This Happened

I see that we have a lot to catch up on. I wanted to. Buut. The events in Connecticut hit all of us hard, and I wasn't feeling chatty. Each day since the shooting I am so much more aware of how beautiful my boys' smiles are, how amazing their little hands feel when they are holding mine as we walk down the street, and what an amazing gift each little life is to all of us. All children. Mine, yours, strangers, it is no difference to me right now. There is just such a feeling of loss, and sorrow for those people who will never laugh with theirs again.

So I'll keep it simple and plain. This is what happened.

Twice a year the Embassy holds an award ceremony.

We all went.

This happened.

At last.

Someone met Santa. And liked him.

Someone brought this tasty snack over our house.

We thought it only fitting to share it with others.

And then this happened.

 

This too.

Yes it did.

 

We also went for a walk around town to see the Christmas lights. And came upon a rock concert.

So, of course, this happened.

 

Spontaneous dancing, like only kids can do.

 

For The Birds

Chinese New Year crafts and decorations down, we are working now on Valentine's Day. First, I had been planning a birdfeeder craft for the kids, so we incorporated felt and some cheap beads I found in a bin at the craft store for $.50. And there you have it, Sweetheart Birdfeeders. Sending our love out there. Into the universe or whatever.

Step one: Save your toilet paper rolls.

Step two: Cut out the cups from an egg carton to fit. Little P and I took some scrap yarn and tapestry needles and poked a hole in the bottom of the cup and strung as many beads as we liked, so they could dangle down. I cut hearts out of felt (we have no shortage of felt in this apartment!) and stitched them onto the bottom. I then ran the yarn back up through all the beads and into the cup. Anchor and tie inside the cup with another bead.

Step three: Using Elmer's glue, we glued a beaded cup into the bottom of each toilet paper roll and left to dry a few hours.

Step four: Liberally smear peanut butter all over each roll. Then roll in bird seed.

Step five: Hang outside. Admire. Whistle to the hungry birds. Talk to your kids about winter and food supply, etc.