Christmas Craziness

Here's a little look at some of the busy things we've been doing the past couple of weeks...

Made some scarfs for a couple of last minute family gifts. The good thing about procrastinating is that holiday fabric was 50% off. This is the from the Sherry Berry Holiday line with fleece on the back side.

And there were birds. Lots of birds. This was only the first batch of hatchlings. Used the pattern found here. Kind of addicting.

For neighbors, teachers and friends a little feathered friend with a sign saying PEACE.

More for nieces. This is "Lemon" and "Lime" after their pet parakeets.

Also made some for my kids, although her favorites were the the ones for my nieces. She kept on running off with them.

I am one of the party moms in my daughter's 2nd grade class. I read about a creative mom making scarfs for a class party and thought it was a fabulous idea (although we did them a bit differently). I bought fleece on sale - one girl pattern, and one boy pattern. We cut them in 4" strips, width wise (so they were about 58" long). Then we cut fringe on on the end and the kids tied knots.

It was fun, and instead of taking home a disposable craft, they made something they can use all winter.

I heard the boys were wrapping them around their heads and pretending to be ninjas at recess. Check out the little guy in the background...

Finished the table-top quilts. My mother-in-law was making table top quilts for her mother for every month of the year. She had ideas for all of the holiday months, but didn't know what to do for June, August & September. So I volunteered to do those months. I completely forgot to take a picture of the June quilt (I was still sewing the binding on Christmas Day), but it was a pinwheel runner. Here is August...

And September...

We gave them to my husband's grandparents at his grandfather's 90th birthday party on December 26th. Here he is helping sing Happy Birthday to himself. He would say "Oh Yeah" after every verse. So cute!

So yet another Christmas has come and gone and I find myself wishing there had been more peaceful and reflective moments, and less distractions and stuff (stuff to do, stuff to make, stuff to buy). Way too much stuff. Christmas would seem more authentic without it. However for our kids, it is a magical time and that somehow makes the craziness seem worthwhile.

Right before bed we remembered the cookies for Santa. I wasn't about to make frosting at this hour, so we improvised. Nutella with sprinkles - yikes!

Nestled all snug in his bed. Can you see just how excited he is?

And for once, we actually finished wrapping gifts the night before, so sleep was part of the Christmas Eve equation - Heavenly Peace, indeed.

Haul Out The Holly

I think we finally have our home dudded up for the holidays.
I found some beautiful garlands at JoAnn's last week (60% off!). One for the mirror in the formal living room.

And the china cabinet as well.

We love the bird nests on this one.


Our tree is a "family " tree, with the kids being in charge of decorating. Every year they receive a new ornament from my parents on Thanksgiving. Also new this year are home made bird ornaments.

And a souvenir from our trip to California.

Nothing better than cuddling up under a quilt in front of the fire.

This quilt is made from the Moda Peace on Earth fabric line.

I made 5 of these Christmas stockings a few years ago when I was pregnant with my 3rd and absolutely sure that baby would be our last. Yet, I still saved the pattern and extra fabric - just in case. I think this is proof that deep down I knew we would have one more...and we did (she's almost 2!).

The little blue chalkboard (that was never hung on the pantry door like I intended) has been spruced up as well.

And a little belief in the miracle of the Savior's birth. So grateful we can spend this time of year celebrating Him and his life.

Merry Christmas!

To see more (700 + more!) beautiful holiday homes check out the Christmas Tour of Homes at the Nesting Place.

All the stuff I would've posted about...

... if there were 3o hours in a day. But since I do require some sleep at night, I'm just going to do a condensed, busy mom, blog about it all at once, Cliff Notes version, post.

So, in a nutshell, here's what I(we)'ve been up to:
Wrapped up soccer season.


Made the trophies for the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. Wood, thrifted cars (lucky find), gold spray paint, vinyl and liquid nails.

Carved pumpkins with cousins.

Roasted the seeds. Yum. (recipe found here)

Said farewell to fall color.

Survived the first snow storm (few days before Halloween).

Managed to get the kids costumed up.

Our oldest embraced his inner nerd (this is the same blonde, soccer playing, kid pictured up above).

Youngest as Tinker Bell, and oldest daughter as a vampire in a Scarlett O' Hara dress (we compromised).

And lastly, our 4 year old as Scooby. The boy is more than just a little obsessed with this character as of late.

Painted.
So cool, I bought myself a set. Pretty too.

Spent some time at the sewing table.

Played with the vintage sheets again.


Used up some scraps from the wedding quilt I made last year. (idea for the appliqued tree found here)

Made 4, back of the seat, car organizers to help the kids keep their goods organized on road trips. (pattern found here)

Splurged on an early Christmas present - Nikon D3000. Love it. Seriously.


Vacated.

More to come on this last item - just as soon as I sort through the 600 + pictures we took. Obviously a little excited about the new toy. Whoa Nellie!