{this moment}

Inspired by Amanda, I share with you this moment from our day.

On a cold, fall afternoon the girls designed wrapping paper to wrap gifts for a very special birthday. Sunday looks to be a day filled with gifts and chocolate cake for the most wonderful Daddy in the world. I wish you a wonderful weekend. xo ANG

a quick note

just to say that Christmas music is playing on the radio! Yippee! Now, I am holding true to my earlier statement that I won't bust out the Christmas cd's until Thanksgiving Day. However, what the radio plays from now until Christmas is completely out of my control. Just this morning I heard my girls singing White Christmas while they worked on their morning chores. And there was quite a bit of ballet dancing when Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy came on the radio before lunch. So, if you love Christmas music as much as we do here at the Clothesline, do a quick scan through your radio stations. You may get a wonderful surprise that will warm you to the soul--even if it's cold outside. happy tuesday xoANG

warming up

...my sewing machine, that is. She's been sitting around, unused, for a while now. Christmas is coming and much sewing will be done. I've got bags, and shoe totes, and pillows, and lounge pants all on my to-make list. There may also be some soft, flannel scarves on that list, too. But my sewing machine needs to be eased into the holiday making season instead of overwhelmed all at once. Yes, she's funny that way. And yes, I'm a little kooky for talking about my machine like she's a person. Your point? Anyway, thankfully I had the perfect reason to get my sewing machine warmed up...an apron. Yes, my dear friend, the cake genius, had a birthday and much to my delight she wears aprons as much as I do. As I pondered and searched for a new style of apron to make I came across this super cute tutorial via One Pretty Thing and I knew it was the one. Simple, but with lots of little details...gathers, contrasting top stitches, sparkly fabric, unexpected, yet very flattering, empire waist. Yes, that's the one for her.

It just so happens that the Tie One On apron theme this season is Apple Cider and since I had in my hands a freshly sewn apron I just had to enter it. The calico trim is very fallish and apple-y, the off white trim has the tiniest bit of golden sparkles and reminds me of a freshly cut apple, and the top stitching, although difficult to see in the photos, is a delicious red. So yes, I think it's Tie One On worthy. And just for extra apple-y goodness I am holding a scrumptiously crisp granny smith. Oh, yes, that's me wearing the apron. I like to have photographic proof of each sewing project I complete. And man, oh man, when the Christmas to-make list is complete I will be making one of these beauties for myself. So what's on your to-make list this season? happy weekend xoANG

tiny sweater

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine had a baby. A sweet little boy. I tried my hand at crocheting a sweater and a tiny hat for him. I used Rima's free, and oh so easy to follow, pattern for the sweater. Pretend that you don't see the unfinished sleeve there...and I didn't add buttons like Rima did on hers. For the hat I used this free pattern. Both patterns can be found on Ravelry. I used Lily's Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn...a favorite of mine. It's so soft and only gets softer after each wash.

So now that it's so stinkin' cold at night I need to keep the yarn projects flowing. I've got some ideas to keep me busy when the sun goes down. Maybe I'll get some things marked off my list.

sneak peek

I wasn't kidding when I said I was getting a head start on the Christmas to-do list. After a few days of looking at all of the card choices on Shutterfly.com, then choosing and editing pictures, we finally made our decision. So, you, my dear friends, get the first peek at the finished product. I'm hoping by the time this card actually arrives in your mailbox you will have forgotten what it looks like and therefore, be pleasantly surprised. Oh, and I did hear Christmas music in a store today...I promise to resist playing my Christmas CD's at least until the week of Thanksgiving. Happy Weekend. xo ANG

Faith Hope Family Religious Christmas Card

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{this moment}

Inspired by Amanda's Friday ritual, I offer you this moment.

Have a wonderful weekend. xo ANG

halloween

This year the girls decided on their costume choices long before I could sway their decision. E chose to be a cowgirl and O chose to be an indian. The Friday before Halloween our library hosted the annual costume parade. We met our friends there and paraded through the library. It was a short burst of fun on a busy day and all of the costumes were adorable. Our favorite librarian couldn't resist a photo with the girls.

Then on Halloween, my in-laws church had a trunk-or-treat event. We saw many wonderful costumes and decorated cars. My personal favorite was the Pirates of the Carribean car. Seriously, how cool is that? We invited our friends to join in the fun. They all got tons of candy, had a great time on the hay ride, and enjoyed each other's company. The weather was nice and warm...until the sun went down.

It's amazing to me how much fun my girls have dressing up. They dress up all the time...but I guess throwing some candy into the mix really kicks it up a notch! happy tuesday xoANG