Homemade Beauties...

I could spend hours and hours looking at the amazing homemade creations on etsy.  Seeing what a person can do with their hands, and a little time and talent always inspires me.   I ordered a bunch of jewelry making components from the supplies section of etsy so that I could make something homemade and special for my daughter.  I may have gotten carried away....

Just the pieces that came in the mail.

What became of them!

 I didn't make the bracelet it's a Liz Palacios.

Love...

Browns and pearls.

Purple...her favorite.

Black and white.

Cream, yellow and gold.

It was fun to create these little beauties for Amanda.  She really is enjoying them...which was the goal...not to mention I saved a bundle of money making verses buying.  I still have some red components to work with and stuff to make hair pins.  I'm thinking something fancy for Valentines Day.  So if I'm off tucked away in my own little world, chances are I'm jewelry making...my new favorite hobby!

Making Merry...

Thomas was our biggest Christmas fan this year.  Isn't it amazing how much wonder this beautiful season holds for a child.  He was always in the Christmas spirit wearing his Santa hat any time it was allowed.  Santa visited our neighborhood on a fire engine.  Guess who was front and center!

Thomas also wrote Santa a note for good measure, along with something special for mom and dad!

Christmas morning came a bit early for this mama.  But who doesn't love to see the joy on your kids faces when they finally get to see the contents of those mysterious presents that have taunted them from under the tree.

Yes Thomas has on his clothes from the day before...he didn't have time to change into his pj's...after all Santa is coming!

As much fun as it is to open these anticipated gifts, we make a point to acknowledge the greatest gift of all, our savior Jesus Christ.   And the blessings we can partake of because of his life, love and sacrifice that he made in behalf of all mankind.  He is our reason for peace and joy!  May your family share in the same peace and joy that comes to those who believe!!!!!

Deck the halls with bows...free from Lowe's

One of my favorite ways to bring nature inside the house during the holidays is to use fresh greens.  It can be evergreens or magnolia or seeded eucalyptus, really anything that tickles your fancy.  This year with things being a bit tight I thought that I might skip the evergreens altogether.  When low and behold I saw a box outside of Lowe's white Christmas tree tent that said free...free is music to my ears...I love free.  Apparently they do this every year with the left over branches trimmed from their trees.  It's first come first served.  I must have been living under a rock because everyone knew about this except for me!  Here is what I did with my free branches...

pot rack

bedroom armoire

 birdhouse

on lanai

around entry

Yes the last two pics are mostly artificial branches but I through in a few sprigs to give it some pine fragrance.  It smells wonderful inside and out!

The Grinch...

I've been much too tolerant of those "who-venile" delinquents and their innocent, victimless pranks.  This is the form of communication at the Park Nest during the Christmas season.  I swear The Grinch is on a continuous loop on the TV.  If you've asked a question...chances are you'll get your answer back in the form of a Grinch quote.  Alright...alright it's probably my fault.  When I was pregnant with Thomas 9 years ago we saw it in the theater 3 times.  We loved it.  And every year since it's release on DVD, it's been watched several times.  I promise during Christmas we really do focus on the true meaning...but some how intermingled with our celebrating...The Grinch has become a tradition around these parts.  "What is the deal"...does anyone else have this problem?

"Are you having a holly, jolly Christmas?"

I'm just sayin'....

Early Christmas Present

I know that we have two more weeks till Christmas morning.  And if I were a patient wife I'd wait to surprise Mike with his gift then.  But I'm not patient, so he's received it a little early.  I bought it as an accessory for his office.  He likes it...I LOVE it. 

I'm pretty sure I'll get more enjoyment out of her then he will.  I saw her at a local antique mall and snagged her for 45.00 dollars.  Such a bargain...I could have picked one up from Pottery Barn for 299.00!!!  I'm glad she's found a new home where she'll be appreciated and admired for her history.  Can you imagine the stories she's told?

Christmas bits and sparkles...

Oh how I LOVE Christmas.  The traditions the decorations the lights...all the things that build anticipation to the holiest night of the year!  One of my favorite ways to celebrate  is to gussy up the house with Christmas bits and sparkles.   The specialness of the season even makes us be a little kinder to one another.  After all who doesn't want that...this year I'm asking Santa to bring me a years supply from my teenagers for 2011.  I hope I'm on the "Nice" list.

 

I hope your having as much fun glittering up your place as I am.

Homemade Advent

This year I am trying to focus a little more on homemade gifts and decorations.  I want to spend more time at home enjoying (hot chocolate and cookies) I mean the season and less time in the world shopping.  I've made a fun advent for Taylor and Thomas using left over wrapping paper and tinsel from last year.

Here are the steps that I used.

 It's a simple project and I like that it doesn't have to be perfect.  Here's what it looks like up in their room.  Thomas loves the red and green "real Christmas colors...finally!"

 Counting down to Christmas can be a delicious tradition!

How cute is Jimmy Stewart

I saw this clip of Jimmy Stewart reading a poem about his dog.  It might have brought a couple of tears to my eyes...sniff...sniff.  Even at his elderly age he could still deliver a few lines that will pull at your heart strings.  He really was wonderful!

I'm really looking forward to watching It's a Wonderful Life, with the family on Christmas eve.  Our family tradition that gets me a little face time with Jimmy!