JOY Ornament

This has seriously been the most relaxed, stress-free Christmas season that I can remember.  In fact, Saturday I was able to enjoy the day with friends, even though Christmas is only two weeks away!

We had lunch at a place that reminded me of a tea room, though it really isn’t.  We had paninis, chicken salad sandwiches and I had a sweet potato cupcake for dessert.  Good food and good friends!

The front part of the place is a gift shop, so naturally there was some shopping afterwards.  I needed to find an ornament to give to a friend at Sunday School the next day and was delighted to find one I thought she would like.

 

Now one of the reasons I wanted to share this isn’t so much for the story of my fabulous Saturday, but to point out how easy it would be to make this ornament since we are all about the crafting.  The red ribbon was velvet, little rhinestones all around and I’ve seen the blingy letters at the craft stores.

So cute…. and she LOVED it!

Christmas Sticker Soap Pump

I’ve said before and I’ll repeat it often – I *love* Pinterest and blogs for inspiration!  So much creativity that everybody  shares and then the not as creative types like me can recreate and enjoy with our families.

This particular item I’ve seen time and again and I finally took the 10 minutes – I kid you not – to sit down and make one.  I like it enough that I’ll likely do one for every season.

 

A Christmas soap pump!  So easy peasy and FAST to make.  I used the big box store brand of hand soap and peeled off the front and back label.  Next a bit of Goo Gone took off the remaining bits of glue so that there was a clean bottle to work with.

I used stickers with a clear background, but I don’t know that it’s any kind of requirement.  And last a jaunty bow around the neck.  I think I would prefer ribbon a bit less wide, but this is what I had in Christmas colors and didn’t want to buy any more.  You can barely tell in the photo above, but I also put a star sticker on the top of the pump.

 

Ta da!  Super fast and it makes me smile every time I go to wash my hands.

Now to watch for more 50% off sticker sales and get ready for the next season!

 

** Linking to Get Your Craft On, Take-A-Look Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Topsy Turvy Tuesdays, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Inspired By You Wednesdays

Brooklyn’s Beautiful Dress

I know that we all have put Christmas 2010 behind us and we’re looking towards 2011 now, but please indulge this Grandma that had no internet to document the incredible cuteness of her 3 year old granddaughter during the holiday season.  There’s really not much to do at this point but to share a few photos before moving on. 

On Christmas Eve we went to the Children’s service at my in-law’s church, which also happens to have been our church back when we lived in the same city.  Pastor started out by addressing the large crowd and letting them know that this isn’t what the usual services are like, that this one is geared toward the children.  He warned that there might be some “little lambs bleating” during service, but that it was perfectly ok.  At that point he called all the children forward to tell the story of Christ’s birth in his unique fashion.

I’d say there was at least 50 children during this service and they were all so darling in their finery and so animated to be up at the front.  We happened to be Front Row Joe’s and had a great vantage point from our seat, but Brooklyn did go forward for most of it.

The story was darling.  Pastor would pull little cutesy figurines out of a box – Mary, Joseph, the animals, Baby Jesus – and tell the story.  He had the children shouting answers back to him and truly it was a blessing.

Back up about an hour and a  half though and we almost didn’t make it.  Poor little Brooklyn had fallen asleep on the couch and we had to get her up to get her ready to go.  Think about waking up a 3 year old that hasn’t had a nap in two days and had only slept for about 20-30 minutes ….. it wasn’t pretty.

She did come out of it though and was her usual adorable self.  When we got back to her great-grandma’s house Keith and I wanted a picture of our darling granddaughter in her beautiful Christmas dress.  And that’s when the cheesy grins started coming out…and the cute little turn of the foot:

 

Grandpa did finally get her to laugh and  not have quite the silly face:

 

One last picture so I can share the darling little coat that went with the dress:

 

Thanks for indulging a grandma that is madly in love with a little 3 year old girl. 

Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Aren't these the CUTEST cookies? And the great thing is that they were so easy and fast to make. I found the recipe on Family Corner, a great site to find cute things for kids.

Ingredients:

roll of Pillsbury sugar cookies

M&M's

pretzels

1/4 cup of flour

To make the dough a little stiffer, work 1/4 cup of flour into the sugar cookie roll. Roll out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut with a bell cookie cutter. Press pretzels at the top for antlers and press M&M's for eyes and nose. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes, removing from oven when the edges are just barely brown. Let cool on pan for 2 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a rack.

I decided that all my reindeer were going to be Rudolph with blue eyes. I couldn't remember what color his eyes were, but I seem to remember that Clarice had blue eyes. And who am I to mess with true love like that???

Brooklyn Loves Making Handprint Snowman Ornaments

We had so much fun this weekend! One of our family traditions is to have our extended family gathering the Saturday before Christmas. This way we’re all able to get together and have a wonderful time while keeping the actual Christmas holiday more low-key.

My mom and sister-in-law Michele came to town and the three of us took Brooklyn and headed out to my cousin’s house for family fun. We loved on new babies, marveled at how the kids had all grown, ate wonderful food, exchanged gifts and sang carols. Really it was great.

When we got back to my house on Saturday night we found that grandpa had gotten the original cartoon Grinch movie for us to enjoy with Brooklyn. We ran out for sub sandwiches and set up in the living room to eat and watch a movie, which turned into a real treat. Brooklyn laughed and laughed at little Max, the dog in the movie. As soon as the movie ended she was bouncing up and down and wanted to see it again. Grandpa happily obliged.

On Sunday my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and the rest of the kids came over and we all had a fun lunch together. Little Bit, Brooklyn, was truly in her element having so much family here. Ah …. so blessed …

--<>--

Knowing that my 3 year old granddaughter would be here this weekend I set out to find some fun crafts for us to do together. Since we were so busy with family and making memories we only got one craft done, which is quite ok as the others will wait until next time.

I had found a tutorial for a handprint snowman ornament on a blog and I just happen to be partial to any craft involving handprints.

These were so easy and so fun to do. I painted her palm (she did tell me that ‘paint goes on the paper, not on fingers’ so I’m assuming they hear that in school) and she said it tickled. She would wrap her palm around an ornament and when she opened her hand and saw her handprint she would grin and giggle each and every time.

They are the cutest ornaments ever! This is a great project to do with littles and the best part is that you have a handprint ornament afterwards to treasure. The full tutorial is at the link above, but my biggest hint if you decide to make these is to not spare the paint on their palm. The first couple we did just had a light coat of paint and those snowmen didn’t turn out nearly as cute as the snowmen that had a thicker coat of paint.

I put her name and year on the bottom of the ornament and we’ll be giving these gifts to all the relatives.

** Linking to Making the World Cuter Monday, Get Your Craft On

A Coke and A Smile Gift

Last night was Mission Crafts Ministry night at church and since it was our last meeting before Christmas I wanted to do a little something to make it a bit more special.

 

I had gotten these little Coke tins at Walmart after Christmas last year at a super low price.  I didn’t want to fill them with standard cookies or candy, so Keith and I put our thinking caps on to come up with something.  We decided that along with your Coke you would want something salty, so I cooked up a batch of Chex Mix.

 

I lined the inside of the tin with some plastic wrap, filled it with Chex Mix, then folded the plastic wrap over the top to seal it.

In keeping with the Coke color theme I used red gift bags with white tissue paper.  Each gift had a Coke tin with Chex Mix and a little bottle of Coke with the red curly ribbon.  Very well received and it was a fun gift to make!

 

I also brought a tray of these Peppermint Brownies and sighs of delight were heard all around.  This will now be my holiday go-to brownie.

 

** Linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday, Get Your Craft On, Tip Me Tuesday

A Glimpse of Holiday Lane

Isn’t this beautiful?  Keith and I did quite a bit of Christmas shopping this weekend and were happy to have stopped at 3 different malls.  We thoroughly enjoy seeing all the decorations and seriously, watching the kids and families will always bring a smile to our faces.

This particular scene was inside Macy’s at one of the malls and housed their Christmas décor.  The room was tucked into a corner of the crystal and china section and it was almost magical walking down the red carpet between all the gaily decorated trees.

Did you notice the 60% sign at the lower right of the screen?  We managed to buy one new stocking:

…cause we’re proud of Texas y’all….      The only other thing we bought inside Holiday Lane was our Christmas Cards.

It really was a great weekend.  We ended Saturday having our traditional dinner, well really we go for a particular appetizer and salad, at our favorite steak place.  The last 3 or 4 years we’ve done this while out Christmas shopping and I suppose it might be kind of a gift to ourselves.  We’re able to stop, regroup and focus on what’s important rather than get caught up in the wrong things. And for that I am so thankful.

“May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!”  ~Author Unknown

The “IN” Christmas Trees

In the sermon today, called The Tree, our pastor started off by talking about some of the current “in” Christmas trees.  Now I’m  totally not passing judgment on these because truly beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  However, I can confirm after seeing these that not only do I need to get out more, but I really am a traditionalist at heart.

The Black Christmas Tree (this one seems sad to me somehow):

 

The Upside Down Christmas Tree (I’ll admit this one could be fun):

 

Beer Can Christmas Tree (not sure even what to say about this one!):

 

There’s not a photo of our tree in this post as we just started doing our decorations today.  The tree is assembled, but no ornaments have been placed yet.  I think this year I’m going to go back to a traditional tree and use all the ornaments that the kids made and that we’ve received as gifts through the years.  Our tree the last two years was picture perfect, but it seemed rather cold somehow.  I’m thinking the memories associated with this year’s ornaments will bring the warmth back. 

I’m also looking forward to sharing ornament origin stories with my granddaughter.  I know my kids will roll their eyes because I tell the same stories every year, but I’m going to look at it as me being dependable instead of me forgetting I’ve already told the story! 

 

Tradition: sit with husband in a room lit only by tree lights and remember that our blessings outnumber the lights.  Happy Christmas to all.  ~ Betsy Cañas Garmon

 

** All photos found through Flickr Creative Commons

And it came to pass.....

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.    Luke 2:8-20 NIV

Merry SITSmas 2009!

Today is the day that the girls over at SITS are celebrating some Christmas blog love.  This group posts a spotlight blog each day for us to visit and I've found some really great blogs this way.  And in case anybody didn't know, I'm really kind of hooked on reading blogs and honestly would rather do that even than watch tv.  I KNOW!   :)

My Christmas post will feature my precious granddaughter Brooklyn, 2 years ago.  She is the light of our lives and we enjoy her so much.  Can't wait to get a new Christmas picture of her this year!

May your Christmas season bring you many blessings this year.  Remember the little baby lo this many years ago that started it all off.  As we wait for His triumphant return!

Handmade Gifts and Games With the Families

Wanted to share the tin of Christmas treats I took the neighbors this year. Each house got a tin and a handmade Christmas card. Our neighborhood is going through some changes right now and we're getting more families with young children and babies on the way. One neighbor has a son the same age as Brooklyn. They are all very delightful, but I do admit it makes me feel old...

This pillowcase is one of the gifts we gave to Keith's mom. We saw the KIT at a local quilt shop and thought the fabric looked just like her. She's a very happy person, always laughing and she adores all sorts of bug fabric, including butterflies.

I worked on this and of course made an error, which meant I got to use my trusty friend Mr. Seam Ripper. Finished and so happy with the results. The funny part was when she opened it she thought we'd gotten her some butterfly fabric. Keith pointed out it was a pillowcase and she smiled and set it aside. The lightbulb came on later and she asked if I made it, then she got it back out to look over more carefully. She was stunned and amused to hear that I had used a pattern for a pillowcase and this started quite a discussion between my mother-in-law (a quilter extraordinaire), sister-in-law (who made exquisite tote bags for each of us - note to self: need to post a picture) and I about whether or not patterns are necessary when quilting or if it's better to wing it. We all were laughing quite a bit at the different way we each approached this.


This year we finally got back to playing games again. The picture above shows mother-in-law, Loni, Lynne' and sister-in-law Rhonda while we were playing Cranium. LOADS of fun and it was interesting to see what each person's "gift" was as far as charades, drawing, singing or spelling. Keith and I were talking about the games after we got home and we remember when the kids were little and we'd visit his family we'd always play games until the wee hours of the morning after the kids went to bed. Not sure when we got away from it, but after playing at Christmas I realized just how much I miss it.

We also played Cranium and Uno Attack when we were at my mom's house and again, I don't know whey we don't do it more often. It's fun to just laugh and have a good time together.




While playing Uno Attack back at Keith's folks house James took Miss B over to great grandma's organ and let her play. I swear this child will end up doing something musical or dance because she LOVES music. The minute she hears it she starts moving her shoulders to the beat and it just makes me laugh every time.

Good times.....

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. - Psalm 145:3-4

Brooklyn and Joe at Christmas

For some reason Brooklyn just loves Joe.  But Joe is not quite as fond of Brooklyn so we really have to keep an eye on him.  This Christmas Miss B seemed to be particularly fond of Joe.  We bought him a Christmas collar that had blinking red and green lights this year and she was entranced by it.

While opening gifts Brooklyn methodically took a red bow apart and used the little pieces to pet Joe while he was sleeping.

And then she used the dog as a jungle gym and slide.  He has the patience of a saint right about now.

And she loved to hug Joe.  This picture would be absolutely darling...if she had been hugging the other end!!!

I have no idea why I chose this series of pictures from our Christmas to show first.  There will be more posts coming so that I can share more family fun.  I'd really like to get all of Christmas posted before the New Year!

Good times....

Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
- Psalm 143:10

Christmas With The Extended Family

We had such a wonderful Friday night and Saturday.  Mom, grandma, brother and sister-in-law came to town last night and we met the kids for dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.  Just love spending time with the family.

This morning I made scrambled eggs with chopped fresh jalapenos (Yum-O!) served with picante sauce and sour cream.  I do believe it is a new favorite breakfast!  Then we all piled into cars and headed to my cousin's house for our Christmas celebration.  My grandmother started the tradition - longer ago than I can remember - that we get together the Saturday before Christmas to see all the extended family.  She knew that everybody would be with their families on Christmas and this way we could all see each other.

This year we had 6 littles under the age of 2 1/2 years old!  Oh what fun and what a joy they all were...even though none of them had much of a nap.  They all played well together and just had a grand time.  My cousin transformed one of the rooms of her home into the North Pole Playroom complete with a small ball pit and crawling tubes!  So now get ready for the pictures.....

This is my cousin's grandson Max, who is not quite 2 years old, sitting in the ball pit with Miss B.

Not a good quality photo, but these kids were moving f.a.s.t.!  And I wanted to show Miss B once again with major static hair.

Crawling through the tubes was so much fun!  I think I was a little bit surprised that Brooklyn wasn't scared by them.

At the end of the afternoon, as the sun set slowly and the major cold front blew in, both babies finally gave up and fell asleep.  B fell asleep in Loni's arms and then moved to Aunt Shell and poor little Max fell right asleep while sitting at the table eating.  Bless their hearts.

And good times....

At the heart of the cyclone tearing the sky
And flinging the clouds and the towers by,

Is a place of central calm;
So here in the roar of mortal things,
I have a place where my spirit sings,
In the hollow of God's palm.

                                     Edwin Markham

Merry Christmas Card

I just realized that I better hurry and get this and one other posted before Christmas is over and gone!

This is a card I made at a recent stamp club night.  I dearly love it and what I found most interesting is that Keith absolutely loved it as well.  He's a very good sport about looking at the things I make and he makes sincere comments on them, but this one must've really struck him.

The camera didn't pick up the glitter on the rooftop that made the snow sparkle, but it's there.  And we all know that glitter is something I like a lot!

Card recipe:  To You & Yours, Curly Label Punch Bundle; Holiday Treasures pattern paper; Red Riding Hood and Chocolate Chip cardstock - all by Stampin Up

"Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again - REJOICE!" - Philippians 4:4

Kit Kat Bars

Last night I made the first holiday treat of this season - Kit Kat Bars.  They turned out amazing and took almost no time at all to prepare.

I first saw the recipe on Bev's blog and immediately knew this was one I needed to try.  Be warned though - they are very, very sweet and very, very rich.  Keith isn't as much of a chocolate fanatic as I am, so he just had a small bite.  This leaves me with an entire 13x9 pan to enjoy.  ;)    just kidding...

I think this might be my new "go to" recipe to take for holiday functions.  And since it's kind of a cross between a cookie and candy it will go in with cookie boxes quite nicely.

"Man cannot live by chocolate alone, but woman sure can!"  - Unknown

Fabric Gift Bags

Like so many people I've become more concerned about my footprint here on earth.  A couple of nights ago while Keith and I were at Hobby Lobby (you just have to love a man that will go to hobby shops with you) I noticed that Christmas fabric was on sale 50% off.  We bought one yard cuts of three different fabrics and decided to start making some of our gift bags.  They are reusable and still so cute.

This is the first one and the gift is now under the tree.  All I did was fold under the upper edge half an inch and iron it, then stitched it down.  With right sides together I sewed the bottom and up the side, then turned right side out and it's done.  Mom described it as similar to a giant pillowcase and that's it exactly.  Keith and I went out and did a very small amount of shopping today and the number one stop was Garden Ridge to get some ribbon.  We put the gift inside and tied the top closed with a pretty bow.

And just like that a gift is wrapped in fabric.  :)

"For it is in giving that we receive." - St. Francis of Assisi

Christmas Tree at the Galleria

On Friday the entire gang headed to the The Galleria in Dallas for the official lighting of the Christmas tree.  As you can see the tree is very large and it's sitting right in the middle of an ice skating rink.  We watched a few skaters, though the attention span of a 16 month old isn't very long.

However, the last skater was Santa Claus and he did some flips and twirls and there was quite a bit of applause throughout his program.  Miss B enjoyed the applause and delighted in clapping along with everybody else.  The absolute best moment of the entire excursion was at the end of Santa's routine.  He had something on the back of one of his skates that sent out sparklers while he skated.  Brooklyn watched it for a minute, then said WOWWW!!!!  Now, when you read the "WOW" you have to say it in a reverant whisper, draw out the W and over-emphasize your mouth into a giant "O" while saying it.  So very darling.

Of course, I did hear the "WOW" at my house this weekend as well.  She would walk into the kitchen, open the two cabinet doors that house my Tupperware, hold the doors open while she stared inside and said "WOWWW"!!!  Now what does that say about the inside of THAT cabinet, hmm????

Good times.....