arrivederci(in my best Italian accent)

Christmas was lovely. Really, really lovely. I enjoyed every last moment and on Saturday morning at 7am I tore the tree down, packed the red and green totes and vacuumed up the last(well...surely not the last) pine needle. Until next year my beloved Christmas. For now this chick is moving on.

One reason it is time to get my act together. I can only take one area in my house looking like this. This mess was starting to creep out the door so I had to tame it before it took over the whole upper floor.

The second reason to end the party while every one was still alive. Big brothers are great at keep away. I'll give you a few clues as to why our tree is in the kitchen. 1. red tree skirt 2. water 3. carpet. Live and learn.

joining the fun

I'll second that

Every year the gift I struggle with the most is always for the teachers. As Becca put it on her blog(visit here)-dreaded. I love the teachers, but let's face it....I don't know them well enough to know what they like and there is a fine line as to what is appropriate. Plus in my little head I only have a small library of ideas to choose from.

I am going with boring, but appreciated gift cards. In my previous life I worked with Sheri, a seriously creative girl, who opened my eyes to the art of wrapping. No matter how small the gift, the way she wrapped it up made you feel extra special.

Last year I made these ornaments, so I went with them again(like I said-small archives in this brain). Then, earlier this season I saw The Nester's post on her ragamuffin garland and never got around to doing it on a big scale, instead I used the idea for wrapping.

a little bit of sunshine

While driving to Target this morning Asher and I had this conversation

A: Mom, is God the sun?
M: Yes Asher, God is in everything, everywhere.
A: Does he like to look at me?
M: Oh yes, most certainly so. Why?
A: Because He keeps getting in my eyes.

curious much?

I thought I might have one Christmas in the next three that I wouldn't have to worry about this. I was wrong.

taking cues from his BFF Trucker.

Oh no.

trying to keep focused

I am a born again Christian(cringe at that term-don't know why-it only means that at 26 years old I found God). Not something I talk about on a regular basis, my blog is not the forum I choose and this may be the only time I ever even mention it. Ask me about my relationship with God and I am more than happy to share my story, never discuss it with me and our friendship will probably not be better or worse for it.
Jesus is the focus of our Christmas, but Santa gets lots of glory. Holden and Asher are starting to ask questions about both. Their minds are busy trying to put it all together. I know they wonder, but can't form the question-How in the world are they related? The only similarity I see is in the giving.

God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. -John 3:16



A magnetic baby Jesus? I don't know-the kids like it.

Holden's first nativity scene made a couple of years ago, and still my favorite. I especially love Joseph's mouth.

A child is born

Last year Becca recommended I get this book for the kids. It has become a favorite of ours. I recommend it for your family too.

decorate for Christmas-check

I spent this last week crafting and decorating and am happy to say I am done. I gave myself a week to get what ever I could done and now my creative energies must move on to baking, wrapping and enjoying the season.

Todd was gone ALL(including Saturday) last week so I put on my big girl pants and went to get our tree(thanks Shelly for helping me carry it in). I finished my wreaths and did a few little things here and there. The boys helped(?) me decorate the tree(and fought over all good ornaments-even though they are clearly marked as to who's is who-bottom line...poor little Ash needs some more ornaments), I gave up on the perfect family Christmas card and placed my card order with pictures that ARE perfect because it is my boy's smiling faces, we started our Advent calendar and I am sorry to say that this year Holden and Asher are only interested in the candy(last year they liked the activities I planned-oh well easier for me I guess), I finished a large part of my gift shopping, scoured the mall for the perfect holiday outfit-totally sucked because it always totally sucks, I think that was it.....oh....and I hugged and kissed my little Soby So like a trillion times. This wreath was super easy, although I will admit that I was frustrated with the bottom layer. I didn't paint the edges of my book, I just inked them with a sepia color chalk pad. It seriously cost 2$-I heart the dollar store! I don't know where I will hang it after Christmas as I will eventually want to look into the mirror. It has a very romantic feel. I suggest you try it. Visit here for a full tutorial from the brilliant woman who shared it with the world. Sometimes I get stuck. I have been accused of being a creature of habit. Cardboard is a recent obsession of mine. So is twine. I call it my trade mark...others probably call it weird.

If Halloween was on a budget you can only imagine Christmas. I would love a little lighted village some day(I had no idea I was one of those people), but this will have to do for now.

Another bigger Reindeer Moss wreath. I love the green against my black door.

see previous comments about twine and cardboard.

I think I am going to join the Nester on the 14th for her Christmas tour of homes. Consider doing the same :)

you may have noticed

Taking some time this week to decorate for Christmas and can't seem to to find any time to blog. Check back with me next week and hopefully between doctors appointments, the gym, Todd out of town all week and a crazy house full of boys I will have some new and crafty things to show you. Today I am loving these vintage Santa pictures

Finished my lantern and it is stuffed full with white lights.