Molasses cookie cutouts
This is my favorite Christmas cookie!  It’s chock full of iron rich molasses, uses healthy oil (and less of it) and has half the sugar of traditional cookies.  We went simple on the frosting and drizzled a thick glaze in…

Homemade Raspberry Ice Cream
My oldest son is working on his cooking badge in cub scouts and we are having a blast. He made easy raspberry icecream and it was such a treat! Light and fluffy, but lower in sugar and fat than traditional recipes. You’ll…

Christmas Gift Tutorials 5
  1.  Rose trim top:  http://www.copycatcrafts.com/make-fabric-roses-and-sew-an-anthropologie-style-top/  2.  Shirred Duvet tutorial:  http://www.madebylex.com/2010/11/anthropologie-cirrus-duvet-tutorial.html 3.  Ear warmers:  http://deliacreates.blogspot.com/2010/09/ear-warmers.html 4.  Flower Headband:  http://theobjectproject.typepad.com/the_object_project/2009/08/tea-cup-flower-headband.html

Christmas Gift Tutorials 4
1.  Bed Warmer:  http://sew-whats-new.com/profiles/blogs/sew-a-bed-warmer-tutorial 2.  Fabric checkers set:  http://www.sewnews.com/articles/Fun___Games 3.  Wrist Pincushion:  http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/05/tutorial-sew-stylish-pincushion.html 4.  Quilted Bib:  http://sewshesews.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/quilted-patchwork-bib-pattern-and-tutorial/

Christmas Gift Tutorials 3
It’s not too late to whip up these lovely things for the holidays. 1.  Petal Pillow:  http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2008/09/petal-pillow-tutorial.html 2:  Gathered Cluth:  http://noodleheads.blogspot.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html 3.  Ruffly Headband:  http://heart-of-light.blogspot.com/2009/06/ruffly-headband-tutorial.html   4.  Knitted ear warmer:  http://imtopsyturvy.com/index.php/knit-ear-warmer-with-crochet-flower/

Christmas Gift Tutorials 2
These fast to sew gifts are perfect for last minute crafting. 1.  Tissue Box Cover:  http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/04/tissue-box-cover.html 2. Sleep Mask:  http://www.wolfandwillowblog.com/2010/07/free-sewing-pattern-whats-new-pussycat-sleep-mask.html 3.  Mini Makeup Roll:   http://kellyrachel.com/blog/2010/06/22/make-a-bag-sew-along-mini-makeup-roll-tutorial/

Christmas Gift Tutorials 1
1.  Curved and Ruffled Clutch:  http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/curved-and-ruffled-clutch 2.  Kid’s Chair Tote:  http://sew-whats-new.com/profiles/blogs/sew-a-kids-valentine-chair 3.  Pedicure Kit:  http://pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com/2010/05/pedicure-kit-tutorial.html 4.  Ipod travel pouch:  http://madebypetchy.blogspot.com/2008/07/tutorial-pouch-for-ipod-nano.html

It’s a Boy!
Pictures and fun story to come, but today I must wash 12 loads of laundry and do my dishes, go to piano lessons, sew a Christmas costume, and go to a birthday party.  Here’s a photo of the proud papa…

Letting Children Help
My younger children love to help with chores, but when it is time to let them, an inward struggle takes place with me.  It’s not that I mind them helping, but when it’s time to stop, they throw a trantrum. …