Crafting With My Boy = Hammer, Nails, and Rubber Bands

Um....yeah, that is my 3-3/4th year old
with a hammer and nails. What can I say
the kid has always loved tools and has a
knack for using them.

So, this craft was right up his ally.
I purchased a plain wood plaque at
Michaels and painted it orange.
His favorite color, of-course.

Then set him loose with a hammer and
1" finish nails. Once he was over the
hammering I gave him a giant ball
of colored rubber bands.

Then the stretching, connecting and the
occasional finger trauma ensued.  ;)

This has been our best "boy" craft yet. HE WAS INTO IT.
He did take a brake but, asked to do more. Over the course
of an afternoon he had this to show for all his finger oweeeees.

A few days latter he pulled off the rubber bands,
added a few more nails and now his little project looks like this.

Crafting with hammer, nails and rubber bands........ awesome.

Christmas Village

Construction has started, on my own little holiday village.

Wanna meet the residents????

Frosty was the first to move to town.

I hope he'll be cool and cozy in his new little home.

This sparkly little home belong to Mr. Jack Frost.

This candy cane cottage is home to one of Santa's candy cane
making elves.

I wish candy canes grew in my garden.

Oh my, is that who I think it is.
Yes, it is...... the Sugar Plum Fairy has moved to town!

No self respecting town would be complete with out a Church.

I love these vintage little wooden ornaments. They remind me
of my Grandma. Her tree was covered in them. I spent many
hours re-glueing them with her each year.  ;)

The thing about this Church is I made TWO.
Exactly the same, one for you and one for me.
Oh yah,   GIVE AWAY TIME!!!!!!!

Leave a comment on this post from now
until December 31st to be entered in the giveaway.
I'll announce the winner on New Years Day!!!

Thanks for reading this little blog of mine and Merry Christmas.

Candy Cane Blossom Cookies

OK! What happened????
It's December..... when DID, that happen??
I still have plenty of fall posts left to be published!!!
My kids have been sick off and on since Halloween.
So, November just slipped threw my fingers.  :(

Oh well..... move-en on.
Trees up and cookies are baking.

Hershey sugar cookie blossom.
F.E.S.T.I.V.E.   and   E.A.S.Y.

Start by unwrapping the candy cane kisses and pre-heating
your oven to 350 degrees.

Beat 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1-1/2 teaspoon
of vanilla together in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl combine 2 cups all purpose flour,
1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda until well mixed.

Add this mixture along with 2 tablespoons of milk alternately to
the butter mixture.

Roll a piece of dough into a 1 inch size ball and coat in sugar.

Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.

I love the crunchy crust the bigger sugar crystals give.

Let the cookies cool for 2 to 3 minutes and
then place a kiss in the center. The kisses melt
but, retain their shape. Once completely cool the
kissed harden back up again...... good as new. ;)

So, so festive.

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On a side note....
My parents are moving closer to us. Yeah!
Their new house is not quite ready yet.
So, that mens starting Monday we are having
house guests for about 3 weeks..... during the
HOLIDAYS!!!!
I don't know how much attention this little blog
of mine will be receiving. So, if you are a reader
stay tunes I haven't abandoned ship!  ;)