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.