Happy New Year

Less than a week away.....2012

We went to the Appalachian mountains...

 We drove over to Lenoir NC today to look at some land.  It is beautiful country.  Can't imagine how great it would look in spring!  We decided afterward to drive further up Rt. 321 into the higher mountains.  We went up to the to which was at an elevation of about 3300 ft.  The city we live in is at 800 ft!

We stopped at a general store on the side of the road and took these photos.

It was very hazy but you can see the tops of the surrounding mountains.

I realized after we got home (and looking at a map) that we drove almost all the way to Tennessee.
Amazing day!

Advent Calendar

Whenever I could find Chocolate Advent calendars I bought them for my kids.  It's been harder and harder to find them anymore.  This year I lucked out and saw some at Trader Joe's.

Even though Sophia is 12 she still enjoys these!

Surprisingly, she did not open the first door this morning!

If you want to make one here are some links...
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4

Beauty

Today is November 21st.  It is very warm here.  Feels like September!!  I am loving it. 
And I am very THANKFUL!!
I have a pot of pansies on the mini deck!!  I just had to share it. 
Don't think I would be having these beauties in Pennsylvania!!

Christmas Stocking Part 2

Here's how the stocking looks today....I haven't worked on it that much this week.  I don't know why but the days have slipped away!!  But I have made progress!!

The Hunger Games Books 2 & 3

This past week I finished reading these two books.  I was excited to get them.  Actually I ordered them through Sophia's English class book order!

The first book, The Hunger Games, ends with the kids winning the games.  The second book tells the story of what happens after they get home. The third book relays the story of the rebellion against the Capital.
I really enjoyed these books.  Sophia read the first one but did not care for the story.
I cannot wait until the movie comes out!!

Great Homemade Play Dough

Great Homemade Play Dough

2 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 package of Kool-Aid (without sugar)
3 T oil
2 cup boiling water

1. Mix flour, Kool-Aid and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add oil and water.  Mix with spoon until it is cool enough to knead. 
3. When mixture is completely kneaded and smooth  - store in an airtight bag. 

It will harden if let out in the air!!

Mix up a batch to hand out at Halloween parties. You can make orange or lime!