Wasn't Kidding About Being Behind on my Posting - XMAS 2010

These are for you Bette and Vinny since we weren't able to celebrate the holidays with you in Florida.

Xmas Eve at my Home/Studio (Alumni Loralie Bingamon check out your lino print on the back wall)

The Kids and Jim take their Scrabble games very seriously :)

Zach giving Dani the Leather Bracelet he made her

Jim clowning around in his new Snuggy (he asked for a leopard print one and he got it) LOL

Even though Dan is 17, she still loves her Hello Kitty stuff

And Dani modeling her Handmade Scarf and Headband that my Multi-Talented, Artistic Husband Jim, crafted from recycled felted wool sweaters with needle felted designs

Many of Jim's Gifts to us this last year were Handcrafted.  He made this gorgeous Guitar Strap for Zach...

as well as this cool Leather Tooled Belt

For Dani and I Jim bought us Matching Mother/Daughter Rings

Early Morning Xmas Day at my ex's house, Zach gives me a Pomegranate Tree, one of my favorite fruits

A Xmas Hug and Thank You

Dani's Dog Boogie helping her and Zach unwrap their Gifts

Boogie opening his own Gifts, while shy little kitty Lily watches from a safe distance. on a ceramic pot that I made in college (1978) 

Xmas 2010 - A Very Good Year!

All the shopping is done, the tree is up with all the presents wrapped and today starts my 2 weeks of winter break, OH BOY!!! Two weeks to sleep in and go to the gym to work off all the yummy stuff I'm going to chow down. Think I'll do a little bit of baking with my girl, Dan, and a couple of day trips with Jim. I think we might go out to Palm Desert for a bit of after Xmas shopping, and we've also been wanting to visit Fallbroook. For New Years, Jim's band is playing in Vegas, so we'll be there for a couple of days as well (this will be my very first time to gamble). My son Zach is leaving for a week in Tahoe with friends on a ski trip, and daughter Dani will be driving to Brianhead, Utah for a winter holiday with her boyfriend's family after Xmas.

So happy with my tree this year. It's a little cutie, with mostly handmade ornaments done by my children, my students, myself and a couple by pro artists like Leslie McCabe, Judy Coates Perez, Kelli Nina Perkins, and Mary Stanley. And several that my mother made for me when I was a young girl.

This is my first Xmas in my new home/studio. My Aunt Stella and her husband Gene are driving in today from Arizona to spend a few days with Jim and I, and to attend our annual family Xmas party. I will probably be taking some time off from this blog to spend with my kids and Jim, so look for me to return on Jan. 3rd.

Bette and Vinnie, I wish so much we could be with you and Rocco this Holiday season. We will give you a call on Xmas day after Julie flies in. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year. And from my home to yours, have a fun filled, warm and toasty, wonderful holiday with your family and friends. To Kim and Rick, I miss you guys a lot. And to all my alum out there, stop by for a visit when you can. It's always great to see you all.