Half a World Away Lamp

I am normally Miss Merry Christmas, but I will be the first to admit that this year I was a little cranky pants. I still decorated, made cookies, listened to the music, but something just felt off. I think I was really homesick this year. Funny, you can be gone for so many years and still just want to be home for Christmas. Such is this military life.
I have snapped out of my funk now and am in New Years mode now. I even put up my silver New Years tree!

I love this clock ornament. It is so festive!

I am not big on making resolutions, because I know I will never keep them. There are things I tell myself I have to get done though. Mainly craft project. Oh, the dreaded UFO's...unfinished objects. The bane of crafty folk. There are many at my house, and I really am going to try and get them done in 2012. I even got a head start! Go me. The idea came from a MaryJane's Farm magazine a while back for a globe lampshade. My husband was deployed to Afghanistan at the time, and I just saw it so fitting. I found a globe at my local thrift store, and it sat in my "I'll get around to it" project pile. Well, it is finally done!

I finally found a lamp I liked for it at the Goodwill, and added my favorite ever-tacky pom pom garland around the bottom. Isn't it cuuuuute!
Now to decide on what project will be next!
Happy New Years all!

Birthday Tea Party

I finally decided this was the year to have a birthday party for my "she's not a baby anymore" girl. When I asked Little Miss what she wanted to do for her party she from the get-go was determined to have a tea party. Well, that is an idea I could agree to!

My mom made the lovely quilt for the table.

I have been waiting for years to use this tablecloth! The tea set was my grandma's so it was kind of like having her here. Miss her so.

Don't you love this burlap and fabric bunting? That may be the most favorite thing I have made all year! And of course, there must be cake. Of the chocolate variety.

And presents. The only thing she wanted was a music box. What child asks for a music box over toys? Mine apparently!

The look on her face when she opened it made all the searching for the perfect music box worth it! Happy birthday to my baby!

Oh no she didn't...

Oh, but I did. Yup, I just changed the background to Christmas. Hate all you want, but I am one of those people who get excited for Christmas in November. I however:

Do not participate in Black Friday Shopping, unless by a small local shop
Make all my Christmas gifts
Don't become obsessed by the consumerism and greed the holidays entail

So I feel a little ok putting it up already. Heck, my tree would already be up, but I won one this year (thank you MWR Great Lakes!) so I will have to wait for it.

Don't hate! All this holiday joy makes me, well, me!

Veterans Day Thoughts

I was in one of my classes today and my professor asked if anybody knew what tomorrow is. Sadly, I was the only only one who knew he wasn't asking for "Friday" or 11/11/11.  He was actually looking for the answer of Veterans Day. He then took a moment to thank me for my service, which for me, was overwhelming.

Do you know the history of Veterans Day? Armistice Day (also known as Rememberance Day) is on 11 November and commemorates the armistice signed between the allies of World War I and Germany at Compiegne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of WWI, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. It has, over the years turned into a day that was designed to honor and remember those who have served. It has in effect, turned into a long weekend of commercialism. A reason to buy a mattress on sale or some new shoes. 


Take a moment this weekend to remember and thank those you know who have served. Sometimes a "thank you" is all we ever wanted to hear. 


Hospital Corpsman Second Class Elizabeth Baker
United Stated Navy
2004-2010

Oh dear...

Has it really been that long since my last post? Oh how time gets away from us sometimes.

Things have been hectic with the start of school, so I have not had much time for anything but that. Sadly, not even much hooky time. I plan on remedying that. I get cranky without crochet time.

I will catch everyone up soon and will post some goodies. The holidays are coming, and I just can't wait to share some festive goodness with you all!

Lots of love to all you lovelies out there!

etsy Shop Opening!

I have been neglecting my blog this week. Mainly because of the start of a new semester, but also because I FINALLY am getting an etsy shop started! Wahoo!

Stop on in and check it out. There isn't much now, but I am slowly getting there!


http://www.etsy.com/shop/MilitaryFarmGirl?ref=pr_shop_more

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

I have decided to quit fighting and accept it. My obsession with Fall-time wins. I tried to tell myself to cool my jets, but I am going going to give in.

 

When I was in the Navy the one thing I could count on being served in the galley at nearly every meal was bread pudding. With good reason on their part: it is a great way to use up stale bread. This recipe has the added bonus of pumpkin, something that is always welcome in my kitchen. And is not made by a cranky sailor! Bonus for me!

5 cups of bread, torn into small pieces
2 cups milk, whole if ya' got it
3 eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (NOT pie filling!)
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 shake nutmeg (very technical measurement)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans


Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 11x7 pan with cooking spray.
Combine milk, eggs, sugars, pumpkin, melted butter, spices, and vanilla; blend well. Add the bread and pecans and stir GENTLY to blend.
Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until set.

Yum yum yum! Super yum for a Sunday brunch. Save enough so you can have leftovers for dessert before bed. Warmed up with Breyers vanilla bean ice cream. Not that I have ever done that. I mean, that certinly didn't happen tonight. Nope...