They have ridges

This may be my new favorite German word: geriffelt.



Oh, and I was quite pleased to find cheddar and sour cream chips. They're not Ruffles, but they're pretty good.

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If you think I've been slacking off with the blogging, you're probably not reading our private family blog. I post over there several time a week. And while most (all?) of it so far has been about our beautiful daughter and how she joined our family, I do have some crafty stuff coming up. And perhaps even some witty observations about life in Vienna. If you'd like access to the private blog, send me an email (my address is on my profile) or leave me a comment.

Handmade Holidays

My younger sister Christy told me that my blog has been rather lacking lately. I kindly reminded her that I had been updating the private blog, but she didn't seem satisfied. So I decided to blog all about our handmade holidays before she has a chance to blog about it. That'll teach her to complain!

In mid-October my older sister Amber suggested that we exchange handmade gifts this year. I had been going back and forth on whether I would make Christmas gifts this year, but when I heard that everyone was up for the challenge, I knew I had to participate as well. Even though it was a little stressful at times, I think it was worth it.

Here are some of my favorites.

My mom prepared a large brunch and dinner the day we celebrated. Before dinner she explained that she had prepared something special for each person. She had contacted each of our husbands' mothers to get some of the favorite family recipes. She also made each family a cookbook with family recipes.

M. received two really cute books. Amber made a quiet book she called "Let Me Do It!" Each page has something to do -- attach the dog leash to the collar, zip/unzip the dress, unbuckle a belt. Christy made a texture book -- bumpy, silky, etc.

Here are a two pages from "Let Me Do It!":




I don't have photos of the book Christy made, but you can see it on Christy's blog here.

I made the aunt and uncle dolls from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules with Fabric book for my nephew. (I also made them for Brian's niece.) I try to make gifts that include our photos for our young nieces and nephew so they'll recognize us when they see us. :)


Christy made a really cool gift for our niece, but I won't spoil her fun by telling you all about it and posting photos. Suffice it to say, it's been a big hit around here and I've already told her that M. would love one for her birthday or next Christmas. Keep an eye on her blog, because I'm sure she'll post all about it.

There were a lot of other great gifts as well, but I didn't take very many photos. I received an apron and a cargo scarf (a scarf with pockets and key chain). And I gave key chain wallets, pajama pants, an art caddy and a sticker book. I'm sure my sisters will share photos of more gifts on their blogs here: Amber and Christy.