Possibly the most meaningful thing (to me) I have ever knit.

A few years ago when I was knitting stockings for my family I chose something 'fancy'. Something that was a bit of a challenge and really love the results. I opted not to make one for myself. I continue to hang the same stocking that has been hung on a mantle for the past 30-something years. It was made by my Nana, as was everyone's in my family (and extended family, and pets). It's simple, made with inexpensive yarn and felt. It isn't 'fancy' and it is christmas. 

I was and is important to me to make sure the tradition of handmade things continues for my family. I think that would have made my grandparents proud. The moment I found out that had a little niece or nephew on the way, I wanted to make sure I would be able to continue this tradition for them and their parents (whether they use the stocking or not isn't the point). I know what receiving this gift for my children would have meant for me. I hope it means the same for them. 

I remember my Nana always having her double-pointed needles on the go with some tinsel-laced yarn working on a stocking whilst chatting. I don't have my Nana to ask how exactly she made each stocking but I do have her tools, some of her needles are still in their original sleeves with their original price tag of a whopping .45¢

Attempting to reverse engineer my stocking wasn't necessarily difficult but it was daunting. I put a lot of pressure on myself to make it perfect, like Nana's. I counted and measured and swatched over and over until I was as close as I could get. I literally counted the stitches in a round and counted rows. And swatched some more, and finally committed to the needles and cast on. I have never checked and rechecked my work as often. 

I had this stocking finished months before I knew the baby's name. I had never attempted to embroider before! I don't have the best penmanship to begin with but I am really happy with how this turned out. 

I think I did my Nana's work justice and she'd be really happy to see her legacy continue. Each stitch was knit the same way, on the same needles as the originals. I'm really proud of this simple stocking for my much-loved niece. 

Merry Christmas from Scribs farm!

I can't believe it's Christmas already! Yesterday for a shiny, glorious moment it snowed!
The kids are exciting and full of sugar. They're bouncy off the walls. Ellie (Our elf on a shelf) has gone home to the North Pole until next year, not without a big send-off.

why so sad, snowman?

It's funny how having kids changes everything, I was never big into Christmas after the age of about 12. Christmas music was a torture device and the whole charade seemed... well, a bit silly. And then came the babies, and everything changed. I want them to have great family memories, not just of opening present but of doing things together. Putting up the tree, baking cookies (followed up eating way too much frosting and running around yelling "We're full of sugar"), going to see Santa and taking a drive in the dark to see the lights. We've been listen to Christmas music for weeks and surprisingly I don't want to smash my face through a wall. Things change. The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear. And dancing around like an idiot!

LED lights are the best!

My favorite tradition that we've started with A is picking out a toy that he would like to have and donating it to Toys for Tots. I'm endlessly proud when he says "Mom, look at that cool toy. We should donate it!" He's 4, he certainly doesn't understand the how and why. He just thinks that some kids could use more toys and he wants to give them! I'm hoping they'll be ready to let go of the toys they no longer play with, they aren't there yet.

The tree skirt doubles as a cape!

We're also decided that having huge meal for Christmas isn't us. We're having snacks and cold appetizers all day with a few hot ones for dinner. I certainly don't want to spend the day in the kitchen. Maybe when the kids are older and want to hang out in their rooms, we'll do something. For now, with just the 4 of us this works best. I bought some cheese last week that I'm dying to eat. Every time I open the fridge it's screaming "EAT ME!"

One of these things is not like the others. I made 3 of the 4 stockings.

At this time of year, I can't help but think of how blessed we are and I am so overwhelmingly grateful for everything we have in life. My heart is full. I'm a sap I know, but it's true.

I hope your Christmas (or whatever you choose to celebrate) is full of joy and magic. And if that's not your thing, I hope you get to do whatever makes you happy and have a great relaxing day.

Christmas Traditions - Fruit Cake, yay or nay?

There are few things that make me feel like it's Christmas like food. Every year as a kid we'd have the staples - Sugar Cookies, butter tarts, chocolates wrapped in colorful foil, candy canes and fruit cake. Fruit cake is right up there with Egg Nog, you either love it or hate it with no middle ground.  I like it in small doses. One slice a year and I'm set. I haven't had any in at least 7 years, probably more.

My Nana and Poppa made the fruit cakes in our family. Their secret family recipe has been highly requested by those outside the limited few with a copy. No one has made the recipe in many years and I've decided to carry on the tradition.

This year was the first year I attempted to bake this beast. It was an expensive feat! I had very little idea how much work was involved! 1 recipe makes a lot, it would barely fit into my giant stand mixer bowl. There is a lot of chopping and mixing involved, definitely a work out! Baking seem to take forever. I really wasn't sure when it was done, so I guessed and it seemed to be right. I think I texted my mum about 30 times during the whole process.

So if I'm not a huge fan of fruit cake, why make it? Nostalgia? Maybe. Mostly it makes me sad to think that the fruit cake tradition wouldn't continue.

The smell brings me right back to being little and the excitement of Christmas. My first bite was exactly as I remember. Exactly!
I'll be taking some over to the neighbors, one recipe makes about 5 cakes. 5! I've wrapped it very simply in waxed paper and twine. I don't think everything has to be fanky-smancy. Simple is usually best. I certainly won't be offended if they don't like fruit cake.
I think my fruit cake would make my Nana and Poppa proud. And hungry.

And right now, it's snowing.

What are you favorite Christmas Traditions?

Day tripping to grouse mountain

This weekend we took the kids up to Grouse Mountain. They, nay, we had a great time. We strolled around in the snow. The kids had never played in snow until this week. They were bundled and light-up booted. They ran and fell, threw snowballs and ate snow. We had lunch, A. told The Big Guy what he'd like for Christmas, Naturebaby watched the reindeer.

To get to the top of the mountain there's a sky-train. The ride was nice, took about 10 minutes and the operator pointed out peaks, and wild life below. Whoo boy it's nice. Get ready for pictures of trees and snow.

It was a few degrees above freezing, snow was melting off the trees like rain that sparkled in the sun, it was magical. 

Want to test your aim? Take a toss! 

We went hiking, the kids climbed and rolled around. All they wanted to do was eat snow and throw snow balls. 

Snow slides!

Prancer and Dancer were hanging out outside Santa's workshop. 

Views of mountains from the top of mountains. Delightful! It was so pretty, not at all busy and most important the kids had a great time. The kids would have been happy just to have played in the snow. This may not become and annual event but it's worth doing if you're in the area.