Happy first day of Winter! Yesterday my daughter had her annual gymnastics Christmas party, and since we were going to be down in the area anyway, we took a drive through Nay Aug park to see the Christmas lights display. Some of the local residents get into the act too. We have been a little sad that we didn't get our lights up this year, but we have had yucky weather every weekend, not the kind of thing that makes you want to climb up a ladder outside! Oh well, think of the electricity we probably saved, right?

Only 4 days left until Christmas, Yikes! hope you are all on the nice list!

busy busy!

This seems to be such a crazy time of year. One where I would gladly lock myself in my sewing room and not emerge before Christmas eve, but with so many others depending on me, that's not really possible. I find this year I am more behind the 8-ball than in years past, because when you homeschool preschoolers or kindergarteners, they require constant supervision, and it becomes tough to find a quiet moment.

At the same time, I am trying to teach them all the reason for the season, and the value of giving home-made gifts. Yesterday we had a huge production of making chocolate dipped pretzel sticks! My daughter is pretty much over the thrill of doing this, but the boys wanted to help, especially where sprinkles were concerned. There was a lot of re-washing of hands.

Anyway, I hope that you find a quiet moment in your holiday season!

Val

slightly closer up

It occurred to me as I was looking at the last pictures that you could not tell how cute my daughter was in her competition leotard. She is the blond. This was after they were done, and I have no idea what the coaches are laughing about, but they obviously had fun! Sorry the picture is grainy, they don't allow flash photography at meets.

I haven't posted for a few days, because my daughter had her first gymnastics meet of the season yesterday. Between that and the season in general, life has been pretty hectic.

She did really well, placing 3rd all around out of about 70 kids!

I hope to have more fun craft pics to share soon, but for now, I'm braggin'!

I have some mighty cute pics of the little twins too. They look so innocent. Don't let it fool you!

I know, you're wondering why two posts in one day...I finally have some fun cricut/cuttlebug stuff to share. the cocoa boxes each contain a land of lakes premium cocoa packet. If you haven't tried them, they are really yummy! The advent tree was entirely done on my cricut, including the little envelopes for the ornaments.
Thanks for looking!
Val

some little projects I've been working on:

Here are some more things I've been working on: The snowmen are hershey bars have hats that are actually a pair of girl's socks. I realize they would look better if I put a scarf on them.

It's hard to see from the picture, but the gingerbread on the wreath is made of poly-clay, and each one of those gingham strips has a cookie cutter tied to it.

The candy cane holders are a quick and easy craft, they are just one piece 4.5"wide by 5.5" tall, folded not quite in half so there is a flap to glue, then glued across the bottom. pop two candy canes in and you are done.

Hope someone finds these inspiring!

Til next time,
Val

It's beginning to look a lot like...well you know

This weekend, the Christmas spirit exploded at my house. My kids made ornaments, We bought a tree (went out and cut one down, in the icy weather) and we made a gingerbread house. I have scarcely started my Christmas shopping, and I feel like a person standing in the road while a semi is heading my way (or maybe it's a reindeer!)

My calendar is telling me there's still time to finish the pile of projects on my "to do" list, but I'm a little worried. I may send out E-card this year, LOL.anyway, here are some pictures of the various activities:

Honest, I'm going to add a list of blogs I follow when I figure out how!

Here are some earrings I've been working on. I have them at a craft shop right now, but I'm thinking of opening a shop on Etsy, What do you think?

Val

following the 50

one of my favorite sites is Youcanmakethis.com

follow the 50 challenge

They are challenging people to make their Christmas gifts on a budget. I can't wait to see where this leads!

here is a picture of a card my daughter did for the BBTB Christmas card challenge:

She used JOTS for the stockings, fireplace and cuffs, she added glitter for the fire, and stickles on the cuffs of the stockings. She's 8, I think she did a great job!

Well, here we are!

I guess I have a blog now! that was easy. Mostly painless. I figured since I 'm always posting pictures on message boards, it might be nice to have a place to call "home". Now if I can just figure out how to post pictures and things, I can fill this thing up!
-Val