Welcome to Kitty's dollhouse

I'm done with the dresser drawer dollhouse for Lexi. 

I was having a hard time, stopping. I kept wanting to do more - 

I had to remind myself this was for a young 3-year-old. 

I wanted to do books - but they were just too little. 

As it is, if she is mouthy - she may need supervision. 

The living room. 

I had a blast with the fireplace

The sofa was made from very small wooden blocks chunky like the bed. 

This sofa gave me so much grief. 

Tree and some stickers. 

I used a wooden cut-out tree and placed it in a lid of a jar - 

more wooden blocks for presents. 

 

I like this hobby and plan to make one for Myself, using itty bitty pieces, etc. I can glue them down which I couldn't do here because that would only frustrate a 3-year-old if she can't move things around. 

I'm going to have to place it in the garage  - out of my sight. The more I stare at it, the more I want to do.

I might add a thin wooden panel for the front so she can close it up and she has more room to play when it is down. 

The Sunny/Shady side of the yard

Staring at me through my living room window, were these mini roses. 

They seem to bloom year-round, and they are their prettiest, during the winter. 

A little bud looking forward to spreading out her petals, soon. 

Ah, the morning sun feels good after a night of chill. 

A bit lonely, for this lone petunia - 

Here are two more - trying to stay warm. Seems this color is the hardiest. 

The morning droop - California poppies still blooming. 

These Margarite daisies are also untouched by a Northern California winter

This Queen Anne Palm is probably wishing it was back in the South American woodlands of Brazil and Argentina. 

"How did I get here?"

There are still bees on the rosemary 

MEANWHILE ON THE SHADY SIDE OF THE YARD

Ice in the bucket! 

beads of ice on the back of the chair melting in the morning sun. 

Crunchy grass (green weeds) 

That's it for this basil plant 

Leaves dying out - 

They'll be back in the late winter/early spring. 

 

Christmas lights

 

We might have accidentally thrown our Christmas wreath in the donation box last year because I can't find it this year. 

I couldn't have a naked front door! 

So I found a dollar tree wreath form, cut some branches off the Incense-cedar, and made my own. I didn't have floral wire so I just made do and I'm fine with it. 

It's RUSTIC! 

yeah yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I do wish it were larger - I know I could have probably done a better job...

I think my husband felt a bit bad that he didn't buy me such a big gift (he shouldn't) so when we were in Hobby Lobby getting some lights, I picked out this large snowman that was $70+ and got the 60% off. I'd never buy it at full price. Then what I will do, is use it as a pattern to make some for my family next year. Very easy cuts and it's 2 pieces on the back. 

He was hanging but we had some wind last night - 

he was banging on the side of the house.

In the entryway, I have a Mexican pine cabinet I inherited from my sister. Year-round, I only use light-colored or white knick-knacks so they stand against the pine wood. 

I still don't have it exactly the way I want with the lighting - 

This turned out nice - That little carousel I got through Avon a couple of years ago. The white birdcage, the white plastic vase, and the flowers from Dollar Tree. 

These remote-controlled fake candles I have had for years - just have to change out the batteries. The black and white Buffalo check tree I bought from the Bargain bin at Target. I need to light that up more. 

Some old white things I had - and that church is from Dollar Tree. Those candles are from Avon and their light flickers like a real candle. 

I avoid real candles - except for once in a while due to my lung scaring - 

We don't light up every night - it takes a long time to turn them all off. 

I wish they all had one universal remote  - 

The tree is the same one I have every year - 

Same old ornaments - with a few I made. 

Each year we lose a strand of lights - and once again, we just make do. I believe next year we'll have to make the splurge on new lights. For the last 2 years my husband methodically replaces the little bulbs. 

My 1960s lighted outdoor nativity - These were just cheesy plastic displays that have gone on to now be rare, vintage, and expensive. We always place it on the outside of the fence - close to the sidewalk. Anyone could steal it. We take our chances. 

I'd love to get the rest of the pieces - but they are hard to find. 

It's funny - I grew up in a non-religious home. Never attended church with my parents and sister - never! I only occasionally went with a friend and their family. I take that back, we did attend as a family when my youngest cousin was baptized as an infant and we went to her communion and confirmation.  

Mom always had this outside nativity and one in the house, which I still have. She gingerly took every piece out and explained to me who they were. Other than that, I had no idea about "the whole story" until I was in my early 30's. 

I was telling my husband that while we were unchurched - what little I did know, seemed surreal. I would look up at the stars on Christmas Eve night and wonder about what was going on in Heaven at the birthday party for baby Jesus. So I kinda believed - without anyone explaining to me the details. 

I was a Christian, 5 years in -  when I found out that Jesus wasn't born on December 25. - it felt similar to when I found out there was no Santa. I mean, I get it - but that little wishful girl inside me was no more. That child-like innocence was gone. I had a lot to learn! 

Nevertheless, He was BORN. I don't overthink like I did for a while. 

Anyway, Jesus is our Christmas LIGHT, isn't He? 

"I am the Way and the Truth and the Life"

PS. After looking at the date - it was December 10, 1986, when I prayed with a friend and started my Christian journey. 

An evening post

Spooky sky - a storm is moving in for the next few days - 

I'm looking forward to it. 

And that will mean rain in the valley and snow in the mountains. The Mt Shasta Ski resort is opening in a few days. It's been a long time since that happened. 

We won't go up there until after the New Year. 

I wanted to show you all the cutest T-shirt I bought for Navy - 

I am officially done with my shopping - now I'm just waiting for them to be delivered. I had to tell my husband about one of his gifts - because it was big and will be heavy and I have no place to hide it. But I did tell him, he can only help me with the box - so I can wrap it. 

I bought him an electric lawn mower. Our gas mower bit the dust and he's been using the old push mower. We have eliminated more than half of our lawn area in the last 2 years and will again this Spring, take out a bit more grass.  Meanwhile, I thought I would treat him. It's small and will be just right for our smaller lawn areas. 

I enjoyed the day by washing my bed sheets - doing laundry and using the rest of those green tomatoes for a marinara sauce that was slow-cooked all day.  I froze 2 containers and kept one in the refrigerator. Trying to finish up with the decorating in some spots. Spray painted something I may or may not use...All in all, it was a beautiful sunny day. 

 Well, it's time for me to get my jammies on - I usually don't post this late at night - my husband was on call and he agreed to take it. He won't work past 10-15 hours a week. This will be it for him. 

Good Nite...

Nativities

 

Lest I be thought of as a heathen  (smile) I thought I should show some of my many nativities. Totally acknowledging that Jesus is the reason for the season!

The three-dimensional plate I bought at one of those "home parties" in the '90s. They were called Christmas around the World (House of Lloyd)  - and for obvious reasons, they were always in and around Christmas.  The big star at the top has a light on it.

We place them all on one bookcase. I'm showcasing just three - 

Another three-dimensional tree and nativity. (I love trees) This was given to me by a friend who has since passed on - She was a Sufi Muslim born and raised in Turkey. She converted to Judaism and years later converted to Christianity. 

Sufism, the mystical tradition of Islam, can be found in both the Shiite and Sunni communities.

I like to collect unique nativities - this one is my straw nativity - I've had this for 40 years. 

Today was the last day, of this bible study at church. 

An interesting study on the 1st and 2nd Kings. I really enjoyed it. 

Throughout the study book, they have little perforated note card cut-outs - to place on a mirror or maybe to frame 

I'll eventually do something crafty with them - 

The leader gave us all these 3-minute devotional books that are so pretty. 

My favorite colors. 

To keep us busy until we start back in Feb. studying JOY in Philippians. 

Sometimes these devotions are so pretty I hate to write in them. 

After a few days of cold temps and no sun, today is bright and sunny and 56. I noticed that our Fall trees are just about done showing off and many are dropping their leaves. I like all the leaves in the streets - walking through them. 

I was gone from 9am to 2pm. I had another meeting to go to and then had to go to the store - Tuesdays are my busiest day of the week. 

That's all I have for today - I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the season. 

The Paper Mache Santa boots

 

When 5-year-old Foodie was in kindergarten - he brought home this big paper mache Santa Boot. I instantly loved it. I asked the teacher how she made it, and she used 2 brown paper shopping bags - shaped them like a boot - placed scrap paper so it would hold its boot shape and the children paper mach'ed them, painted them, and added the white cotton fur. 

Four years later, Navy had that same teacher and I was gifted with another one. 

Michael who was the oldest didn't have the same teacher, so I never got one from him. 

The top of my china cabinet has never been without these 2 Santa Boots at Christmas ever since.  For 37 years, these boots are lovingly dusted off and placed in their respective spot - They have their own box they go into after Christmas. 

If I get to a point in my life, where I can no longer have a tree - these boots will suffice. That's all I want. 

In fact, if there was a fire - and I had to rescue just a few keepsakes, these boots would be rescued. 

Sadly, each year I open up that box, they are showing their age. I may have to start storing them inside the house (but where?) due to the hot summers in the garage. 

I can still see those little 5-year-old faces, grinning at me when they gifted me this precious keepsake. Little did they know, their Mom was a total senti"mental" slob and would keep them till the day I die. 

I only wish I had the foresight to have taken a photo of them, with their boot. 

Good News -

Navy is feeling better today - he'll go back to work Thursday. The last one to get it was Sara so she is still feeling like "death warmed over." as she stated. I brought them over a couple of bags of broth, soup, orange juice, Vit C gummies, soda crackers, etc. on their front step.  The rest of the family also had it first so Sara's brother, Donnie is back to work. The little girl is doing much better. 

Do you have any of your children's artwork from Christmas that you still put up? 

Rain, Leaves, Covid and Flu

Autumn is still king, in my yards. 

Leaves are everywhere - and it's been raining today. 

The pomegranate tree sure puts on a Fall show - and the fallen leaves prove it. 

 It hasn't been a big rain storm - just an all-around wet day - misty

Every little bit of rain helps. 

It's BACK! 

Last night, Navy texted me to let me know his whole household is down with Covid. The little 3-year-old had been up the previous light vomiting, with a fever and congestion. He said he's sicker this time than he was the first time he got it. 

I feel so bad for them - I hate to hear of anyone that is ill, especially my boys. I don't know - it's the Mom in me. It's been a week and a day since we saw them in person for Thanksgiving - I'm guessing we are okay. I choose not to worry or to be afraid.  - After all, Jesus told us over 100 times in the Bible, "Not to be Afraid or to Fear Not."

Earlier in the day, we were supposed to go to our friend's house for the evening but they canceled, saying their whole household is down with the flu. 

I don't care if it is the cold, the flu, or the creeping Covid - I don't like being sick PERIOD!  I don't like not feeling anything except my normal self. 

It is crazy though, how my son, Foodie who works at a Care facility and has been exposed to Covid many times, has never gotten it. He's the only one in the family.  

This morning we dropped off a box of food for the mission - a donation box to the Salvation Army - and dropped off the pumpkin bread I baked and the 3 chocolate advent calendars for our friend's 3 children. We placed them on the front porch and called them - to let them know they were there. 

My husband put up our outdoor nativity - and that's been pretty much it. 

Dreary days make me sleepy and lazy. I don't like being too lazy - and am trying to motivate myself to do something constructive. 

Already we're almost through December 3rd - boy does the time go by fast. 

I hope you all have a nice evening.