I'm A Lucky Girl!

Have I ever mentioned how amazing my parents are? Sometimes I get a little teary-eyed when I think about how much I love them and how special they are. So I would be surprised to hear you say I've never mentioned them before!

The great thing about my parents is that they're doers and problem-solvers. I have never seen a domestic issue that they couldn't tackle and end up figuring out an ingenious solution. Sometimes I find myself doing things that I have no idea where I learned how to do it... and then I realize it's something I learned from my parents or have at least seen them do over the years. How lucky am I?!

Anyway, I had this "problem" of not being able to find an economically priced craft table that suited my needs. Since we've moved into our new place, I have been using the island in the kitchen for my crafting. This was tedious because between setting up and tearing down, every time I wanted to do something, it was adding about 45 minutes to the process.

Now my Mom especially understands the need for your own space. Ever since I can remember she's had her own "art room." I remember when it was a walk-in closet underneath the stairs. I've also seen it grow into a full-fledged room with custom-built storage, a counter and a sink for her painting, weaving and endless artful endeavours.

So you can imagine that when I mentioned I wanted a craft table, they were on it. Again, how lucky am I?!

Words can't do it justice so instead I've taken oodles of pictures to show you my beautiful Christmas gift. My very own, custom-built craft table! And accessories! It's very special knowing my parents built it with their own hands and put so much love and time into it.

With such an amazing space, it looks like 2009 can't fail in the crafting department. Happy New Year!

A Bird Sittin' On A Circle

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a warm, fuzzy, safe, fun and peaceful Christmas holiday. It's hard to believe there is so much preparation that goes into those 3-4 days and now it's almost all over... let's enjoy these last few days of eggnog and good cheer while we can! :)

Today I want to post about something I was bursting to show you before Christmas. It is my little niece's first Christmas and I wanted to make her something special. I had this idea for a baby quilt rolling around in my head for quite some time so I decided that a quilt would be a really nice first Christmas gift from her godmother (that's me!).

It was my first time ever appliqueing anything. It was also my first time binding a quilt. Consequently, it took me about 3 days solid to get it done. But now that I know my way around these essential quilt skills, I think it would only be a 2 day project if I were to do it over again.

I also discovered why people use thimbles. My poor thumb was so sore by the time I got all that stitching done around the back. But it was worth it! She looked as snug as a bug wrapped up in her little birdie quilt on Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday filled with plenty of love and cheer (and yummy food and snowflakes and a nice present or two). I also want to thank you for taking the time to check out my blog. It means a lot to me that you like to share in the things I do - I appreciate your love and support!

Happy Happy Holidays and I will be posting again by Monday!

Love,

Christine

-xoxo-

Nieces

Last night my brother invited me over for dinner and to take a family portrait in front of their Christmas tree. Always game to snap a few photos I was happy to oblige. Well, when a 3 month old and 6 year old are involved, plans don't often work out. Instead, I snapped these. I think everyone was pleased with the results. >:)

PS: The peach dress is what happens when you allow a 6 year old free reign in picking out an outfit for Christmas - too cute! >:)

Sisters

It seems like I have been doing a lot of photo shoots lately... and I LOVE it! A few days ago I took pictures of my friend Rachelle and her sister Regan. (Another Christmas present, so again, not totally off-topic).

There's nothing like two sisters in front of a camera to get some really great shots. I hope these make you smile!

And now for some colour!

Made You Smile!

"Don't Stop Believin' (Or We Will All Disappear)"

"I Like the Fuzzy Ones"

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I was just going to post my most recent exploding dog favourites because as I said yesterday, a lot of activity these days is hush hush. BUT, I just realized I have photos from a shoot I did last Saturday that might be nice to share.

Meet Chloe. She wanted a nice picture of herself to give her parents as a Christmas gift. (So this does have a Christmas theme afterall - yay!). I was more than happy to oblige (selfishly, for the portfolio-beefing-up-process). Here are the results. Oh-la-la... isn't she pretty!?

A Lelievre Christmas

I just realized that the problem with writing a post a day (or most days that is!) over Christmas is that the bulk of my activity is top secret until the 25th!

Sooo... today I will show you a few pictures from the Lelievre photo shoot. Remember how I told you I was asked to go to Pictou for the day to take pictures of my friend Michelle and her family putting up their Christmas tree? Here's a peek into our day. Enjoy!

Out come the decorations!

Michelle putting the lights on the tree.

Reach up! Waaaaaay up!

Meaghan adding a few finishing touches.

As you can see, the whole family was hard at work!

There was another tree in the dining room!

Betty getting dinner ready...

It was a really good dinner!

After dinner we moved back into the living room for some family portraits. Here, Ron gazes adoringly into Betty's eyes... haven't lost it after 30+ years! >:)

The Lelievre children.

My Michelle, what loooong legs you have! >:)

Ron plays hockey so I was invited up to the rink to snap a few shots. Here is a team member of the "Old Puckers".... yes, that really is their name!

And last but not least, my favourite shot of the day. Little Miss Mina. Every pet owner understands this look - puh-leeeeeeease let me out!