Crazy Craftin!

I have this crazy obsession with crafts...if I find one I like then I just have to do it! Well in my fun blog reading last night I found this great new blog, with a GREAT new idea that I just had to try!

First off you must head over and read Happy Together and see all her fun stuff!! The first, of what I am sure is going to be many projects from her blog that I gave a try was the Quilt Square Scarf. She has a great tutorial posted so you can get started on one of your own.

I went out right away and got some of the supplies that I didn't have on hand, not being a frequent seamstress and all. Once I had my supplies I was ready to go! I changed mine up a little from hers adding an additional square to each end, and using some fun fringe I found instead of the pom-poms. I LOVE how it turned out and can't wait to make some more!!

The Loot

Christmas is not about the gifts, we have tried to keep this in mind and teach our kids its about giving and not getting, but sometimes as a mom I like the getting!! I love both parts, the part where I get to give someone something they really wanted (even without them knowing!!) and the part where I get something I really wanted!! The kids got a lot of great things this year that they really wanted including some legos, Apples to Apples, doll clothes, and matchbox cars. In the end we got quite a loot!

For at least a year now the hubby and I have been talking about getting new appliances. We had some oven trouble so we went looking and then decided to wait. Well going from having a dishwasher to not has really been a killer lately!

So guess what??? My darling hubby got me one for Christmas!!! We don't usually do gifts for each other, but decided to this year and low and behold I got my dishwasher!!

This is the one I am getting:

Frigidaire Gallery 24" Built-In, in Stainless. This is the stainless that doesn't leave finger prints!! I love the look and am hoping to get the rest of the matching ones soon!!

What was your favorite gift to give or to get this holiday?

Tis the Season

This year in our family we have added A LOT of babies! I thought that opened up a great opportunity for some cute pics with some adorable coordinating shirts!! So of course I totally jumped on board and got started.

I wanted to make them somewhat matching, but still have some individual style. I decided that I would go with a tree for the girls, and festive ties for the boys.

These are the 2 girl variations.

And the boys!!

Here they are altogether...can't wait to get some great group shots tomorrow!!

Letters to Santa

Well we decided it was time to let the big man know what we wanted for Christmas and although we went and met with him, we wanted to be sure he remembered what we wanted!! I mean he is a busy guy! So here are this years letters to Santa:

Visit with Santa

Tonight was the all important trip to see the man in red....SANTA!! The kids were somewhat excited to go, but the excitement really hit once we arrived. They knew exactly what they were going to ask for and were really hoping they made the "nice" list!!

It was fun to hear them chat with Santa and tell them their wishes, it really brings out the magic of Christmas. The belief in jolly old elf who can bring you wishful joys on Christmas morning. The glow in their eyes and sweetness of their smiles!

I love the look on her face here...that sneaky, yet sweet look!

Jake and his joyful smile, can bring a smile to anyones face!!

Many wishes that they make the "nice" list and that all their Christmas morning wishes come true.

Hustle & Bustle

Oh the fun has truly begun!! The kids and I are officially on Christmas Break and the parties are starting!! We have many fun holiday celebrations planned with friends and family I can't wait to enjoy all the fun!!!

We are starting off tonight with some skating and fun with friends, a family party next week, another friend party, and so much more!!

I love all the fun family time and holiday traditions that come with this time of year. I love to share my special memories with my kids and help create some for them! We are enjoying reading our holiday book a night, have been to see the AWESOME holiday local light display, and are looking forward to the more we have to come!!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions??

Decor Galore!

Santa's Watching

A few years ago the kids got this great gift..."Elf on a Shelf" It comes with a great book and this fun little elf that you even get to name!! Every year just after Thanksgiving he arrives to bring some Christmas joy...and to keep a watchful eye on the kids for Santa. Every night Chip...as we named our elf....moves to a new location. The kids LOVE to find where he is every morning!!

At night he flies back to the North Pole to make his report to Santa on how the kids have behaved. Let me tell you, Chip is a great reminder to be on your best behavior! You can't touch this special Elf or he will lose his magic and won't be able to fly back to the North Pole. On Christmas Eve he will leave our family for another year and hang out with the big guy himself until it is time to return.

This Elf has created so many great memories already and is sure to make yours. You can buy "Elf on a Shelf" in a number of locations. Be sure to get one for your family and sit back enjoy and make some memories!

A Wreath For The Door

Since moving over a year ago, I have found myself with a TON of holiday decorations, yet somehow in the many boxes of ornaments and garland I didn't have a wreath!! I saw one I LOVED at Pottery Barn and decided....I could do that!! I also got a little inspiration from a couple of cousins who tackled this task as well. So here is my version.

First collect your supplies:
-green pipe cleaners, or tie ons of some sort
-fake evergreen wreath (18" or larger)
-glass ornaments in a variety of colors and sizes

Next I set all my ornaments out on my wreath and arranged them. Mixing up the sizes and placing them in random spots. Til I liked how they looked.

And this is what I ended up with:

I still have some fluffing to do, but I am really happy with how it turned out!! I hope you will give it a try too!!