More DIY Ornaments

I truly enjoyed making ornaments this year with the Maddy. Which then really sparked my crafting bug.  I was just cruising around the net just to see if there was something I would be interested in doing either for this year [which I know I don't have time for] or next [which then I am getting ahead of myself] and I stumbled onto these fun projects on the WHOot. I am thinking the girl elf would be a cute present. In the past I have done my Advent boxes but maybe next near I might make these adorable stockings. Check out the site - there was some cute gifts to bake, crochet, and knit [the lamb pillow and baby booties are just too much].

These are a cute all hung up [theWHOot]

I mean seriously how adorable are these Elves [theWHOot]

The Tree is Finally Done!!!!!

This year I was determined to have our tree showcase some handmade crafts created by myself and Maddy. So off to Hobby Lobby I went and found soooooo many great ideas. My challenge was to find something that I can make with an almost 4 year old but not have the decoration look like .. well … that it was made by a toddler. So I gave myself a some time to make little projects with her and kept her part pretty simple. She was fine for one or two items then off she went to play with Henry .. go fetch Henry .. good boy. So for most of the season all we had were the lights, some beads and Angel on top and it looked simple and lovely. But we finally got done with painting and gluing and this is what we got. And every day I see this tree and have some wonderfully sweet memories.

A Winnie the Pooh Christmas

Every year for about the last ten years my eldest daughter and I have attended this play. That would have made her around 16 give or take when we found this little treasure.

Every year we have made it a point to go - just a little mother/daughter bonding time. And after we hit the nearby Farmer's Market and just enjoy each other's company. It is held at the Valley Youth Theater and the whole play is acted by kids for kids. I am sure we look a bit weird going but it doesn't matter to us. Every year we enjoy going through the handout and reading who moved up to the main characters. The first time we took Maddy she was bit put off -- she did not care for a giant 6 foot Eeyore or all the singing .. it took her until the second half to warm up to the idea and just enjoy the show. But this year she remembered enough to be excited for it. She still wanted nothing to do with meeting the cast afterwards .. especially the 6 foot Eeyore. 

If  you are ever in the area you must visit the Valley Youth Theater.  I just hope the theater plans on keeping this play for another 22 years or longer. I am looking forward to watching it with my great-grand children. 

Christmas Around the House

Even though we usually start with decorating for Christmas on Thanksgiving Day. This year it took us a little bit longer. However, knowing that we would be super busy at work and our weekends are full of activities we could not take too long. I rushed so much I forgot to take pictures of the new garland we got but I did get a picture of our new clock. We got it at Lowell's .. well we almost didn't. I spotted it and like usually took too long to decide if I wanted it that when we went back it was gone. *GASP* Not only were they sold out at the store but all the nearby store too. *TEARS*  We ended getting the display model and I was a happy girl again. The train goes around and the pendulum is Santa's sleigh [which was the blurry part of the picture].

The village display got a few new trees, lamp posts, figures, light up batting and it came out lovely. I am sure this will spark the imagination of a sweet little girl.

Happy 5th Birthday Savannah!!

May you live a long life

full of gladness and health.

May the dreams you hold dearest.

Be those which come true.

The kindness you spread.

Keep returning to you.  

5 Ways to Show Thanks on Veteran's Day

How do you say thank you for all those who have served and to those serving today. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

I .. like most .. probably do not know where to start. So start at the beginning. First you should start by knowing what you are celebrating. You may click here for a brief history. 

Another way is to wear a red poppy to show support for veteran and active duty service members. The American Legion Auxiliary distributes red crepe paper poppies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day nationwide. The poppies are all handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation, and donations received in exchange for the flowers go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in our communities. You may click here to find you local American Legion office.

Simple but yet hard for some people .. it to acknowledge and thank them directly for their service. Through out the year be mindful of those who wear their veteran caps or uniform with pride. When you see someone .. simple walk up and say 'excuse me Sir/Ma'am I saw your cap and I wanted to thank you -- your service is appreciated'. The look of gratefulness is priceless. Or if you speak with a co-worker and they let you know that they have served kindly thank them or buy them a cup of coffee .. they will feel connected to you. 

Something that can be done through out the year is to visit a Veterans hospital or care facility. Most people in care facility have families that are away from them and have to go through their day alone. Sit with them .. talk with them .. play cards .. read a book .. watch the football game … all anybody really wants is just a little bit of company.

Another way to show your appreciation year-round is to support a veteran-owned business. This can be a bit trickier since only a select few identify their business. You can contact your local chamber of commerce to see if they have any resources or click here to help you find veteran-owned businesses near you.

Last is to show them you care by sending a care package. Click here and here for some ideas and here for organizations. 

Happy 22nd Anniversary

This is the year .. this year you are going to fall deeply and madly in love with me.

Sweetheart .. I already am.