Mail and Christmas!

Hello again! I've been wanting to do a post since Saturday but I've been lazy, and, also as usual, busy. I can hardly beleive that we in Quebec have not had any snow yet. Instead it has been absolutely beautiful. We've been enjoying warm and sunny days. However, I am looking forward to the first snow fall as it is so magical, especially if I can watch it from my cozy sitting room. It seems it would be a perfect time to snow since Christmas is just under one month now. How I love the preparations for the holidays. Sigh... Okay before I get lost in my thoughts I wanted to share some mail I have received in the past two weeks with you.

First, today I received two great letters. The first is from my new pal Sabine in Germany. She sent along some postcards, FBs, photo of herself and a sweet letter.



The second letter is from my pal in California, Kristen. It was great hearing from her again. She sent along some cute stickers, FBs and adorable photos of her family. I loved catching up with her again.

This past Monday I received my first Christmas card from my pal Rosita in Finland. I absolutely love it. She makes the nicest cards. She also sent a present. It was my first Christmas present which is safely under the tree (yes, we've already put up our tree). I always wait until Christmas morning to open all presents.

Last week my pal Nicole from Minnessota sent me an assortment of stickers and stationary since she was cleaning out her stash. I love it!

And, last week I also received a sweet notecard from my friend Molly in New Hampshire. She sent along a couple FBs and photos from my visit to her home in October.

So, that has been it mail wise lately. It's been fairly quiet, giving me a chance to catch up. With my last entry I mentioned wanting to do some crafts but wouldn't you know it I still haven't had time. This weekend for sure I will make some, seriously. Until then, below are some photos of handmade Christmas decorations I've put up in my home last weekend. We always decorate early but then the day after Christmas everything comes down and is put away. We like the leading up to the holiday but not the actual holiday. Sound strange? oh well, we're different I guess. He! He!

And, the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

I painted this metal tree, also napkin transfer last year. I made a couple more for Christmas presents last year. They're easy and fun to make.

I bought this ornament at a craft fair a few years ago. I love cats so I thought it would hang nicely on my tree.

My mother made this cute elf ornament last year. I love it!

Some mail & news!

So, here I am again. It just seems I hardly ever get a moment to myself these days. Ugh! Anyhow, let me catch you all up on a bit of my life. As you all know October 31st we celebrate Halloween in North America and the kids go out door to door for treats. They dress up in costumes and off they go. Well, when it was time to go Trick or Treating the wind started to blow really hard and it was pouring rain. I think it was one of the worst Halloweens I've ever seen in my life. Of course the kids don't care if it's raining, they'd probably want to go out in a hurricane. So, we took Noah out in the car on a few streets. He decided it was enough because he was soaked. Anyhow, take a look at his costume below.

Mr. Toxin was the name of his costume and he received many compliments at school as it was original. Perhaps you can see a little of our awful weather through the window behind Noah.

On November 6th we celebrated Noah's 8th birthday. He loves reading so he received many books, a singing toy and an easel with art supplies. He was really happy.

We had ordered a Scooby-Doo cake for him this year. He's making a very funny face. He! He!
Okay, so onto some mail news from the past 3 weeks.

A wonderful letter and FBs from my pal Saara in Finland.

Another wonderful letter with FBs from my pal Jolanda in The Netherlands.

A House Mouse and Fairies FBs swap from Natasha in the Ukraine.

A fantastic letter from my friend Lone in Germany with photos and a small Halloween card.

A very cute Halloween card from my friend Molly in USA, whom I recently visited.

A lovely letter with Suzy Zoo stickers/stationary and postcards from my friend Nicole in Minnessota, USA.

My pal Ionna from Greece surprised me with this beautiful calendar of Greek Islands.

I also received a fantastic letter and photos from my pal Emma in Sweden.

I've still been writing as much as I can as I really enjoy it and I truly miss my pals. I just got some Christmas paper out to use until the end of December. I so much love the holiday season. It makes me so happy. I'm hoping to get some cards and crafts made this weekend for Christmas. But, I do still have a busy weekend so we'll see how much I actually get done. I will certainly post photos.

On sadder note, my uncle died on November 1st due to complications after heart surgery and it has been difficult for my father so I have been worried about him. He had 3 brothers and he is now the only one left. My uncle was a very good man and he will be missed.

Haunted Zoo!!!

I'm back and it didn't take me a month, just a week. Yesterday it was really awful weather, rain, rain and more rain. I slept most of the day as I was feeling really down in the dumps. It must've been the weather. In the evening I felt better and wrote some letters. Today is a much better day, the sun is shining and we went to the zoo. There was a special event for Halloween and it was rather fun, but wherever there are animals I'm always happy. They really bring me a kind of peace and happiness. I have posted many photos from the zoo but first, here are some decorations I put on my buffet for Halloween. As a child it was always one of my favourite holidays, and still is. Wink! Wink!


Now, the zoo:
This is when you enter the zoo. There were costumed people scaring everyone. Here you can see Noah and I. It was a sunny but rather chilly day so Noah didn't wear his costume.

Me with some costumed zoo workers.

Noah having fun with an eagle. This guy was really good. He kept wanting everyone to give him high fives.

There was a haunted house in the zoo and this doll was really spooky looking. You were never sure if it were real people or props. Noah was a little spooked by the haunted house. He didn't want to go in a second time. He! He!

We of course went to the petting zoo which I always love. Here is a chicken coup. Someday if I live in the country I'm going to have a hobby farm with chickens. I would love to have fresh farm eggs everyday.

Even the poneys had pumpkin hats as a costume although they don't look thrilled.

Here is Jeffrey feeding some goats. I love goats! They were like vultures, following Jeffrey for food. It was quite entertaining.

Jeffrey and Noah had a ride on the roller coaster.

Jeffrey feeding some birds nectar. They love the stuff and can be quite greedy. At one point Jeffrey had about 5 on him, including his head.

Some of the birds were really nice but others were really greedy and even bit me. They have sharp beaks.

Jeffrey and Noah feeding the birds.

This bat was so adorable. They're not ugly nor scary creatures at all.

I love Meerkats! They are such fascinating creatures.

An elephant having a pumpkin as a snack.

I love this shot. This monkey (can't remember the exact name) kept posing for the camera, really he was.

And, that's it for this time. I'm really in a writing mood these days so I think I'll continue with my letters for now. Tomorrow it's back to work. Ugh! I really don't feel like it. I wish I could just stay home and do some crafting but such is life. Have a nice week everyone!

A few updates (long) !!!

Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the fall season. It's one of my favourite times of the year. Phew! What a hectic time I've been having since increasing my work schedule to 30 hours per week. I hardly have a minute to myself. I'm happy to report that my boss and I had a meeting yesterday and starting in January I'll be down to 15-20 hours per week. Hurray! I'm already dreaming of all the things I can do in my free time, after I catch up on what hasn't been done. Ugh! So, this is a long (but interesting) entry about what's been happening in my life in the past month.

Here are Noah and I at the apple orchard with an alpaca. Of course you can't see the apples but there is a petting zoo also. It was really funny because it kept running away from Noah and he was getting upset. The alpaca even spit in the air because Noah wouldn't stop following him. He! He!

On the same day there was a harvest festival (not too interesting) in a little town near the apple orchard. Here is Noah in front of many fall fruits/vegetables.

Me! I thought this little display of hanging frames in the woods was pretty cool.

I made these for a swap in September but haven't been able to post them until now. Suzy Zoo animals theme.

Another swap with a fairies theme.

A House Mouse theme.

Strawberry Shortcake theme.

The mailman has forgotten about my mailbox in the past month I beleive. Grr... However I did get a few letters like this one from my pal Renata in Germany. She sent a beautiful card she made and photos.

Here's a letter from my sweet pal Reiko in Japan. She sent photos of her crafts (the elephants in the photo), 2 sets of adorable stationary. She is really talented at sewing and cross stitching.

A nice postcard of Canada from my pal Susie in Austria who was recently visiting my country. I only wish we could've met.

A sweet letter from my pal Rosita from Finland. She is so nice. She designs her own stationary and labels. They are beautiful. She sent FBs, photos, postcards and stickers.

These are my pal Molly's children Jadira and Diego dressed up for the Pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire, USA last weekend. I spent the weekend with them and it was wonderful. Molly and I have met several times as we only live 3 1/2 hours drive from each other.

Here we are at the Pumpkin Festival. It was really fun to see all of the pumpkins decorated and to just walk around the streets.

These are only few of the pumpkins at the festival. There are in the 1000's and at night they light them up.

Some of my wonderful purchases. Mary Englebreit Christmas cards and stickers. I love her stuff.

Chipboard mini Christmas albums to decorate.

A stamp set I couldn't pass up although I have recently received a huge Stampin 'Up order. I love the quote: " Live the life you've imagined".

A simple cross stitch pattern I'd like to try. I've never cross stitched but I love the look of a framed cross stitch when it's completed. So, we'll see!

And last, these crazy monkey slippers.

Well, I did have a lot to share. I'll try to keep a more regular blog. Wink! Wink!

Various news!

So here I am again. I am still feeling a bit under the weather due to my cold. I was able to rest quite a bit on the weekend as I was drained. And, now another busy work week has begun. I'm already looking forward to Friday again so I can find some time for me and my hobbies again.
Last Friday I met my long time pal Nicole (the blonde) fron Massachusetts (USA) for the first time. We had lunch together in a restaurant downtown Sherbrooke called Cafe Bla-Bla. We were talking non-stop. I'm happy we were able to meet.



On the weekend Jeffrey, Noah and I went to an event called Townshippers but it was rather dissapointing. There were supposed to be crafts, information on the various small communities in the area but there wasn't much. There was a small petting zoo which we enjoyed though. And, of course Noah enjoyed eating some candy as seen below.

Aw, how I would love to have a hobby farm. If I were rich it is something I would do and have my father live with us as he grew up on a farm and loves animals. Below is a photo of an adorable little sheep and he was so soft. I liked petting him (or her) and he (or she) was very nice. I wish I could've taken it home.

Now onto some mail news. I have been so lucky in the past two weeks in regards to mail. It has felt like Christmas (by the way, it is coming quite fast).

I received a very long and nice letter from my sweet pal Kate in England. She sent some really nice photos too.

I also received a lovely package for my birthday from my pal Francoise in Belgium. She sent stickers, a card and some stationary. How sweet!

I received another birthday package from my nice friend Susi in Austria. I love the Diddl card and stickers too.

Today I received this nice letter from Francoise in Belgium. She included FBs, postcards, stickers and stationary sheets.

Today I also received another birthday package from my pal Nicole (another Nicole) from Minnisota. She sent stickers and lovely Diddl paper.

And, finally another birthday package arrived today from my friend Ria in Trinidad. I love the paper and cute card.

It seems that my birthday is still continuing. Yippee! Thanks to all of my lovely and sweet friends! I love you all.

A full mailbox today!

Today I came home to a full mailbox. I was really happy as it's been a while since my mailbox has been full. Smile!!!!!!

A letter from my new pal Stefanie from Switzerland. She sent a pretty birthday card, postcard and photos. She's really sweet.

Two stationary sets from my pal Ioanna from Greece. The sets are so pretty. We've only been writing for a few months so I feel special that she would send me such lovely presents.

From one of my dearest friends Molly whom I will be visiting in October for the Pumpkin Festival, I received such a wonderful package. I love the Mary Englebreit card she chose. She also sent it in bookmark form, some pretty stationary sheets, stickers for scrapbooking, photos and HQFBs. She's amazing and such a special friend.

My friend Claudia from Germany also spoiled me with a beautiful handmade card, some stickers and a cuttlebug embossing folder.
I feel very fortunate to have such generous friends throughout the world.

So, I am feeling much better today in regards to my cold. Tonight, after doing Noah's homework and reading books I am so looking forward to answering more letters as I have really missed it. I just don't seem to have much time to myself these days which is really annoying to me. Oh well, I'll figure it out. Bye for now.

My birthday!

So, yesterday was my birthday, was it happy? well not so much. It's been one of those weekends where Noah has been really pesty and Jeffrey and I both woke up with colds yesterday. At least it was a very sunny and warm day but in all honesty I would've preferred to stay in bed as I was feeling so crappy. I'm still not feeling so well today and I'm really tired and congested. Not looking forward to work tomorrow that's for sure. Okay, so enough complaining. There were definately some highlights as there always are to every situation, right?
For my birthday I had decided I wanted to go on a train ride through the countryside where you also have brunch and entertainment. It was really nice but a little long (3 hours) and the train moved at a rather slow pace. The food was delicious and the lady who sang was amazing. I'm really happy I got to experience this ride once.

This is what we saw when we entered the train. The tables were nicely decorated and it was really comfortable.

I snapped some pictured while traveling so here's one.

We stopped at a very touristic town called Magog where they were having a wine festival. The festival wasn't so interesting but by the lake in Magog it's beautiful.

At school on Friday the children made me a card and all wished me a Happy Birthday. I was entitled to many hugs. Smile!

My boss Sylvie knows I make jewellery so she had each child pick a bead, and think of a wish to go with it that they each handed me. It was very sweet!

Of course a birthday is never complete without some yummy cake. Jeffrey had this cake made for me at our favourite bakery. We're always looking for excuses to have cakes made there. He! He!

I bought this watch as a gift to myself at the Farmer's Market where we boarded the train. It's actually called, "Le Marche de la Gare". They have fresh produce and artisans selling their products. The watch caught my eye immediately. Actually all of this artists stuff did, she's very talented.

This past week I received a couple of presents in the mail. This lovely package came from my friend Lone in Germany. She sent a pretty necklace, border stickers, 2 pairs of Snoopy socks, stationary, candy and scrapping paper. She's so sweet. Thanks Lone. I also love her handmade card with the Geisha girl.

My friend Rosita from Finland also sent me a lovely package. A nice kitty cat card, some pretty stickers and 2 pairs of really beautiful earrings her daughter Emilie made. Thanks for thinking of me Rosie!

Yesterday I watched the "Twilight" movie as I had been wanting to for a couple of weeks already, after reading the book and was a little dissapointed as it was really different from the book. Also, I thought it was lacking in developping the relationship between Bella and Edward. It's so beautifully described in the book. Oh well, just my thoughts. So, I'm off to have myself another piece of cake. Ciao for now. Have a nice week everyone.