Craftapalooza 2008

Mystery photo-

Last weekend Mom, Gloria and I gathered at mom's house for the 3rd annual Craftapalooza. What is Craftapalooza? you might ask. If you fill 48 hours with glue guns, thread, mom's whipped Bernina sewing machine, tacky glue, glitter glue, spray paint, needle-nosed pliers, sequins, scrapbooking supplies, sugar, coffee, ribbon, long Michael's receipts, and lots of elbow grease, you get Craftapalooza! Throw a papaw into the mix to keep the baby and you get my dream weekend.Scott did some woodworking in the basement. Check out the dovetailing: I made jewelry for the kids' teachers.

My favorite necklace:
another necklace:bracelet:

A Laurie original. A personalized memory game for my neice Rebecca. I took photos of the family and adhered them to playing cards. I hope she likes playing!
Oh yeah, I made ornaments with bottle tops.

Don't worry, mom got her baby time at Craftapalooza too. eyelashes.

Gloria with the product of her sugar magic, homemade caramels! She handwrapped them in parchment paper and voila- today's mystery photo (see above).

We even decorated mom and dad's tree.

ornaments in the boxornaments on the tree

Craftapalooza 2008 was so therapeutic and productive, I think we should make it a quarterly event. Sandra, Gloria- what do you think?

Esther tears it up

Quotes:
"Mom, I know where you can get some money! At the DOLLAR store!"- Esther
"Mom, one time I ate my booger and I didn't cry or throw up!"- Esther

This afternoon, with Elise Brown:

more:
yet more:
more yet:
there is no going back now:

Deck the halls

Merry Christmas to us from Lou in East Cobb. THANKS for the tree! I found a pre-lit artificial tree on Craigslist last week. The price was just right: free. Rob brought it home as a surprise on Friday. Mom and dad came over on Sunday for lunch and helped us decorate. The house feels soooooooo cozy.

Olde English choristers on the mantel.

Our gingerbread house handmade by Linda Bailey. She makes one for the kids every year:)

A German nativity pyramid from mom and dad.

The "Advent Christmas Tree" made by mom and dad. Plywood with 25 cup hooks, we add an ornament every morning of advent. (The ornaments we made at Thanksgiving.)

The nativity on the piano.

Thanks to the 'rents for their help and lunch on Sunday.

Tennessee Thanksgiving

Packed for the trip to the Tennessee cabin. How many big wheels can you spot? Keeping the kids busy with homework while we pack the van.

The day we arrived my dad had been chopping wood for the fire. Who chops wood these days? My 62 year old dad.Another member of the family, Big Blue. She is my favorite family vehicle. When I drive her I get a fabulous accent. I even wear a cowgirl hat. It's a little scary and weird. Dad is chopping in the background and the turkey is frying next to Big Blue.Rob and mom did all the cooking on Thanksgiving. Rob was the head chef and mom was the sous chef- her middle name is Sue- really!

Gloria brought pumpkin pie. Scott furnished the drool.Gloria and Esther at the table. Let's eat!

CC got her own dance with Scott that afternoon.

Beautiful red berries on a random bush outside. Robert and I went for a hike one afternoon and spotted a bald eagle flying along the lake below us. Can you say mother and son magic? Please let me always remember that moment that gave me chills.

Robert and Esther tore it up on their big wheels all weekend. They even found their own secret hideaway on the lower deck. The view from the hideaway.

Ornaments that we made for our Advent Christmas Tree. Felt and pom-poms and glue.


As we left dad got out the shotgun for the annual shooting of the mistletoe. That's the only way to get it out of the oak trees in time for Christmas. Robert is holding some.




Burlington boys back at home.Here is one way to keep a baby warm while playing with the other kids outside. Alien?

They said it.

"Wo- Santa gives out all those Christmas presents? He must have a LOT of money!"- Robert
"Who do you think is a better singer mom, you or Miss Kimmel?"-Robert
"So mom, what did you do today?" Esther, after school.
"So guys, what did you do today?"-Robert, after school.

A night with Mia, Che and Pippa Miller

The Friday before T-giving (so behind on the blog!!) I drove with the girls to Aiken, SC to meet up with Rob (already there for a conference) and galzinbrad girlfriend, Mia Miller. We lunched at the yummy Magnolia Natural Market. Super fresh and yummy food! This place is also a health food store where I bought some supermommy supplement juice. It tastes terrible but it makes me more energetic and nicer!Mia gave us a custom personalized tour of Aiken. Man, that's a classy town. Ritzy food markets, kitchen stores and an amazing coffee shop, New Moon. They were just cooling some freshly roasted beans - I had to snap a pic! Can you see the steam??We made a stop where she works, at the Aiken Steeplechase. Look at this quaint little office situated next to a training track and woods. Seriously folks, if you are looking for a getaway from Atlanta- take a day trip to Aiken! That goes especially for Mike, Leslie, Katherine and Jane (Aiken).
CC kept warm in her coat and hat made by granny. She didn't seem to mind having one eye blocked. Precious.Pippa and Esther hit it off pretty fast after Pippa woke up from her nap. The girls dined on hot dogs and macaroni, an Aiken classic.Beautiful bubbly babies.After bedtime the adults feasted on yummy pasta with sausage, olives and sundried tomatoes. Thanks for dinner guys!The next morning was pretty chilly-cuddle time in the playroom!

Mia and Pippa -morning love.

Pippa shares a bucket with CC.

Esther and Pippa- bucket.

Che, Pippa and CC-bucket.
Marvelous Mia with my baby.

We had a great time with the Millers- thanks for hosting 4 Burlingtons! Mia, I ALWAYS wanted to hang out with you in college and I (11) years later, I still do. I love you! Thanks for sharing your beautiful family with us. And tell Pippa- No more pulling hair.

CC knows how to pose.

me and CC in snow dress.