TRADITION!

Every year I try to get together with my daughters, grand daughters, and daughter-in-law for some Christmas baking. This year the men even joined in, what fun that was! They were a big help, although, the grand daughters, not so much. Which really was fine.

It’s such a fun tradition that I would not trade for anything!

Nuts, chopping nuts for one of my favorites- English Toffee!

Lonnie, Tracy, and Paityn were the first to start digging in. Here they are rolling chocolate melt-aways into vanilla wafers. This is a recipe I got from my mother-in-law and it just happens to be Lonnie’s favorite.

Paityn was eager to help until her cousins arrived. Then it was off to having fun playing together. Who could blame her?

Nichole is making chow mein noodle clusters. Kylee and Dustin returned from snow shoeing eager to help. Isn’t it funny how they all start with one of their favorites. Could it be so that they can be the first to sample the finished product?

Sam was pretty busy keeping her eye on little “Jack Attack”. Actually, he was really good, but we just love calling him that. He only broke one glass ornament and that was my fault because I forgot to put them away.

Grandpa and the grand daughters took over on Jack duty so Dalan and Sam got busy making Chex mix.

Oh how those goodies make us smile! Karrah seems to be just tickled to death with all of them.

LOVE, LOVE toffee. Buy the end of the day we had accomplished making 10 items. Then comes the fun! Everyone grabs a container and loads up to take home and ENJOY! What would Christmas be like without family TRADITION? I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Oops!

Oops, I did it again! What, you ask? Made another advent. Three just didn’t seem to be quite enough.

The first tag is a playing card and then is followed with one or two other papers. I tried to have some fun little item hanging down from each one.

Thought I would post a few so you could see them a little better. Sorry about the glare. Just glad that I got it done before the big day!

How SWEET it is!

Look at this SWEET gingerbread man cookie jar I got for my club gift Monday night. Perfect for my living room decorated all in gingerbread and candy! :) Love, Love, Love it!

Advent Addict

As of late I have to admit that I have become a bit of an Advent Addict! It all began when I purchased one from Pottery Barn clearance after Christmas last year. Then when I made the one that is in a frame it became out of control!

I loved this tree advent from Pottery Barn. When it went on clearance I just couldn’t resist.

I had saved a picture of this large canvas advent for years. Always loved it but never had a place to hang it until we moved into our new home. This year my sister-in-law and I decided we both had “The perfect spot”.

Again, my sister-in-law and I made a Halloween advent that went into this frame. From there it has blossomed. Not only did we make Christmas ones ( made four others for my children), but we are going to make a Valentines, Spring, and 4th of July one.

Even after those three, for some uncanny reason it’s simply just not enough. My friend Joyce made an advent out of playing cards. It is so dang cute that my sister-in-law, Laurie and I are at it again. Here we are in her SWEET craft room creating our latest advent. I will post a pic when it is finished.

I certainly hope I don’t forget what day Christmas is because I definitely do not have an excuse. Hmmm, I wonder if there’s an AAA (Advent Addict Anonymous).

Under Glass

One of my favorite things to do at Christmas time is to create mini scenes under glass. There’s just something about it that is ‘Magical” and oh, how a child’s eyes light up when they discover a snowy scene.

Mini villages are so cute anyway or anywhere you have them, but as for me, I’ll take mine UNDER GLASS!

Pillow Talk

About a month ago I noticed that the pillows on my couch and love seat seemed to be talking to me.

“Dress me up for Christmas, please!”

That was all it took and I started pulling vintage items from my stash. Then a quick trip to Wal-mart for some burlap. Found a few items there to help dress them up.

After a few hours of racking the brain as to what to do- this is what I came up with.

Rustic meets vintage

One of moms earrings adorns the center

no Christmas pillow collection would be complete without at least one bird. I made the yo-yo’s, but the buttons are vintage. The crochet lace once belonged to my mother

To create the snowflake I used old laces and buttons. The center decoration is just something I had picked up a year ago at the Star Mill. I didn’t know what I would do with it. Just thought it was kindof funky!

Wool and fabric flowers. The center of the black twisted flower was another of moms earrings.

Daily Blog

In case you are wondering. I set a goal for the month of Dec. to live up to my name and 'Blog Daily'. I promise this won't last forever. Just thought it would be fun to share bit of Christmas spirit.