Time to take the tree down...or not?

Okay Christmas is over and I miss it! So do I really have to take all those wonderful Christmas decorations down? I know some of you already have...but here's another suggestion for that ol' Christmas tree. Turn it into a New Year's Tree!!!

Most kids don't get to stay up to celebrate the New Year at midnight. But why leave them out of the celebration? Instead of sleepy cranky kiddos put them to bed on time and then decorate the Christmas tree (yes, it's still up!!) with New Year treats! Poppers, hats, noise makers and confetti. You'll instantly have a New Year's Morning Party! Whip up some waffles and snuggle together to watch the Rose Parade after the confetti hits the floor!

Happy New Year!!

More Fun Stuff:
New Year's Wish List - A fun printable which aids in setting some New Year's Goals for kids.
Tons of New Year's Family Fun - over at Family Fun Magazine

Tutus & Turtles thanks for the reminder this year!!

Jingle Bells for Mom!

If you missed Gum last week here's a bit of our creativity on paper!

From Judy's Table:
Dashing thru the house with only one hand free
O'er the piles I hop landing in the tree
Cell phone starts to ring but its out of sight
Oh what fun it is to be a mother all uptight

Crying kids - diaper smells kids are still not dressed
I can't wait till they're in bed and I can clean the mess
Dad comes home thinks he's tired wants to go to "bed"
I tell him that I'll meet him there and fall asleep instead.

From Carol's Table:
Dashing thru the house with a broom and mop in tow
tripping over toys, I broke my nail - Oh no!
Friends are coming soon and all the relatives
My mother in law will check my tub to see if it is clean

Oh Jesus came, Jesus came who cares if it is clean
She won't like it anyway, Fing'rs crossed she won't make a scene
Oh Jesus came, Jesus came Let's celebrate this season
Toys and mops they come and go Jesus is the reason!

From Tina's Table (a true story):
Dashing thru the snow on the way to Idaho
over the icy road w/the temp of 2 below
We cut a 9 ft tree, decorate 'til 3
We gazed at all it's glory until it collapsed on me.

Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!
Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!

The very next morning much to our surprise
We heard the doorbell ring and right before our eyes
It was the lawyers hand no presents did he lay
He served the in laws for a bill that already had been paid

Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!
Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!

The very next morning we thought it would be bright
we started with a bath that didn't end quite right
A 12" bear fell of the shelf on top of Johnny's head
4 stitches later he's ok were glad that no ones dead!

Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!
Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!

Merry Christmas!!

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?