What a Year It's Been

Happy New Year's Eve!

Be safe and have an awesome celebration to welcome in 2015.

I am praying that it will be the best year yet for everyone.

Winter...Blah

Hee hee - we don't have this problem in Florida...
Come on down!!!

Resolutions

New Year's Resolution No. 1:  READ MORE BOOKS!!!

Grateful

Let's all hold hands, dance and sing and be grateful for everything!

For Unto Us

Wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas.

May your celebration of our blessed Savior's birth 

bring peace to you now and in the coming year.

Just a Little Bit More

I'm wishing my boys and their families a magical Christmas as they get together in Kansas this year.  I miss you all dearly but I'm am looking forward to spending the day with my parents.  I am sure we will laugh over the many Christmas' spent in their home and all the antics that have been passed down through the years.  Thanks for all the chilled glasses of Peppermint Schnapps,  Dad!  Mom and I needed them as we tackled that closet full of presents on Christmas Eve year after year!  Love you both to the moon and back!

DIY Christmas Village Display

I think this is such a cute idea. Just an old ladder, a few boards, and a little paint! 

It would be a great place to display a Christmas village!

Under the Mistletoe

"Always" is a gross under estimation at my house!

Have a great Monday -
(which is the Eve before Eve before Christmas Eve)!

Reversible Cup Sleeve

These are not just for the holidays but all year long.  They are reversible, washable, and look simple to make.  I haven't tried it yet but I plan to.  In fact, my goal for 2015 is to open a craft store on Etsy.  Once it's up, I'll post a link.  My dream job would be split between the two things I love to do most:  creating crafts and creating stories.  If I could spend half my day doing each, life would be peachy!

Life Lessons From a Tree

I especially like the "titled" comment.  I fit that lesson daily!

It proves that God does have a sense of humor!

Horseshoe Tree

I love this!  If I lived in the country or had cowboy genes (not jeans), I would have this horseshoe tree displayed proudly.  I think you probably need to have a welder in the family, but other than that obstacle, you can create quite a nice looking tree.  (I'm going to call my son who has those skills to see just how much he loves his momma!) 

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

It doesn't get any easier than this. 

Yum.  I'm off the make a batch myself!

Nutter Butter Fun

How easy and fun are these?  I wish I had seen them earlier, I would have made some for my grandson this past weekend! 

Dear Santa

For all of those who are in need, you'll remain in my prayers.

May you truly be blessed this holiday season.

DIY Hair Comb

This is such a simple way to make a simple comb pop.

A set of them could make such a great little gift.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

Despite what the shareholders would like you to believe,

Christ is Christmas.

 

A "Holidaze" Break

Here is a fun idea for you and your family this holiday season.  No purchase needed.  Pick out a few favorite books, wrap them up and set them under the tree.  Each evening, choose one book, tear open the wrappings and gather the family for story hour.  It's a simple way to dress up your Christmas tree and enjoy some family time together. 

Home Sweet Home

When I think of family and Christmas, this is what I think of.  A warm cozy home surrounded by fresh snowfall outside, filled with love and antics that only family can bring.  I would trade the Florida sunshine for this scene on Christmas Eve.  It reminds me of all the wonderful holiday's me and my children spent growing up in Kansas.  It may not have been perfect like the picture above, but I would not trade my memories for anything.  We have always been so very, very blessed. 

Family Calendar

I made a variation of this family calendar last year for everyone in my family.  Not only did I put the birthdays, but I added family anniversaries as well.  I found everything I needed at Michael's craft store.  It did take some time to put five of them together but everyone loved them, displays them, and actually pays attention to them monthly.  Your family members will not only love it, but they will appreciate the information and love you put into making them.

Please let me know if you would like to know what items I used to pull it together. I would be happy to post that information.

A Little Elf Humor

I know that I posted a list like this last year but this one is different.  

I'm Crinkles Cupcake.  

Who are you?

Holdiay Uses for Baby Food Jars

These stacked baby food jars are easy to decorate, fun to fill, and make the perfect gift or decoration.  I wonder if my pups like baby food? 

The True Test of Wealth

Wow, I am one wealthy human being (in the things that truly matter).

Strawberry Santa Cake

For all you bakers out there, I'm sure you can figure out how to put this one together.  Cute and scrumptious!  I'm sure it tastes as good as it looks! 

Family

Sometimes the holidays are rough for families.  Remember that you can pick your friends, you can't pick your family.  The holidays are a good time to mend fences - or at least turn off the electricity.  It's easy to choose what direction you think is best for other people without walking in their shoes.  I know I am guilty of that.  A old friend of mine and I used to joke that if we were able to trade places for 24 hours, we could wipe out all of each others problems.  The problem with that scenario - we would open a whole other can of worms for each other.  This holiday season, no matter how you feel about your family, open your arms wide.  They are the only family you've got.  And if for whatever reason you don't have a family to submerse yourself within, let me know.  My arms are always open.  We'll set a place for you at our table.

Easy Make Your Own Cookie Baskets

This is a great idea  as well as a cost effective way in which to deliver your famous baked goodies to friends and family this holiday season.  By picking some colorful Christmas ribbon, buttons, beads or charms, you can accessorize your baskets to fit your personality.  Follow these simple directions, personalize and share the love with all those wonderful people on your Christmas gift giving list. 

Integrity

Amen.  

Have a blessed Monday.

Christmas Tree Twig Ornamants

Simple yet rustic and timeless.  All you need are some twigs from the backyard, glue, material, glitter, buttons, charms, a little splash of paint for a snow effect (anything you want to decorate with), and a ribbon for the hanger.  Be as creative you want and have fun! 

A Salute to Black Friday

Wishes For a Blessed Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray

We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing

We're slaves to the olfactory overload
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold

But Lord, I'd like to take a few minutes more
To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head

I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know

Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure

That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace

So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You've provided
And bless each and every person invited

Amen!

--Scott Wesemann

Thanksgiving Preparations

We are taking a two hour road to my son's home for Thanksgiving so this picture should actually be directed at my daughter-in-law.  Instead of wine, we'll be partaking of spiked (much more important than spiced) hot apple cider.  We won't leave until tomorrow morning but I already have my mug in hand!  Eating and drinking...two things our family does very well together!

Did You Know?

It's Thanksgiving Eve and I thought you might be up for a few Thanksgiving fun facts.  (Just in case you find yourself in the middle of a game of Thanksgiving trivia!) 

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. 

Sarah Josepha Hale, an American magazine editor, persuaded Abraham Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. She is also the author of the popular nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Abraham Lincoln issued a 'Thanksgiving Proclamation' on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving.

The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920's.

In 1939, President Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving would take place on November 23rd, not November 30th, as a way to spur economic growth and extend the Christmas shopping season.

Congress to passed a law on December 26, 1941, ensuring that all Americans would celebrate a unified Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

Since 1947, the National Turkey Federation has presented a live turkey and two dressed turkeys to the President. The President does not eat the live turkey. He "pardons" it and allows it to live out its days on a historical farm.

Turkey Coldcuts

Cute, cute! 

This little guy gets you into the mood for food, doesn't he?

Everything I Need to Know About Life

That about covers it.  I think I'm going to float a while!

Southern Snowman Ornament

Awww...poor Frosty!

These look very simple to make.

Have fun!

A Beautiful Rendition of a Christmas Favorite

This is an amazing a cappella rendition of Mary Did You Know, one of my all time favorite Christmas favorites.  Check it out, you won't be disappointed.


http://www.ijreview.com/2014/11/204566-5-new-cappella-rendition-mary-know-pentatonix-incredible/?fb_action_ids=10202928295437187&fb_action_types=og.shares

Milk Jug Snowmen

There are strings of clear Christmas lights put in the jugs. You make a small hole in the backs of the jugs and push the plug through then plug them in. All you need are milk jugs, felt, some poofy balls, foam stems for the mufflers, and glue. Very simple, but amazing look.  A fun project to make with your kids.

For a Little Holiday Reading...

Try The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith.  (It's rated 4.5 Stars!)

For readers of Richard Paul Evans and Greg Kincaid comes The 13th Gift, a heartwarming Christmas story about how a random act of kindness transformed one of the bleakest moments in a family's history into a time of strength and love.

After the unexpected death of her husband, Joanne Huist Smith had no idea how she would keep herself together and be strong for her three children--especially with the holiday season approaching. But 12 days before Christmas, presents begin appearing on her doorstep with notes from their "True Friends." As the Smiths came together to solve the mystery of who the gifts were from, they began to thaw out from their grief and come together again as a family. This true story about the power of random acts of kindness will warm the heart, a beautiful reminder of the miracles of Christmas and the gift of family during the holiday season.

I'm going to pick up a copy to start after Thanksgiving!

Edible Ornaments

Yes, these are as easy as 1.  2.  3.  4!

I need to get some new cookie cutters!

One Pooped Pup

Why do Monday's always feel like this???

Creative Christmas Tree

I know that I shared this picture last year but I just think it is so creative that it needs to be posted again.  It's such an awesome idea and perfect for anyone who doesn't have the space a traditional tree takes up.  (I apologize for not posting yesterday.  I went into work early, yes - on a Saturday - and forgot all about sharing a post.  Bad me.)

Who Am I?

How well do you know your friends and family?  Here is a little test to find out.  For me however, some of the categories don't fit me at all.  Those who know me well should be able to figure them out!  Have fun and good luck!  May the Force (of friendship) be with you!

Unique Photo Display

I haven't had an opportunity to put this together but I know it would make the perfect gift for my son and grandson.  I just need to find all the components and put it together.  How about you?  Do you have a fisherman in your life who might like to have something handmade like this little gem? 

There is a Reason...

I can only say that God definitely has a sense of humor.

Until things begin to make sense,

live one day at a time with a smile.

A Fun Pumpkin Treat

Yes, that would be a Rice Krispie pumpkin treat!  Just follow the recipe on the cereal box or marshmallow bag.  To get the orange coloring, add a drop or two of both red and yellow food coloring into the marshmallow mix during the melting process.  After mixing in the Rice Krispies, allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then roll it into balls.  Bend a Tootise Roll to look like a stem, place it on top and watch how quickly they disappear!

What Every Novelist Needs!

 

HA HA!  

I WANT THIS SHIRT!!!

 

Fall Wreath Project

What a simple, yet festive project this is for those with children or grandchildren.  You'll need a paper plate, construction paper, paint, a handful of leaves from the backyard, glue, a small length of ribbon and some small hands to trace.  Cut the center away from a paper plate, dip the hands into the paint and place them on the construction paper.  After allowing the paint to dry, cut out the painted hand shapes, attach the ribbon hanger, then arrange and glue the hands and leaves to the plate.  H hang on your door, wall, or anywhere that you can to show off your handiwork!

People Are Crazy

Yes, it's was a full moon last night.  For some reason, a full moon does strange things to people.  They become cranky, easily irritated and aggressive.  I am a customer service manager and I have to tell you, I'm waiting for this weekend to be ramped up with complaints, especially because it's been a quiet week.  I can't say that I'm looking forward to it. 

I compare the effects of a full moon to Billy Currington's song, People Are Crazy.  The lyrics to the chorus:

Beer is good

God is great

People are crazy.

Enough said!

A Creative Way to Give Thanks

Isn't this a festive Thanksgiving display for your mantel, table or shelf ?  It's so simple but gets right to the point.  You only need six 8 oz, 16 oz or 32 oz Amber Boston Round bottles, letter stencils, white paint, and six decorative wheat plumes.

The paint, stencils, and wheat plumes can by found at your local hobby story.  You'll find these bottles are available at:  glassbottleoutlet.com.  Check them out for all your bottling needs!

New Friends vs. Old Friends

I love making new friends - that some of them will be lifelong "new" friends will be a bonus!  Mom, you can be Renee and I'll be Buffy.  Oh, sorry, that one is already taken.  I'll think of something new!

I wish that each of you are blessed with the best old/new friends that your life can handle!

Sock Snowmen

These snowmen are so cute!  I am working on my own set right now.  I used plain socks (as opposed to the striped), turning them inside out to look like snow.  Once you have all the supplies:  socks, rice, rubber bands, buttons, and material for the scarf, it only takes 30 minutes or less to put one of these little guys together.  It's a simple project for yourself, your friends or family and great for decorating your home, office or gift giving.  Who wouldn't love to receive something that is thoughtful and better yet, made by your own loving hands?  Have fun, I am!