closet.

It is complete chaos!

As a reward for my hard work,

I was in the mood to create something, 

so I sent my Valentine patterns out to the shop with my hubby.

These Prim Wooden Hearts 

are perfect for Valentines Day, 

but can be on display all year.

The Wooden Heart can hang

 on a small nail, peg, or cabinet knob.

Next project, this angel. 

She wears her heart on her chest, 

so is also a sweet Valentine gift. 

She also would look great in your home, 

all year long!

A  hand stitched Valentine Brooch is another idea 

for a great little gift...for a teacher, secret pal, or prayer partner.

The pin back allows you to attach the heart 

to a garment or to a tote bag.

These Items are listed in my Tins and Treasures Etsy Shop

if you would like to purchase something. 

The link is in the left sidebar above.

Local friends, if you are interested in more information, 

send me a message. We can make arrangements 

and by-pass the shipping charges.

It’s a wonderful Wednesday.

Sending hugs to this special little Valentine.

Take care,

~Natalie

How About Those Bison

The North Dakota State University Bison made history 

winning their 7th National Championship in 8 years.

We have been fans as long as I can remember.

The Bison made the wintery trek to Frisco, TX, 

along with thousands of fans.

We watched from home. 

Here’s me, practicing my game-day face.

The game was at 11 a.m. 

so we started with eggs, meat, and cheese.

Hubby was decked out with Das Horn.

Plenty of action in the game...

...led to plenty of celebeation at the end.

While those thousands of fans celebrated in Frisco...

...we had our traditional celebration at home.

Remember, we live in South Dakota, 

so there are not many Bison fans here, 

but the neighbors might be getting used to us!

We finished our celebration 

with a batch of Homemade Super Nachos.

Congratulations to the Bison players and coaches.

It was a great season!

We really enjoyed going along on the ride.

Take care,

~Natalie