The weather here in the mountains has been absolutely beautiful.  The leaves are amazing.  I have really enjoyed my drives to carpool. Even with all of this beauty surrounding me the saga goes on at the Cantlay house.  I really ove my house but it seems that nothing ever seems to go smoothly for us around here.  About two months or so ago my dishwasher decided to start making strange noises and finally had its final wash, and about a year ago my oven decided that it would no longer broil.  Well the oven decided last month to broil only, so we decided to update our appliances.  What a challenge when you are trying to shop frugally for high priced items.  We decided to go with stainless (just in case we put the house on the market).  Well the new dishwasher barely fit, the fridge had to take a deep breath to get in its whole and the cabinet and tile counter tops had to be cut to allow enough room for oven and cooktop.  Really, could these things not easily just go in the wholes they were obviously made for...haha.  Well, I am still waiting on the hood vent because the one he brought to install yesterday had a dent in it.  Maybe the installer will become a permanent fixture at my house.  Anyway I will post pictures when the mini reno is complete. 
On to crafts....
Some of my girlfriends and I had our first craft day yesterday.  What fun.  We ate and painted away.  Even had participants who claimed they are not crafty at all join us and produce some really cute paintings for the holidays.  One of the girls introduced me to the best writing on crafty stuff .... a magnum sharpie marker.  I had to go out and buy one right away.  (and it was under 3 bucks. wow).  I made a cute Christmas canvas for one of my favorite families.  (posted picture... but shhhh don't tell it is a present.)

Today I had to make myself quickly dust, vacuum, and wipe down the kitchen counters, because I wanted to create my house rules painting.  What fun.   I painted it on a 16x20 canvas so it is a really nice size and I have already hung it on my kitchen wall.  Can't wait for the family to see it.  Wonder if they will all agree on the rules I decided upon????

I have decided to start taking orders for canvases made to order with your sayings and colors.  I am currently working on a cute snowman family painting and a Christmas card holder board.  Will post photos tonight.  Can't wait.  Let me know if you want one.