::2009::

my creation list for 2009:

1. start my etsy shop.
2. drive an electric car-for free.
3. hold my first women's creativity retreat.
4. continue volunteer work for art community.
5. go on at least 3 overnight dates with chris.
6. start saving for volunteer trip to africa.
7. get part time job or volunteer at local women's rehab center.
8. help chris start his screenprinting ventures.
9. begin writing book with jana.
10. start a book club.
11. begin process of starting non-profit group.
12. plant a garden.
13. attend at least 4 live performances.
14. eat raw for one month in the summer.
15. go on family vacation to a beach.
16. purchase a SLR camera and take a photography class.
17. learn how to play the guitar.
18. take a painting class.
19. go to a dance or yoga class at least twice a month.
20. love more.

xavier doll

um, is there anything cuter than this?
no, there is not.
xavier doll has been played with non-stop, all day.
who needs expensive star wars toys when your mama can make you your very own doll to love?
he even got treated this morning to a delicious breakfast.
at the table.

tiny dancer

a large majority of the gifts i gave this year were handmade by yours truly. whenever i make gifts i tend to gravitate to the projects i haven't attempted before, with new techniques and materials. my projects didn't go very quickly. i started getting overwhelmed a week before christmas and a million and two things still to make.

so, after many 2 am nights and many sore fingers, i did manage to finish a few things. all my gifts were huge successes and i am particularly proud of ms. ballerina above.

is it bad to say i secretly wanted to keep her?

pause

where: olive garden
when: christmas eve
why: moms profile, xavi's suit, hand holding

::joy is for you::

On this cold winter solstice evening, I wanted to wish you the merriest of holidays. May you have abundant family togetherness, peace, joy, and lots and lots of love.
The Hooligans

::three::

we woke up before the sun came up and the moon went down. the brightest moon of the year, i will add. it was rather special to be in the town of my girl's birth and be blessed to rise in time to see this:

then we turned to the west and saw this:

as if the sun and moon conspired to give a ravishing birthday hello to my three year old soleil luna.

happy birthday indeed.
we love you with all our hearts....

it's my party

thanks to steph for hosting our birthday bash.
we heart you.

i am curious about this

folks, i love my kids madly, truly, deeply. with a cherry on top.
but, could someone please tell me what is so absolutely divine about chewing on ones toe nails and saving all ones thirsty feelings for the murky bathwater?
just wondering.

also, in much less icky news, my two year old will only be a two year old for five more sleeps.
where does the time go?

it's official

....i've caught that crazy holiday spirit.

and how can i tell you ask?
well, the 1 am craft marathons are a good sign.
i am also prone to bursting out in joyful song at the most random of times.
it also seems i can't get enough sugar in the form of baked goods and fudge.

so my symptoms can only mean one thing.

aren't the holidays fun?

cookies you will want to eat

i am tired but "write a new blog post" is on my to-do list.
one should never argue with the to-do list.
not ever.
so, i am going to use this post wisely and tell you all about the most delicious and sorta kinda healthy vegan sugar cookies that the kids and i made yesterday. making cookies and sharing them was our first advent activity, but we never made it to the sharing part. unless you consider sharing them with ourselves to fulfill the challenge, well then we passed with flying colors.

on to the recipe!

i adapted this recipe and it suited me and my taste buds just fine.
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Vegan Sugar Cookies That Are Yummy

1 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil

1/4 Cup Canola Oil

1/2 Tbs. Vanilla

1/2 Tbs. Almond Extract

1 Really Smashed Banana

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix the wet ingredients in a measuring cup (make sure they’re blended well). Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using your hands form the dough into a big ball. (If it sticks together well, then it’s the right consistency. If not, add a bit of water and mix it well.) Pu dough ball in fridge for a few hours. Roll out dough and use cookie cutters for cutting out desired shapes. mixture. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten each Bake at 375°F degrees for about 7 minutes. Makes about 18 cookies. Of course, decorate using frosting, candy, and sprinkles very liberally.