Crafts for Christmas (day 18)

I am always on the lookout for a good, fun and easy craft that the kids and I can do for different seasons and then keep them out on display.

Here's a REALLY FUN craft to make that doesn't take any craft experience at all. It's a snowman family and you can make as many as you would like! Super Easy!What you'll need:

• powdered coffee creamer containers-one for each snowman
• package of white tube socks
• tiny black buttons-2 for each snowman
• tiny buttons of various colors-for decor(we used flower shaped from my scrapbook stuff)
• orange pipe cleaners-shaped into a 'carrot'
• fluffy pom-poms-for hats
• fleece-various colors for their hats and scarves
• hot glue and glue gun
• rubber bands-two (2) for each snowman, one above eyes and one at top of hat
• zip-lock sandwich baggie & rice or beans-1/2 cup for each snowman

Here's the instructions:

• remove lid, place sock over container.
• fill baggie with 1/2 cup rice or beans. Place into container and replace lid. Secure lid.
• cut a piece of fleece the size you'd like to make a cute, little hat.
• roll the fleece around the top of snowman and place 1 rubber band at lid(rim) and fold the fleece up to cover. Glue into place.
• at floppy end of hat, secure the second rubber band. Glue a few pom-poms around to cover rubber band. (I fringed some)
• using buttons, glue eyes into place and then the nose.
• cut a thin piece of fleece to go around the neck. Don't forget to allow enough to make the knot and hang down nicely. Tie into place.
• glue buttons down the front.
• straighten the sock so it looks even.

We also used these to give as gifts and filled them with goodies. (Just changed the lid a bit though) They always smelled good when they were opened up, because of the creamer. We usually filled them with chocolate or fudge. And that goes with anything!! :) __________________________________________________________________________ One year we made these stockings. What you'll need:

• newspaper
• scissors
• pencil & eraser
• fabric -enough to make the stocking (I used a different fabric for all 9 of us)
• sewing machine or glue (I used my sewing machine)
• embellishments (eg: glitter, buttons,ribbon, stars, etc)

Here's the instructions:

• Draw a pattern that you like onto newspaper. Cut it out
• Place 2 pieces of fabric, right side together. lay flat on table.
• PIN BOTH PIECES TOGETHER, just about where the pattern will lay.
• Trace the 'pattern' onto the fabric. Make sure pins are in proper places.
• Cut out the stocking pattern and sew together.
• Turn right side out and press with iron to make it flat.
• Hand sew a little loop on one side.
• Lay them out and let the kids decorate them till their hearts content.

What fun and How easy is that! (Note: I lined mine with a bit of thin fleece. If you choose to line yours, just lay fleece on both sides of your fabric and then cut your pattern. Remembering to pin all four (4) pieces.

Favorite Reads & Yummie Treats (Day 17)

Most of the time we are pretty much a 'healthy food' family. Most of the time. B-U-T, we are in the month of December and we do enjoy having a variety of goodies to choose from. Sooooo...Even though I prefer NOT to use refrigerated type biscuits, I made this little treat for the kids and they just loved it...so did I! It is so simple too!

Here's the recipe:

• 1 can Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (frig dept @ grocer)
• 1/2 pkg cream cheese
• 3 T real butter
• 1 C confection sugar
• 1/2 t vanilla

*Lay cinnamon rolls on stone or cookie sheet, CUT INTO FOURTHS, this is an important part because it makes it more fun for the kids and you don't really eat as much as you would if they were whole. Then you can put extra icing on the top and that is what really counts! Right!! Bake as directed on pkg. *While they're baking, place cream cheese, butter & vanilla in medium sized bowl. Using hand mixer, blend well. (until softened) Add sugar and blend until smooth. *When rolls are finished baking, immediately spread the icing over them and serve with hot cocoa or coffee. Enjoy!!

We just finished, 'The Long Winter', by Laura Ingalls Wilder and have started 'Little Town on the Prairie'. I get done with my breakfast a little faster than them and so I will read to the children while they finish theirs. It's one of the ways we like to start our mornings. It's just part of our December days.

A night out...(Photo Proj-Day 16)

Tonight my husband and I had a wonderful time! We got to go to a lovely Christmas party. It was given by the owner of my husband's company, Mr. Joe Turner. Now, we have been to many of these kinds of parties and have even given them ourselves, but I must say this...it was thee most professional and 'Christmas honoring' one I've ever been to. When we arrived (a bit late, due to the fog), Mr. Turner (Joe), Eric, and Dane & Scott graciously introduced themselves to us...and as we stood, trying to decide where to sit, Mr. Turner asked if we'd like to sit with him. We had such a nice evening. Nearly 2 whole hours had passed and I realized I hadn't even called to check on the kids. When I did, they were fine. Did I say how good the food was. I had chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce and Grant had steak and they both came with steamed zucchini, squash, carrots, peppers and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Yummie! There was also a wonderful chocolate cake w/chocolate sauce and a huge scoop of ice cream too. I couldn't eat half of it. The restaurant is Grill 29, in a neat little area just outside of town. Here's a pic of the outside of it. This fountain is really gorgeous. I'm thankful for a wonderful time with my sweet husband and for the kind people he is now working with. God has his hand on this whole situation. Oh, by the way. The company my husband is with now, is Wendy's. How neat is that!! Blessings to you~Kimi

Little Somethings! (DPP- Day 15)

The children like to countdown to Christmas using this little snowman chalk board. We have had it for a while-I think we got it for $1 at the $ Tree. It just goes to show, you don't have to spend lots of $$$ to do a little something special. Florence Littauer says, "It takes so little to be ABOVE average." That dollar bought a whole lotta of smiles!

How 'bout that! :)

This year we are doing something new with our kids. Every day they will get to open a very special little present. Grant & I have placed a 'little something' in 48 tiny, colorful boxes. They will each have one for the **12 Days of Christmas**. There may be a Bible scripture, a note from Mom or Dad, an IOU (eg: "I will take you to the ice cream shop"), or a fun size piece of candy. I stacked the cute packages (2"x2") on my 3-tiered server. They can choose any one they may want. After that, we open a little window on our scenic advent calendar. Each day builds up to the birth of Jesus with a note or verse printed on the numbered, little window.

I just love Tea and Coffee! A few years ago, my husband and I found this little antique cabinet at a local shop and I thought it would be perfect to house all my different teas and coffees. It's been fun decorating it for the seasons and I keep it filled and ready for friends to share. I like to use a peppermint stick in my tea,so nearby I keep a few on hand. My Mother gave me the Christmas sugar and creamer china set-many, many years ago. She included the pretty, dainty plates and cups with it. I especially love my scented Christmas mat from Tammy.

photo project-day 14

Wow!! Has this been an exciting day! A great day that started at chuch this morning with a powerful message about "Change". Then this evening's events were superb! We actually have our OWN TSO--Transiberian Orchestra that is. Did they ever out do themselves tonight. Here is Bro I with some of the members...Bro Greg is in the drum booth.(not :( pictured) Camille is playing next to Bro I. They gave praises to God in a special way with those instruments!

Anthony & Austin were the king and drummer boy.

This was the manger scene. Donte', Hunter and James were the wisemen. Makenzie was Mary and Adam was Joseph. See Austin grinning-isn't he cute!

Drake and Garrett are singing in the kids choral. Drake and Garrett are good buds! How cool is that!

Micaylah is singing her verse as the 'nightwind'. This was the best part of all! Here is a picture of Bridget's sister-in-law getting baptized in Jesus Name! The only name given among men where by we must be saved. She was so excited and she came out so happy! WE all are! That's what Christmas is all about! New life in Jesus! Afterall, that's why He came.