Organizing for Christmas

We are in Christmas mode 'round here!

Hallmark movies are playing, cookies are baking, house is decorated 

{except for the tree ~ hubs is a firefighter, ya know},

and I am trying to channel my organizational self so that I don't forget a thing.

Each year I devote a little purse-sized notebook to everything Christmas.

It contains the draw names for everyone in our family, gift ideas, Christmas card lists, 

and Countdown to Christmas Activities {we plan an outing, activity, or craft each day of December leading up to Christmas}.

But this year  . . .  I found the CUTEST idea:

These adorable Christmas Planners from Eighteen25

I'm not great at following patterns, and I'm a Gemini,

so my attention span is . . . not.

So I used their general idea to decorate the cover,

 and made a planner that would work best for my needs.

I even purchased extra Composition books and scrapbook paper so my girls

could make their own Christmas Notebooks.

{The Scrapbook Paper was on a Black Friday special at JoAnns for 70% off!! Score!}

We've been busily scribbling away all our Christmas ideas, and eagerly counting down!

How do YOU organize?

I need alllll the help I can get!

Also ~ Countdown to Christmas Ideas coming soon!

Four more days, y'all!

I Can Safely Start Prepping For Christmas Now . . .

Y'all, it is November 1st!!!

Eeeeek! 

That means I can *now* start openly talking about Christmas.

I promised Sierra: No Christmas movie-watching, Christmas music, or Christmas prep 

{aside from a bit of shopping here and there so it's not all heaped on at the last minute, *and* crafts for our upcoming Christmas Bazaar},

until after Halloween.

And here we are ~ November 1st!!!

Yay!!

So . . . one of my most favorite Christmas activities is wrapping gifts.

I love the wrap, the ribbons, the bows, the tags.  All of it.

We've been making our own gift tags for years: 

Here

Here 

Here

But last year I tried something new.

I printed out a bunch of my favorite, wintry prints in wallet-size,

punched holes at the top, and strung string through, and voila!

Gift Tags.

This year I got fancy and adhered cardstock to the back to finish them off, 

and sturdy them up a bit.

The photos I used to make my tags this year are general, wintry images as I am selling them at our local Christmas Bazaar.
BUT ~ how adorable would it be to print off images of your littles playing in the snow, baking cookies, or enjoying other holiday festivities?

To make your own just print off your favorite images, slap some glue and cardstock on the back, punch a hole, slip some ribbon through, and you can have your own, personalized tags.
Let me know in the comments if you make some!

A Little Break From Countdown ~ Alternately Titled: Gettin Real

 

So.  I'll just jump right in.

 

This can be a tough time of year.

 

I mean, it's good.  It's probably my favorite time of year. 

 

And with all of the talk about counting down to Christmas.  The activities.  The crafts.

 

The happy, smiling, photographs.  It *looks* like the most blissful, joyous season ever.

 

And it can be.  But it can be tough too.

And we don't always see that side on social media.

 

 

 

Like.  Is it just me, or do children find it EXTRA difficult to get along in December?

It feels like we need an attitude check, daily.
Me, included. 

 

 

Finances. 

 

This one doesn't need a lot of explanation, does it? 

Finances can be extra tight in December. 

And when you're in love with all the decorations, the pretties, the White Chocolate Peppermint M&Ms {ahem}, the stuff that you're inundated with starting the day after Halloween.  Well, it surely makes it hard not to covet, doesn't it?  {Or perhaps that's just me}.

 

  

 

The missing.

It sure can be difficult to be filled with joy when someone {or multiple someones} are missing from your holidays.  You miss them every single day of the year.  Every single minute of the day.  But, man, the missing seems to be exponential when it's Christmas, and you can't hug them, hold them close, tell them you love them.  And equally painful: not being able to ease that pain for others.  Not being big enough, strong enough. It's a daily struggle, to be sure.  But so much harder during the holidays, when you're trying to hold it together.  Trying to make it magical for the littles.  And you feel like you fail at it time and time again.

 

 

 

And all of the insecurities.  All of the doubts.  All of the worries.

Those don't just take a hike because it's Christmas.

If anything, they are multiplied as well.

I love living in a small town.  And I hate living in a small town. 

I think I'd love it a lot more if I hadn't grown up here ~ so much past to contend with.

Yes, hello, my name is Liz, and at 34 years old, I *still* care {a LOT} about what others think.
And you know what, people can be mean.  And people can hurt.  And I have an extra heaping of sensitive feelings.  

Nope, that's not stressful at all.
 

 

So, while we are having good days, making lots of memories, and trying our best to make the most of what we've been given, sometimes it's a relief to just be real.  Not have to paste on that smile.

Admit that it's difficult.  And hold tight to the knowledge that God will see us through.

 

So, here's a big squeeze from me to you ~ just in case you need one too ♥

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11


Merry Christmas to you all!
 

 

 

 

Christmas

 I can't believe we're about to say goodbye to 2012.
Honestly?  I am ready.
2012 was the worst year I've ever lived through.
I'm sorry.  I'm not trying to be negative, just honest.

Christmas is over. 
The tree is down. 
The decorations have been packed away.
It was a rough day.

But there was a little bit of beauty to be found. 

Right here. 
These girls.
Such a bright light in my life.
 

 

Oh how I love them to pieces.
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesdsay~ Peek-A-Boo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Memories

Did you all have as wonderful a Christmas as we did?
 It was extra magical this year. 
For many reasons, not least of which because it was Taylor's first Christmas! 
With each new child, the holidays are more special to me.  More wonderful, and full of fun. 
But then, I suppose it's not just during the holidays.  It's really every day.



We were all still a little under the weather, but not too sick to open presents, of course.
Poor Miss Taylor, she came down with the virus right before Christmas.  She's still not feeling very well :(



I hardly took any photos last weekend.  Between caring for sick babies, and running all over for different holiday festivities, picking up my camera seemed nearly impossible.



But I cherish the few photos I did snap.



So many wonderful memories made.



Hope yours was equally wonderful!

Merry Christmas {Eve}

Merry Christmas y'all!

Amidst the chaos of the next couple of days, let us remember our greatest gift.

For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday ~ Christmas 2009

We had the best Christmas ever!

Snuggles and a story with Aunt Nat and Cousin Kuaile on Christmas Eve

Excitement

Santa did bring Kam a baby ;)

Kenners and Uncle J

A new Bible

New boots from the other Uncle J ;)

Kam with Gram {Jeremy's Mom}

New tools!

Kam with Gramps {my dad}

Papa {Jeremy's grandpa}

Enjoying a little down time ;)

Come, Let Us Adore Him

Luke 2:10-14

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

It is overwhelming to think about, isn't it? On this day, the eve before Christmas I wish you happiness and peace. And reflection on the true meaning of this joyous holiday. Enjoy these precious moments with your family.

Merry Christmas!

Monthly Craft Challenge ~ Christmas Edition

Heidi's Craft Challenge theme this month is Christmas! If you've never visited Heidi's blog, you MUST check it out immediately. She is full of creative goodness, and wonderful ideas!

It's no secret that this is my favorite time of the year AND I love to craft. Combine the two, and I'm a happy gal! Life has gotten a bit more chaotic this month, as it always seems to when the holidays roll around. I had high hopes of crafting many beautiful projects, but there's just not enough time in the day. So . . . . I'm linking up the Advent Calendar we made for our Countdown to Christmas.

Each year my mom buys all the grandchildren little chocolate-filled advent calendars. This year I knew we wanted to make our own, but I was also planning a new project/activity for each day in December. I've always wanted a re-usable advent calendar, so the girls and I set out to make one!

We found the fabric at Joann's ~ Flannel reindeer for the front and red and white fleece for the back.

Originally I was going to make each pocket out of different coordinating squares of fabric, but time did not allow. We used felt instead. I love felt. No fraying! I had also wanted to applique each number, but again, not enough time, so fabric paint came in handy!

I started by cutting out a tree from the flannel. I then cut 24 squares of felt and sewed them all to the front. I cut out my backing in the fleece, sewed the front to the back, and voila! Then we added the star {also made from felt. Did I mention I love felt?}, embellished with hotfix rhinestones, because we like sparkle, and painted on the numbers.

We were happy with how it turned out. But I have to tell you, I have seen some super wonderful advent calendars recently {Kelli's is ADORABLE! And check out Jen's version. I love it! And don't even get me started on her marshmallow wreath! So stinkin' cute!} So, we may be making a new one next year ;)

Need some fab ideas for holiday decorating? Head on over to Heidi's to see more wonderful craftiness!!!

n

Friend Makin' Monday ~ What do *you* say?

It's Monday again! Can you believe it? I can't. I really can't. And it's making me a bit panicky because that means we're *this* much closer to Christmas. Yikes! But anyway. Today Amber has another survey for us. Yay. I like these. Quick and easy! Head on over to Amber's to participate. Here we go!

1. Favorite website It's a tie between my email tab and my blogger dashboard tab.

2. Favorite color: Black

3. Facebook? {Post a link or share your name if you want some new Facebook friends!} Nope. I know, I'm the only one!

4. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy

5. Christmas tree: Real or fake? Real.

6. Hottest celebrity? I love Vince Vaughan.

7. Favorite restaurant? The Cheesecake Factory

8. Favorite magazine? Taste of Home. Catalog ~ Pottery Barn Kids

9. Favorite thing to drink around the holidays? My dad makes really yummy Smith & Kearns {sp?}

10. Favorite Christmas movie Too many to list! But I'll try. Polar Express, White Christmas, {though this isn't a Christmas movie, per se, it's a tradition to watch it while wrapping presents} The Sound of Music, ABC Family movies {Snowglobe, Holiday in Handcuffs, etc.}, ALL the animated ones {Charlie Brown, Garfield, Rudolph, Frosty}. I love them ALL!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I'm hoping to be back later today with another idea for Countdown to Christmas. Stay tuned!

Countdown to Christmas, Kids' Creations

As the girls get a little older and are more capable {and willing!} to help out with crafts and projects, each holiday becomes more fun and exciting because more of us are involved.

This year, the holidays are bound to be more exciting than ever before. We've added another little blessing to our family, and Sierra and Makenna are both old enough to truly understand the spirit of the season.

So, I started thinking. I want to do something special each day leading up to Christmas, starting December 1st. Whether it be a craft, a project, a special outing, baking cookies and other treats, or a simple coloring page. It doesn't have to be BIG, just a little something extra.

I have a few ideas already.

Each year we choose a new holiday outing. Last year it was the Pittock Mansion, the year before we went to The Nutcracker, and the year before that it was a train ride on the Polar Express. This year we're taking it down a notch. I think our plan is to pick up my mom and my mom-in-law to go see the new Disney princess movie. We'll probably dress up the girls, and maybe have brunch. So that takes care of one day ;)

I have several crafts lined up as well. Ornament making, fridge magnets, the usual. And I know we'll be doing plenty of baking. Plus this super amazing project that the gorgeous Jen from Tatertots and Jello posted about. Of course, that will need to be completed before December 1st. Anyway.

Here's where you all come in ;)

Do you have any fabulous {kid-friendly} ideas? Any great crafts up your sleeve this holiday season? And if so, is anyone interested in linking up each week to show off the fabulousness {is too a word} of said creations? Let me know whatchyer thinkin'!

Happy Thoughts

Last week was . . . not so good.

This week will be better. It's looking up already.

I see sunshine out my windows, hear fewer coughs from my girls,

and life seems to be getting back to normal.

The other day, when we weren't feeling great enough to go out,

but we needed something to do, we made Christmas gift tags.

The girls had a lot of fun.

Sierra was pretty serious about it :)

Even Kam helped. She was in charge of the hole punch.

A few of Sierra's creations

Kenners carefully cutting

We are already so excited for Christmas around here!

What are you doing to prepare?