from Me to You

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas!

>^..^<

checking it twice

This little girl is getting so excited for Christmas. Everytime she sees any unicorn on the TV she announces that Santa is going to bring her one. She's so full of faith it tickles me happy. ;o)

This year I am in charge of the Christmas center pieces so I created some winter scenic jars inspired from here. It was a lot of fun to make and super easy. I repurposed some spaghetti and pickle jars I had on hand and added a little holiday snow and small deco accents and voila. A winter village.

Hey, if I can't have a white Christmas outside, this is the next best thing.

So Christmas is right around the corner. Are you ready?

>^..^<

winter camp out

'cause we're crazy like that.

I can't tell you the last time I went camping. Seriously, I think it was for Young Women's which was a couple of decades years ago. shhh. But when Maribel asked if I was coming with her and Joe and that I could sleep in her tent (which was pitched in the backyard) with her how could I say no? Especially when I could hear the excitement in her asking? So I surrendured the comforts of the indoors and picked up some weiners and 'shmellows and proceeded to have a pleasant evening.

Sure it was a little chilly (for Florida's standards-like, in the mid 40's) but we all just snuggled up in our sleeping bags and told altered Fairy Stories to include Maribel in them until we all fell asleep. I have to admit, it was nice to hear nature sing it's night time song again. The icing to my cake?  I didn't see one spider. Yessss!!!

I just might rethink the "NO camping" rule...

>^..^<

10 more sleeps

We finally pulled out the tree and decorations this evening which helps it to feel more like Christmas. I don't know what it is but until I have those twinkling lights luminating the room, it seems like Christmas is still so far away. Well, it's not. I just checked and it's only 10 sleeps away! Which also means I only have 10 more days left of my December Daily album. I am really enjoying this album and journey even if it keeps me up late most evenings.

Anybody else's looking this phat? I hope I can find larger binder rings because these ones are already getting to be too small.

I just realized I still have to wrap everything. That's just dandy...
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snow? in Florida???

While freezing walking around Downtown Disney looking for a certain "man in red" something landed on my cheeks and stopped me in my tracks. It's been over 5 years since I got to chill with the white stuff. Sure it was fake but it brought back all those childhood memories of trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue, batting them off my eyelashes, and of course remembering how they loved to fly up my nose. It was pure bliss.

For our Family Home Evening we paid a visit to see this guy. Maribel was so excited that she didn't care that it was 39F out. I know, I know, living here has made me a little soft but this was chilly even in my standards. We made sure to bring along a super warm blanket but she shucked that as soon as it was her turn.

I got my wish. Maribel was more then happy to sit on Santa's lap and make her request for a Unicorn Pillow Pet. After all she has been good all year. Well, as far as 3 year old's go.  ;0)

She pointed out a few new grey hairs this morning. I pointed out that she put them there.

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oh Christmas tree...where are you?

This is my MIL's tree that Maribel helped decorate and let's me know that she helped decorate it every chance she gets. She's proud of this tree. When I asked her to stand next to it so I could try out the fun aperture discs for my Lensbaby, she was more than happy to oblige...for a moment.

I love how the lights turn into what ever shape the disc is. I have a snowflake punch that a friend hooked me up with that I can't wait to try. How fun would that be to be surrounded with snowflakes without the snow?

Our tree is still up in the closet. I guess with 13 days left until Christmas I better get crackin', eh?

>^..^<

slow off the start....

...but I'm getting there.
I finally completed my first three days of my December Daily album. It's not that I haven't thought about it or anything, it's just that I literally haven't had the time to sit and play with paper and glue. Last night I locked myself in my room and finished the three days and set the rest of the album up so I can get caught up. I'm not throwing in the towel yet!

Day 1: The Advent Tradition

The Day 1 overlay was just a vellum sheet cut down to size and embossed using the Cuttle Bug and decorated with the number tag from Echo Park (you'll see more of those through out this album) and the "Merry Christmas" strip from My Mind's Eye.

Journaling: and so it begins. December is always full of magic and traditions. I can't wait to see what is in store for us. <3

Day 2: Bear Hugs

This day I printed my favourite scripture on service on an oversized HO3 tag, vintage lace and journaling about staying up late making several of the Bear Hug service cards and about my calling and how much I have grown in the past year. I plan on making some more of these to put under my family's tree this year. Shhh it's a surprise. ;o)

Just a peek of the inside of the card :D
Day 3: Sugar Cookies

For this day used my Cuttle Bug to emboss the vellum Day 3 overlay and Stickled every. single. dot. For the 3 tag I used Echo Park and some vintage lace I picked up in Canada. The Holly Jolly paper is Fancy Pants  and the photos were taken with my fancy new phone. Gotta love the funky Retro Camera app (cookie sheet photo)!

So here it is. As I find what precious time I have to complete these days I will continue to update here for that added accountability. My goal is finish up any loose projects so I can start the new year with a clean slate. But that's for another post. ;o)

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mother, I miss you

Mother, I love you; mother, I do.

Father in Heaven has sent me to you.

When I am near you, I love to hear you

Singing so softly that you love me too.

Mother, I love you; mother, I do.

I want to help you because I love you.

I want to mind you; I want to find you

Happy and smiling because I love you.

Mother, I love you; I love you, I do.

Today would have been my mother's 70th birthday. It's been almost 8 years since her passing and I miss her more then words could ever express. It never gets easier but I still have peace in my heart knowing she's busy doing the Lord's work, and that brings me so much comfort. 

Someday we will see each other again...and that day will be glorious.

Thanks Vic for this photo of Mom. She was so beautiful.
>^..^< 

no peeking

Have you ever snooped for presents only to find out they weren't yours? That happened to me one year. I snooped in my parents closet and found all these fun toys and dropped hints to my parents with little sayings like, "Gee I sure would like a guitar for Christmas." and "Oh wouldn't a Popple be fun to play with right about now?" Well Christmas morning came and guess who DIDN'T get a guitar or a Popple? That's right, me. Guess who DID get a guitar and a Popple? Yeh, my sister. That was the first, and last time I snooped for presents. Plus it takes away the surprise come Christmas morning.

Well, in my family we have a Snooper McSnoopersten and this year I discovered a way to keep her/him (but we all know who it is...) guessing. With scratch off tags. I used this technique at Skrap n' Chat but thought it too good to not share here as well.

For this project you will need dish soap, dixie cups or disposable cups of any sort, a craft measuring spoon, silver acrylic paint, paint brush, scissors, tape (to keep the laminate from curling) and stamps which are totally optional.
You won't need that much dish soap but it's the only bottle I had to photograph. I also forgot to add the scissors in the picture too. Ooo and you can pick up the Peel and Stick Clear Laminate at your local Wal-Mart for a couple dollars.

You will want to mix two parts paint with one part dishsoap and stir but be careful not to make any bubbles. It likes to do that if you go a little stir crazy. yuk yuk. *wiping tear from eye* Anywho, cut out a piece of the Laminate and tape down the corners so it doesn't curl on you, then paint several nice thick strokes of the soapy paint coctail and set aside. You can repeat with other paint colours if you would like.

As you can see above how much the paint mixture covers a 12x12 sheet of laminate contact paper. You will want to let it dry completely before doing anything else with it. I advise at least 4 hours to ensure it is dry all the way through. You could set it in front of a fan to speed up the drying time.
This would be a great time to make and write out your tags. Just make sure you know who's tags are for whom when you attach it to the gift or Betty Lou might get Anna's gift while Joe got Maribel's if you know what I mean. ;o)

Once it's completely dry you can stamp and write on the painted surface as you wish and cut it out. Then when you have your tags all ready just peel off the backing and stick away. I couldn't help but make a few extras just to scratch off the paint. Hee hee.

Have a wonderful day and remember, no peeking now!

>^..^<

let the countdown begin

As a kid I remember getting excited when the advent calendars came out. There's something about eating one chocolate a day for 24 days that makes the final (significantly larger chocolate) day so awesome. This year of celebration will be so awesome. I can feel it. When M came home from some fun time with her Aunty Anna, she saw the advent tree and got so excited. "It's A Christmas Tree! It's Christmas Tree!"

I have so many fun things planned this month to celebrate this blessed season with crafts, baking, favourite Christmas films, stories, and scriptures. Sure this month will most likely fly by like all the others but I plan on soaking in as much of it as possible. I don't want to forget a single thing.

>^..^<

is it Christmas yet?

Where did November go? I don't think I have ever been so busy for a solid month in so long. I don't like it. I haven't had a chance to spend some quality time in my happy place that I've been going a little stir crazy. Well I finally took charge and perched myself in my room tonight and got some quality time in with my scissors and paper. Oh how I've miss them. I managed a layout for SnC's layout tag and this....da da da daaaaa......

My first December Daily album. :D

Since I've been singing Christmas songs all week I thought why not start gathering my items for my own December Daily album that Ali Edwards hosts every year. Ali posted her journal a while ago and I remember last year how much I wished I had more time to prepare my own album. So tonight I thought I would take charge now and just do it. I have decided that since this is the first time actually preparing for this project that I would follow Ali's template with a little Jenn thrown into the mix. I kept the same size as her for my album which is 8x6 with an overlay for each new day. Of course all of the links to the awesome stuff she used are sold out (typical) so I had to improvise. And that's okay. It will make the album more unique and personal that way.

Now that November is gone maybe this month I will be able to settle down a bit and relax and enjoy this wonderful season. I can hope right? Well at least my shopping is done. Check one off my list...

25 more days!

>^..^<

bye little guys

There’s nothing like a little bubble fun to break up the day. We all are still recovering from Black Friday shopping but when Maribel found the bottle of bubbles and blinked at me with her long lashes how could I resist?

When I started to get a little light headed from blowing bubble after bubble, M took over and insisted that I take over the popping duty. I couldn’t bring myself to pop any after the wind carried away a small group and Maribel says, “Bye little guys. Have fun at school.”

I love this stage so much. I remember all the fun things my niece and nephew used to say and do and now I get to experience it first hand. There’s nothing like having front row center tickets to the best little show in the world. The Maribel Show.
Stay tuned for upcoming acts and classic one liners.

>^..^<

Howdy Pilgrim

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is turkey number 2 for us heehee
>^..^<

a carousel of thanks

I have always wanted a polaroid camera growing up but for what ever reason, I never purchased one. Then upon some research I stumbled on Polariod's site where you can turn your photos into a vintage looking pola. Seriously, it's super fun and kind of addicting...

While I was "snapping" my polaroids I realized that this year all though there have been many trials there have also been even more blessings. My most favourite was the chance to meet my new niece, Maggie.

After thanksgiving the Christmas decor will be popping out and these photos will either be gracing a layout or tucked away into a little book. Ooo what about a mini album? Great. Just what I need, another project.

>^..^<

small and mighty

I'm not sure if it's the chocolate talking or if it's due to sleep deprivation but it seems that of late every time I think about my blessings and how happy my family makes me I start crying. Like, I might need to invest in some waterproof mascara crying.

I'm so blessed to be a part of this family of 3. We each have something to give that the other always needs. With Maribel I need her hugs in the morning and her blown kisses at night. With Joe I need his always warm body to warm up my freezing feet and his excitement over the simple things like a great thrift store deal. Whatever I am in need of at the end of the day, I know I can count on these two to fill me up. We may be small but we are mighty.

>^..^<

nanoo nanoo

Hey Joe, Mork called and he wants his suspenders back.

she's making her list

We received Target's version of the wishbook and this little onion wasted no time making her list. I didn't see any Pillow Pets in there but everytime I ask her what she wants for Christmas she says Pillow Pet without fail.

Is it bad mom-ish of me to tell her that she has to ask Santa for what she wants in hopes that she'll actually sit on his knee this year for a chance at getting a decent photo?

>^..^<

i've been framed

I tend to dress on the go a lot lately and jewelry is the last thing I put on and it's usually on my way out the door. If I'm lucky I will be able to grab a necklace from the collective in a reasonable amount of time. Other mornings I'm not so lucky. I am convinced they like to gather into a large ball while I sleep just to make my mornings difficult.

While I was surfing some web waves I stumbled on to Pottery Barn's site and found these. That's so what I need since I can't seem to keep my necklaces apart long enough for when I need them next. Bing! I have an idea!! I can make these cheaper. After all, I am my mother's daughter. 

I remembered a post on one of the blogs I frequent where she gives a tutorial on how to make your own jewelry frame for less then $5. Since I already had some frames I wasn't using I put them to work. You can find the instructions here. It was super easy and super quick to do. Now I can grab on the go and not have to worry about them getting together to make my mornings difficult. So much better!

I even made a smaller one for my bathroom for when I shed my bling at the end of the day. No more digging behind the toilet for my chains that my cats love to knock off while I shower. Mmm toilet chains....*shudder*

It's also great for hanging and displaying earrings. I cannot tell you how many mornings that I have wasted more time then was necessary looking for a matching pair only to walk out with nothing because the days of purposefully wearing mismatched earrings is over. I think that ended sometime in 1993. At least for me it did.
Maybe it's time to bring it back, what'ya think? Yes? No?

>^..^<

pass the puck

It’s been chilly here the past few days and by chilly I mean by Florida’s standards. 53F (12C) ‘round about. Anyways I thought this would be a perfect excuse to get Maribel in her passed down Oiler’s Jersey. Gotta represent anyway I can. 

I love how I can never get a serious or regular photo of this chick. And by 'love' I mean 'not-love'. These were as good as I could get. She also didn't want to wear this hand-me-down when I told her it was her cousin Aidan's. Apparently she doesn't wear "boy's clothes" so I quickly let her know that her cousin Sherry had a turn wearing it too and that made it all okay. I hope I wasn't lying. Was I Vic??? Oh well, it worked either way.

It seems I have to work on some hockey education with this little chickie because she thinks the Edmonton Oilers is a baseball team. So the next few nights we will be using hockey jargon like “pass the puck,” and “I call icing”.
 Someone recently asked me if I knew who the Calgary Flames were….psha, the nerve of some people ;o)
>^..^<

you've got a friend in me

We are all so excited to pick up our copy of Toy Story 3 that came out yesterday. Every time Maribel saw a commercial advertising it’s release, she would get super excited (like, jumping up and down excited) and say, “We will be buying that when it comes out, right Mommy?” Sure thing, baby.

For fun I themed M’s lunch in a toy story theme with Toy Story shaped Kraft Dinner, Mr Porkchop's hotdog coins; Rex's cheese footprints;Toy Story cheese-it’s; fruit leather (hand cut) cowboy hat; raspberries; and a cereal bar.

Just a tip: Do not decide to go through all the old toys to thin them out for the upcoming holiday right after watching Toy Story 3. For someone like me who tends to personify everything, you don't really accomplish much. Everyone stayed.

Notice I said "everyone" like they're real and have feelings...
>^..^<

she's my pumpkin pie

When I think about pumpkin pie, I can't help but think about this little girl. She's so sweet and so loving but with just the right amount of spice to keep me on my toes. And oh boy, thanks to all the Halloween candy she's collected she has sure tested all of the above traits. When she wants some of her loot she turns on the charm but the moment you stop at a couple pieces and tell her "That's it. No more til tomorrow." The sweet little darling turns into a candy demanding Mrs Hyde. This girl cannot hold her candy at all.

Martha has a new butterfly punch so naturally I had to get it. It's a new style that allows you to punch out the shape from anywhere on the page. Serioulsy, it's about time! But of course I used it as a regular punch. This time...

On a side note: My sister text me to tell me that she saw a Christmas tree up already.
AL-REA-DY!?! Hellllo....we still have one more holiday to go people. Don't take away my chance at a second turkey dinner with all the fixins! That's like telling Maribel she can't have another piece of candy.
Snarf, Growl, Snort.

>^..^<

Yo Quiero Taco Bell!

MuaHaHaHa

>^..^<

oh red riding hood, what big lunches you have

This weeks bentos I thought I would make it a themed event! I mean, the fun holiday is right around the corner and Maribel will be little for only a short time so why not make the most of it, right?  She picked out her costume on  her own this year, so independent.

Monday Witchy Bento

Monday:

I was feeling a little witchy and tried my hand at making some witches fingers out of a cheese sticks which later I found out that Maribel thought they were crayons. Fingers, crayons-I can see the similarity. the rest of the lunch included cracker sticks; rolled turkey slices; strawberries and pineapple people; skewered grapes; and witches brooms.

Tuesday: No Bento.
Lucky duck went to Disney with her Daddy while Mommy had to work. So not fair!

Wednesday's Ghostie Bento

Wednesday:
Ghosties: I went with a ghostie theme this lunch with some tombstone PB and honey sandwiches with a little message and licorice strings; grapes, a pumpkin orange, ghostie cheese sticks, and candy corn with a candy pumpkin. To draw the faces and messages I used black glitter icing. At the end of the day I found out that the icing on the pumpkin ran so it didn't look like a pumpkin so she didn't eat it. Oh well. I have my eyes on some food safe markers for next time.

Thursday Ghoulie Bento

Thursday:
Ghoulies: I've been seeing a lot of these mummy wrapped dogs in the toddler snacking circle so I thought that would make for a fun little lunch theme. I found instructions to make them here. The rest of the ghoulie parts include some carrot sticks for ghoul legs; pumpkin orange with no face this time; gummy eyeballs and licorice guts; ghoulie grape heads; ketchup and ranch for dipping; and cheese fingers. 

Friday Little Red Riding Hood Bento

Friday:
I thought it would be fun to send Maribel to daycare in costume so I themed her bento to match. After everything was made I realized it is a very yellow lunch. That's okay, I'm sure she won't notice...
Cheese crackers; fruit leather woodsman; pretzel 'chopped wood' sticks; Mandarin orange flower picked for Grandma;

Oh Grandma, what big ears you have. - wolf ear shaped PB and honey sandwiches
Oh Grandma, what big eyes you have. -gummy eyeballs for dessert
Oh Grandma, what big teeth you have. -apple slices dipped in lemon juice with almond slivered teeth.

Have a spooOooky Friday!

The spooky lunch ideas used are found here :o)

>^..^<