Homemade Christmas: Applique

Okay so I've fallen in love with applique!

I made these shirts for the girls birthday parties this past summer for them and their guests:

Twas super easy and fun. I'm repeating this, with a new pattern and die cut, for the girls and their cousins.

Having started planning for this in June I watched for a good sale on plain t-shirsts. I haven't finished this project yet, so no final picture yet!

In addition, I decided to make some library bags for all the girls too. This idea came from Chasing Cheerios dance bag. So I made these:

Directions: Again, super easy. You'll need a canvas bag in the size of your choice (I got mine from Walmart). Scrap fabric or a fat quarter (which is really a little too much fabric, but they usually have some on sale at Joann's or Michael's) and Seam2Seam paper. Print you're design choice backwards on the paper. Peel and stick to the wrong side of the fabric. Cut out the design. Peel and stick to the canvas bag and steam iron for 15 seconds. You can add a decorative stitch to the fabric if you choose.

You can also use spray glue if you have that on hand, but you'll need to make sure you stitch the outline of the applique well, as the spray glue won't stick for ever. However, this method does produce a cut fray effect.

Homemade Christmas: Hot Chocolate

A nice steaming cup of cocoa with chocolate chips, marshmallows and a candy cane! What could be better? I love a good cup of cocoa during the holidays and what better way to spread holiday cheer?!

This year I mixed up a special blend of cocoa. Now you can find a number of recipes on the web for homemade cocoa, and you're going to have to cause I'm not sharing mine!

What I will share is how I packaged it this year. You could find a small Christmas container and fill it and give it out. The 99 cent store/dollar store/big lots all carry small sealed containers. I've seen several already this year. There are also small Christmas tins, and you could fill those with cocoa too.

This year I choose to give individual servings though. So I purchased some pretzel candy bags from the local candy store. Filled them full with the right measurement of cocoa for a single cup full, added some chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top and tied the top with a decorative twist tie. All done!

Just add hot water, and you've got a little taste of Christmas in a cup.

Homemade Christmas: Spice Blends

This is a fabulous gift for the cook or bar-b-que-er in your life.

I found this while looking longingly though all the wonderful things at The Container Store. This year they teamed up with Real Simple and put together a list of homemade christmas treat ideas. Translation: Fabulous homemade Christmas gifts!!

The very last one is homemade rubs. Yes I did use those recipes! And though I haven't cooked anything with them yet, it was super fun to do! My hands smell super yummy as I'm typing this.
I purchased lots of spices for the recipes in bulk (from Sam's) and ordered some individual glass spice jars with lids. Once I had all the materials, I mixed the spice and filled the jars.

I hope this makes some tummies very happy this holiday season!

The Living Nativity

This weekend is COD's Living Nativity. We hope you'll join us on the hillside to see what the first Christmas was like in a real and powerful way. The live nativity repeats every 20 minutes. You'll also find carolers and refreshments for all. Hope to see you there!

When: Dec. 18, 19, 20
From: 6:30 - 9pm
At: Church of the Open Door

Christmas Trees of the Edible Sort

Tonight we decorated our treeS. Yes plural trees. But not our large pre-lit tree where the presents will reside under until Christmas morning, but some small and very individualized trees. This was super fun and easy and the whole family got into!

Supplies: sugar cones, green frosting (white and a little dye), chocolate chips, m&ms, mini marshmallows and a few sprinkles. And some kiddos and have fun!

I admit the grown-ups had just as much fun!!

Deal of the Day: NWF Gift Packs 50% off!

Thanks to Chasing Cheerios for posting this!

The National Wildlife Federation has Just For Fun Gift Packs on sale today only for 50% off. You can order your pack here for just $10 dollars. Then your child will receive Get the activity pack that keeps kids busy. Ranger Rick's Just for Fun is filled with games, riddles, crafts & puzzles. Plus each pack includes special bonuses like stickers, posters, animal trading cards and more!

December Advent!

I missed a lot of my prep time for December with being sick, so I'm going to have to jump right in!

Advent Devotional! Along with decorations, I've pulled out the book we used last year for devotions with the kids. Getting Ready for Christmas is a daily advent prayer & activity book for the family. We loved it together last year, and we're doing it again this year.

I had planned to put together an advent activity calendar for my kids this year. But alas, all my good intentions didn't produce a thing! It is times like this when I'm grateful for other blogs (hey look I added a bonus thanksgiving to this post)!!

The Crafty Crow has a wonderful December Book & Activity Advent again this year. The link lists the general idea and the books being used. Daily posts give you ideas, added links, crafts and more.

If you'd still like to make your own advent this year (or next) here are some ideas:
Advent Round Up @ The Crafty Crow Lots of ideas all in one place!
Advent Calendar @ Chasing Cherrios A very cute magnetic calendar to hold your daily activities.
Countdown to Christmas Has recipes and activities for each day.
Celebrate Advent Focus on the Families advent for the family, including scripture reading.

What wonderful things are you doing with the kids to celebrate Advent?

Happy Thanksgiving...just a little late!

Okay - so I sort of went MIA during November, I was sick most of the month, having literally less than 10 healthy days! I am so sad to have missed many wonderful Thanksgiving posts I wanted to share with you all.

But I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to spread Thankfulness. Thanksgivings this year for me revolve around my health and that of my families! Though I've battled laryngitis, allergies, colds and bronchitis, I am here and healthy! Thank You Lord!

What are you thankful for this year?

Welcome Oliver!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of

Oliver Charles Konoske 7lbs. 3 oz. and 19.5 in. Born at 11:47 am on November 5!

Congratulations Brenda & Charlie! Many blessings to you and your new little one!

If you would like to show your love for the Konoske's you can sign up to bring a meal later this month, at CareCalendar. Please contact me at ke_osborn@hotmail.com for login information.

Sawdust Factory Details for 10/29

For those of you already RSVP'd I'll see you at 10am, Thursday (tomorrow - or likely for most of you, today!)

BUT FOR THOSE NOT RSVP'd!!! We've gotten special permission for you to show up tomorrow with no RSVP, you might not get to do a handprint piece, but there are lots of other projects you can choose from.

Hope to see you all at The Sawdust Factory at 10am!!!
For more info here or The Sawdust Factory. Driving Directions.