True Meaning of Christmas

Happy Tuesday everyone! Is Christmas really just a few days away? Should I be done wrapping and making gifts?! Nah!! First of all, I wanted to say congratulations to my friends Laura and Neal who welcomed their baby boy, Tyler Michael into the world on December 22. He weighed just 4 lbs. 12 oz. and was 18 in. long. He was born at exactly 11 am. We are all so glad he is finally here and I cannot wait to tell him that I was the crazy lady who was always talking to him through his mommy's belly!

I love getting my mail this time of year. Of course, there is the occasional bill but my box is also full of Christmas cards. I get to catch up on everyone's lives and see pictures of children who are growing up way too fast. As the days have gone on, I have felt a little bit sad because I knew I would not be getting one of my favorite Christmas cards. Every year, our dear friend Lucy would make a card with a photo collage of her family. There would be pictures of her children, grandchildren, and her husband throughout the whole year. It would be like taking a trip through their whole year in one card. Lucy passed away earlier this year and even though I knew it was impossible, I still hoped her card would be there this year. Yesterday, it was! I can guess that her children put it together, but there it was, just as Lucy would have done it. It is full of fun pictures that show that life does go on. There is a quote on the card that says, "Smile, open your eyes, love and go on. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday." So, even though this time of year is stressful, hectic, and does not always bring out the best in all of us, take the time to love those around you and truly be grateful for each day we are given! Merry Christmas everyone!

Joy to the World

I have a secret to admit. I am not really the creative one of my family. My sister Joy is! On Friday night, we were having our monthly craft night. She had finished her thank you cards (sick huh!) and looked at the scraps I had. Her eyes lit up! She took my scraps of various sizes, a 12 by 12 canvas, and some Mod Podge and made this cute little wall hanging. What a cute and easy gift! You can buy the canvases at most craft stores and they come in different sizes. I have also painted them and added pictures. Joy made me one for my birthday that I hang in my bedroom. If you make one, be sure to let it dry overnight. Now dig through your scraps and make a last minute gift that is one of a kind. I must go listen to my Kenny and Dolly Christmas CD. (The best Christmas CD ever!)

Do You Hear What I Hear?

I hear nothing - no constant talking and giggling, no strange funny noises that often come with a smell, no children. Winter vacation has begun!! I can now think about Christmas! (But, I must say, my students spoiled me this year. They gave me so many wonderful gifts! I made them their own post it note holders with their initials. They told me, "You Rock!")

Tonight, I am having my second craft night. Not too many people are coming - it seems that everyone is so super busy. That is okay - we will still have lots of fun.

Here is my Christmas card. I know pink is not really a "Christmas" color, but I saw the paper and just fell in love with it. I used a stamp from Stampin' Up. I think it is called "Snow Angels." I colored her in with markers and then used some water and chalk to brush a light blue in the snow. The dark green is some paper I ran through my mom's Cuddlebug. Then I glued it all on a white card and attached a snowflake brad. Ah!

And, good luck to my friend Laura. (Remember the train book?) Laura is being induced on Sunday night so hopefully Tyler will be here before Christmas. I can hardly wait to see this little miracle!

Another Baby Gift!

Does it seem like December is just flying by?! Whoa there reindeer!!! Tonight, I made a cute frame for a baby shower that we are having at school tomorrow. (One of my fellow teachers is due any day now. Well, there are actually two teachers due at the same time so we are waiting to see which little boy comes into this world first!) I was not sure what to do, so I had a wooden frame from Michael's and I painted it orange. She does not really like the traditional baby boy colors so I tried for something a little unique and different. Then I covered the front with patterned paper from Basic Grey. I cut out Evan and the stars from my Cricut - George and Mickey Font! I put the stars on chipboard to make them more sturdy and inked the edges. When it was done, I still thought too much wood was showing, so I lined the outer edge and the inner edge with brown ribbon. Ta da! Baby gift. I hope the new mommy to be likes it! Now, if I would just get started on my Christmas projects!!