It's been busy around here!

Wow! I remember as a girl thinking that Christmas felt like an eternity; a school year was like TWO eternities. I cannot believe how our perception of time changes as we grow into adulthood. It's been so busy around here, it seems like a blink of an eye, and it's Christmas time again.
In any event, this is what our home life has been looking like. Lots of home cooking, and more and more Coco and Connor want to help (of course, Cesar does, too, but he doesn't like to wear the hat and apron). Since Connor didn't have a chef hat, we had to make do with this summer one, and a napkin for his apron...

And just like every year, I love to put up our tree the Sunday right after Thanksgiving. Noni and Papa come over with new ornaments for the kids, and help us decorate the tree (we do everything else before they come). I always cook salmon, and Noni always says "This must be great salmon, because I'm eating it!". Funny that I never remember that she isn't a big fun of salmon, and funny that she doesn't remember she always tells me the same thing ;) My in laws are really awesome. After dinner, we watch a Christmas movie (this year it was Rudolph the red nose reindeer) and then Noni and Papa leave. I LOVE that little tradition of ours. And to make it better, this year it coincided with our 7th anniversary. It was also my parents' 40th anniversary. I was pretty sad that Icouldn't be there with them to celebrate, but they had a nice party in their backyard. How can that be fair??? We are freezing here, and they have a party in their backyard...
Anyways, we always set our nativity scene... I'm wondering how long will this one last before Connor starts playing with it. When Coco was his age, she used to put them all to sleep, and even cover them with towels and napkins.

I'm so happy that I finally bought a tea pot. I know how silly this must sound, but I've always wanted one, and I don't know why I never bought one before (duh!). I just love to make my coffee here. This is one of those little things that make me happy, go figure.

The other thing that makes me so happy, is that I got my new sewing machine. My old one broke just about 12 inches before I finished my Christmas quilt, and I couldn't wait to get a new one. The only problem is, I have never used a computerized one before. This is a pretty simple one, nothing fancy, but I learned how to sew in the old machines, and I am terrified to even start trying this one...Does anyone know of a good tutorial? (Kim, can you help???)

I've also been pretty crafty lately. I am almost done with my Christmas cards (very simple, really nothing fancy!)

And since last year I wanted to make this advent calendar... I really loved the way it came out!

Now, this LO was supposed to be for a challenge on my good friend Kim's blog, due back like on the 24th of November... but I didn't get to finish until a lot later, but I figured I still would post it so she would see I had all the intention to participate... You should go there and visit, and participate, too! She's an AWESOME designer, she gets published everywhere, and she's just sweet and kind!

And, since I'm already at it... A shout out for my friend Kim!!! Last Friday I got happy mail! I LOVE getting happy mail when I least expect it! The week of Cesar's operation (nothing major, just the tonsils) we had a rough week because of the pain, he couldn't do much, so it was just so nice to open my mail and find this from Kim... those ribbons and flowers look soooo good, I could EAT them!!! 9isn't she awesome??) Loved her card... she's had such kind words for me!!

OK, my friends, I think that's it for today! Lots of hugs to all, and thanks for visiting!